***The ceramic information in these instructions was over 3 years old. Nowadays, many new ceramic products are out there in the market. Please buy the one that fit your needs***
Believe it or not, a high-quality vinyl stripes can last upwards from seven to twelve years. There are several elements that contribute to longevity or shortening the lifespan. The first is routine maintenance and care – which is what we’ll explore below.
The second is vehicle storage. If your vehicle is a garage queen, the stripes will last longer due to less exposure to the sun and other weather elements.
How Often Should a Car with Stripes Be Washed?
Generally, a vehicle wrap, or vinyl graphics should be washed on a weekly or bi-weekly basis. The goal of any car wash is to remove pollutants, contaminants, or debris that damages the vinyl material. Washing a vinyl wrap frequently can accelerate the breakdown of design or colors on the surface.
However, the most important thing to remember is how and what car wash soap to use.
Like any other protectant, whether it’s ceramic coating or vinyl, the best car wash to use are products that are pH neutral, does not contain wax or any other ‘protective’ agents.
If you’re going to apply protective products on top of a vinyl stripe, do it the correct way – instead of hoping some of that wax in the car wash sticks.
How Should a Car with Stripes Be Washed?
The reliable two-bucket method of car washing is your best bet for washing a car wrap. This ensures that you remove the dirt, debris, and crap on the stripes, without damaging it with automatic machines or pressure washing.
Speaking of those two things, don’t bring your car through an automated brushless car wash. I mean, you can do it, but why would you risk the damage? Brushes – like those in the automatic car washing facilities are a HELL NO.
You should also avoid using high-pressure hoses to wash or rinse the stripes. Again, some high-pressure systems are OK to use. It’s mainly based on the ‘pressure’ used. DO NOT USE TOO HIGH PRESSURE SPRAY! It is the same issue driving fast in heavy rain!
What is the Best Product to Use for Spot Cleaning Stripes?
Most vinyl stripe installation experts recommend using waterless wash products or hot soapy water. However, there are some that believe it’s OK to use degreasers or isopropyl alcohol that is diluted with distilled water.
There are some recommended steps for using any spot cleaning product on a vinyl stripe car. First, never use on warm surfaces. Spraying a cleaner on warm vinyl decals can cause some damage to the stripes.
They recommend using spray cleaners on cool to the touch vinyl materials, in the shade, or inside a garage – once the surface has cooled.
What Happens when You Spill Gasoline or Oil on a Vinyl Stripes?
Anytime gasoline or oil is spilled onto a surface, damage can start. Gasoline specifically is a high-percentage solvent, which can damage soft materials like vinyl stripes.
As such, it is recommended to wipe off gasoline spills or oil spills immediately. It’s always a good idea to hand wash that entire area, using the two-bucket method of car washing.
Gasoline and oils can cause staining on vinyl. So, if you spill gasoline on your stripe, grab a wet paper towel and wipe off that area with lots of water. Once you get home, hand washing of that section at the minimum is recommended.
What Products Are Best for Protecting Vinyl Stripes?
The biggest threat to premature wear on vinyl products, whether it’s a full car stripes or just smaller decals, is exposure to UV rays, contaminants, and harsh chemical cleaners. In order to protect your vehicle stripes, there are two ways to accomplish this.
You can keep the vehicle indoors or wrapped in a plastic bubble. Or, you can apply a semi-permanent layer of protection that is engineered to protect against the items listed below.
We just happen to know of one – it’s a nano-ceramic coating. A great DIY product that can be applied by the average car enthusiast is Armor Shield IX.
A nano-ceramic coating is comprised of SiO2 or silica dioxide. It’s basically liquid quartz – meaning that once it cures, it’s exceptionally hard. This product works on any solid and porous material, including clear coats on paint, wheels, glass, carbon fiber, vinyl lettering, fleet graphics, and of course, vehicle graphics that is applied onto cars.
When the coating is applied, is penetrates those microscopic peaks and valleys found in all porous materials. It then layers on top of the surface, flashes or initially cures in a matter of minutes, and creates an exceptionally strong layer of protection.
It makes the surface underneath protected against direct exposure to materials and environmental threats that accelerate damage to vinyl or graphics. It can also be used on paint protection film or PPF.
When it cures, it makes the surface incredibly hydrophobic, which means that bird droppings, bug guts, and tree sap is easier to remove.
Thank you AvalonKing for all the tips!!!