Special situations
Some contaminants can be particularly difficult to remove, including tree sap, bird droppings and bug splatter. These should first be softened by soaking with hot, soapy water for several minutes, then rinsing thoroughly.
If a stronger chemical cleaner is needed, it too should first be tested in an inconspicuous area, to make sure it will not mar the wrap. And again, abrasive tools should be avoided, as they may scratch the graphics.
With the aforementioned matte films, some of the lighter colours, like ‘carbon fibre’ white, are more prone to showing dirt than others. If the mix of water and isopropyl alcohol does not cut the dirt, a hot soapy water solution—like that recommended for removing bird droppings and bug splatter—may be better at removing contaminants. Some all-purpose cleaners available at a local hardware store may also be effective.
An automated brush wash could leave scratches or catch the graphic panels’ edges.
Chart 1 outlines a variety of options for gloss and matte films, whether they are digitally printed or ‘paint replacement’ applications. Specific brands will need to be tested before full use, but checking the bottle should indicate whether they have been formulated for waterless wash, wax or waterless-wash-and-wax combinations.
Taking care
Another good way to extend the durability of a wrap is to store the vehicle in a garage and/or under a car cover whenever it is not in use.
In some cases, pollution and other damaging factors can cause a wrap to discolour or crack, at which point the graphics will need to be removed and replaced. And even though cleaning helps boost a wrap’s durability, it should not be assumed to outlast the film manufacturer’s suggested maximum period of use.
Molly Waters is a technical specialist at Avery Dennison Graphic Solutions, which provides imaging materials and services for fleet graphics and other markets. For more information, visit www.graphics.averydennison.com.
