Practical Information

Care and Maintenance of Vinyl Vehicle Graphics The dos and donts of cleaning applied vinyl vehicle graphics
The Dos Wash applied vinyl graphics with a blend of mild car wash detergent and clean water Test any cleaning solution on a small section of the vinyl graphic before using Always read the warning labels on car care products for proper safety instructions Once youve washed the vehicle with a soapy water blend, rinse with clean water Either let the vehicle air dry or dry off with microfiber cloth The Donts Do not allow fuels to stay in contact with the vinyl for extended periods of time Clean all spills as soon as possible Do not apply carnauba-based wax over vinyl graphics Do not wash with a mechanical brush Brushes can cause vinyl graphics to chip or peel around the edges and scratch the surface They can also cause the graphic to fade, and dull the appearance of the over laminate Absolutely under no circumstances should a turbo pressure nozzle be used when pressure washing applied vehicle graphics.

90VERTICAL

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ANGLE OF SUBSTRATE

SUBSTRATE APPLIED VINYL GRAPHIC ANGLE OF WATER STREAM

(The spray nozzle should always be held a minimum of 15 inches from the surface of the vinyl while spraying)

Diagram 1a.

Recommended Pressure Washing Techniques

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vinyl lifting from substance

Concerns about pressure washing vinyl vehicle graphics

Pressure washing should only be used when all other cleaning methods have been exhausted. Keep the following in mind while performing this type of cleaning... Pressure washing can cause the vinyl graphics to lift around the edges and peel away from the vehicle (For example See Diagram 1b.) Over time, pressure washing can degrade the face film causing the graphic to lose its luster, fade, crack and even chip away from the substrate Please consider the following to help prolong the life of the applied vehicle graphic when choosing to pressure wash: (Based on vertical application) (For Example See Diagram 1.a) Water Temperature...72F+/-5F Spray nozzle opening...40 wide pattern Spray angle...45 Angle of graphic...90 (vertical) Distance from graphic...15 Water pressure...<= 800 PSI Length of time...30 sec.

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SUBSTRATE APPLIED VINYL GRAPHIC ANGLE OF WATER STREAM

(Refrain from spraying the graphics at a sharp angle. Doing so could cause the edge of the graphic to peel or lift from the substrate.)

Diagram 1b. Pressure Washing Concerns

How to remove difficult pollutants or debris from applied vehicle graphics

When normal cleaning procedures dont work to remove difficult debris from your applied vehicle graphics, try the following: Spot clean the area with Isopropyl Alcohol and a microfiber rag Moisten a rag with a citrus-based cleaner and naphtha and wipe down the problem areas. Immediately after using the citrus cleaner and naptha rinse the area with water and soap.

Use extreme care when aiming the water spray toward the edge of the vinyl graphic. Sharp spray angles can cause the vinyl graphic to lift from the vehicle.

How to properly hand wash vinyl vehicle graphics

Supplies Needed: Garden hose with standard spray nozzle attachment Clean bucket Mild car wash detergent Soft cotton or microfiber sponge Dry microfiber clothes 1. Rinse away the graphic with water to wash away any loose sediments, dust, or dirt using your garden hose with spray nozzle attachment 2. Mix together water and mild car wash detergent into your bucket (Make sure the bucket is free of dirt and small rocks as these will scratch your car and or vinyl graphics) 3. Soak your sponge with the water and soap mixture 4. Clean the graphic starting from the top working down to the bottom 5. This will allow the dirty contaminated water to run downward 6. Rinse the graphic with clean water using the hose with spray nozzle attachment 7. Once the graphic is rinsed off with water, allow it to air dry. You may also use a microfiber cloth to dry down the graphic 8. Once dry, for added protection, you may apply a silicone or Teflon based polish designed for vinyl vehicle graphics (Read and follow product manufacturers directions and suggestions for frequency)

Suggestions for Distributors:

Educate sign shops about the environmental issues facing vehicle wraps in the southern California/ Nevada and northern Mexico areas Stock Teflon type polish or recommend a specific brand Add disclaimers to claim policies concerning fallout

Suggestions for Sign Shops:

Prepare a Vehicle Wrap Care Guide with the points below Educate Wrap owners of the importance of care Modify warranties with regards to fallout to avoid liability issues

Suggestions for Vehicle Wrap Owners in this area:

Rinse the vehicle every morning to minimize deposits Wash the vehicle at least once a week with a very mild soap and ask wrap installers for a vehicle wrap care guide Use a Teflon type polish designed for vehicle wraps to help protect the surface and gloss Follow manufacturers directions and application frequencies These are only suggestions and may or may not prevent vehicle wrap damage due to the fallout phenomenon. Fallout damage attributes to environmental conditions which are not related to the manufacturing process, print production, lamination or installation. We therefore do not classify this as a product defect for warranty purposes.

Dealing with Fallout

In recent months, a small number of vehicle wrap customers located in southern California/Nevada and northern Mexico have experienced a dull rust-colored surface condition sometimes know as fallout. This has occurred to OEM paint finishes and wrapped vehicles alike. It has determined that the likely cause is an environmental problem associated with fossil fuel burning facilities in these areas. These pollutants, most likely sulfur dioxide, bond with water vapor, forming an acidic molecule. When the dew point is reached in the area, dew is deposited on the vehicle surfaces. What was acidic vapor is now acidic dew. The acidic dew etches the surface of the PVC film if the dew is left on the vehicle for prolonged periods of time. Because it is dew, and not rain, the acid is fairly concentrated and begins to etch into the surface of the laminate. Once the dew has evaporated from the vehicle, the dew leaves deposits of dust, minerals, etc. from water vapor, in the etched surface of the PVC , thus causing the rust colored appearance. The acid continues to erode the laminate creating a pock-marked surface which further exacerbates the problem by increasing the surface area for the acid to collect and erode. This increases the dust and mineral deposits.

Toll Free: 866-429-2242 Phone: (310) 323-5600 Fax: (310) 496-0604 Email: cliff@cliffdigital.com Address: 14700 South Main St, Gardena, CA 90248 Website: www.cliffdigital.com

Cliff Digital