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Caring for Your Vehicle Graphics FAQ Vehicle Care Release D, February 2016 (Replaces C, Nov. ‘15)
Care for your vehicle graphics like you would any fine paint finish. Using high quality 3M products designed specifically for car care and these cleaning and maintenance procedures will help keep your 3M vehicle graphics looking their best.
Wash Regularly
• Wash whenever the car appears dirty. Contaminants allowed to remain on the graphic may be more difficult to remove during cleaning.
• Rinse off as much dirt and grit as possible with a spray of water.
• See "Difficult Contaminants" on page 1, for spot cleaning bird droppings, tar, etc.
• Use a wet, non-abrasive detergent such as 3MTM Car Wash Soap 39000 or Meguiar’s NXT Generation® Car Wash or Deep Crystal® Car
Wash and a soft, clean cloth or sponge.
• Rinse thoroughly with clean water. To reduce water spotting, immediately use a silicone squeegee to remove water and finish with a clean microfiber cloth.
i IMPORTANT NOTE
3M does not recommend using wax or other similar coatings on vehicle graphics.
Automated Car Washes
Vinyl wraps may be run through car washes. Touch less car washes are the best for graphic care. Use of brush car washes (depending upon the frequency and quality of brush) may cause dulling/scratching/lifting edge of the graphics. For graphics care procedures see 3M Instruction Bulletin 6.5 for details.
Pressure Washing
Although hand washing is the preferred cleaning method, pressure washing may be used under these conditions.
• Ensure the water pressure is kept below 2000 psi (14 MPa).
• Keep water temperature below 180 °F (80 °C).
• Use a spray nozzle with a 40 degree wide angle spray pattern.
• Keep the nozzle at least 1 foot (300 mm) away from and perpendicular (at 90 degrees) to the graphic.
i IMPORTANT NOTE
Holding the nozzle of a pressure washer at an angle to graphic may lift the edges of the film.
Difficult Contaminants
Soften difficult contaminants such as bug splatter, bird droppings, tree sap and similar contaminants by soaking them for several minutes with very hot, soapy water. Rinse thoroughly and dry. If further cleaning is needed, test one of these products in an inconspicuous area to ensure no damage to the graphics: Meguiar’s Gold ClassTM Bug and Tar Remover or 3MTM Citrus Base Cleaner. Isopropyl alcohol (IPA) (two parts IPA to 1 part water) or denatured alcohol may also help. Spot clean the contaminants. Do not use rough scrubbing or abrasive tools, which will scratch the film. Wash and rinse off all residue immediately.
Fuel Spills
Wipe off immediately to avoid degrading the vinyl and adhesive. Then wash, rinse and dry as in "Wash Regularly" on page 1 as soon as possible.
FAQ Vehicle Care - Release D, February 2016
Quick Links
3M Graphics Warranties Technical Information Selector Safety Data Sheets (SDS) Videos
Some of these links lead to web-based resources that are not product-specific.
Caring for Your Vehicle Graphics
Film Restoration
The following restoration recommendations will help keep your vehicle wraps looking their best.
• Do no use any abrasive polishes or cutting compounds.
• Do not use any polishing or wax products on matte or textured films.
• Use if there is wax or wax residue on the surface, remove with an all-purpose cleaner.
• Table A shows some available products to help restore your vehicle wrap. Before using, always test and approve in an inconspicuous area.
Table A. Restoration Alternatives
Film or Finish Type Product or Solution
Smooth Gloss Texture Matte or Satin Texture
Matte White (1080-M10) Carbon Fiber White (1080-CF10)
Carbon Fiber or Brushed Metal Texture Carbon Fiber Black (1080-CF12)
3MTM Perfect-ItTM Show Car Paste Wax 39526 Isopropyl alcohol and water (2:1 ratio)
Based in type/degree of contamination, use one of more of these solutions, in the order shown, to remove any build-up:
1. Hot, soapy water solution
2. Isopropyl alcohol (IPA) and water (ratio 2:1)
3. Simple Green® All-Purpose Cleaner
4. Household chlorine bleach; followed by IPA/water (#2) 5. Mineral spirits; followed by IPA/water (#2)
3MTM Tire Restorer or Meguiar’s Natural Shine Protectant Meguiar’s Ultimate Black Plastic Restorer
i IMPORTANT NOTE
Do not allow cleaning solution to soak and immediately rinse with clear water.
Store Indoors or Under Cover Whenever Possible
Vinyl graphics (just like paint) are degraded by prolonged exposure to sun and atmospheric pollutants, particularly on the horizontal surfaces such as hood, trunk lid and roof. Whenever possible, store in a garage or at least in a shaded area during the day. At night protect the car from dew or rain, which may contain acidic pollutants (a common problem in many large metropolitan areas). When a garage is not available, consider using a cloth car cover at night. If your graphics start to discolor or turn brown, immediately remove the graphics from the vehicle to avoid staining the underlying paint.
2 FAQ Vehicle Care - Release D, February 2016
Caring for Your Vehicle Graphics
Bulletin Change Summary
For the most current 3M Technical Information available to successfully use this product, please view this Bulletin electronically and click on the blue underlined links to view the relevant documents. This Bulletin has been substantially changed. Please read the entire Bulletin thoroughly.
Release D February-2016:
• Removed “Wax” section on page 2.
• Added important note in “Wash Regularly” on page 1 - “3M does not recommend using wax...”
• Updated copyright date in footer on last page.
Release C November-2015:
• Updated "Automated Car Washes" on page 1 and added link to Instruction Bulletin 6.5.
• Updated "Wax" on page 2 for clarity related to gloss finishes.
• Added "Film Restoration" on page 2.
Release B September-2015:
• Updated Product Bulletin to new format.
• Updated "Wax" on page 2. Added important notes regarding wax. Removed “polish” from this section as it is a fine abrasive and should not be used.
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