Vehicle Graphics Care Guide

Your new vehicle graphics have been professionally designed and installed to provide years of advertising for your business. With the right care and maintenance, they'll continue to look clean, vibrant and professional wherever you go.

Following these simple aftercare tips will help maximise the lifespan of your graphics while protecting the finish of both the vinyl and your vehicle.

First 48 Hours

Give Your Graphics Time to Settle

For the first 48 hours after installation, avoid washing your vehicle or exposing it to prolonged heavy rain where possible. This allows the adhesive to fully bond with the vehicle's surface and ensures the best possible long-term performance.

If your vehicle gets dusty during this time, simply leave it until the recommended curing period has passed before cleaning.

Washing Your Vehicle

Keep It Clean

Regular cleaning not only keeps your vehicle looking professional but also helps extend the life of your graphics.

We recommend:

Washing your vehicle regularly using clean water and a mild vehicle shampoo.
Using a soft sponge or microfibre wash mitt.
Rinsing away dirt before wiping to reduce the risk of scratching.
Drying the vehicle with a clean microfibre towel.

Keeping your graphics clean prevents dirt from building up around the edges and helps maintain their appearance.

Pressure Washing

Using a Pressure Washer

Pressure washers can be used with care, but they should never be directed too closely at the edges of the graphics.

When pressure washing:

Keep the nozzle at least 300mm (12 inches) away from the graphics.
Use a wide spray pattern rather than a concentrated jet.
Avoid spraying directly at the edges of the vinyl.
Never hold the pressure washer in one place.

Following these guidelines helps prevent the edges from lifting over time.

Automatic Car Washes

Are They Safe?

Hand washing is always the preferred method.

Some automatic car washes use aggressive brushes that may scratch the surface of the graphics or catch the edges over time.

If using an automatic wash, a touchless system is generally the safer option.

Automatic Car Washes

Are They Safe?

What to Avoid

Protect Your Graphics

To help maximise the life of your vehicle graphics, avoid:

Abrasive cleaning pads or scourers.
Strong solvents or harsh chemical cleaners.
Polishing compounds directly onto the graphics.
Scraping ice from vinyl graphics.
Picking or lifting the edges of the vinyl.

These can damage the surface or reduce the lifespan of your graphics.

Parking & Storage

Looking After Your Graphics Every Day

Whenever possible:

Park in the shade during long periods of hot weather.
Remove bird droppings, tree sap and insects as soon as possible.
Wash away road salt during winter months.
Keep your vehicle clean if it's regularly used on building sites or muddy roads.

Small habits like these can make a big difference over time.

If Your Graphics Become Damaged

Don't Try to Repair Them Yourself

If your graphics become scratched, torn or begin to lift, avoid trying to glue or trim them yourself.

Instead, get in touch with our team. In many cases, individual sections can be repaired or replaced without needing to replace the entire design.

Frequently Asked Questions

With proper care, professionally installed vehicle graphics can provide many years of service. The exact lifespan depends on factors such as vehicle usage, storage and maintenance.

We recommend avoiding abrasive polishes and cutting compounds directly on the vinyl. If you're unsure whether a product is suitable, please get in touch.

Yes, but avoid waxes containing abrasive compounds and try not to allow polish to build up along the edges of the graphics.

Don't attempt to stick it back down yourself. Contact us and we'll advise the best solution before further damage occurs.

Yes. Bird droppings, tree sap and insect residue should be removed as soon as possible using warm water and a soft cloth to help prevent staining.

Yes. Most pH-neutral snow foams are perfectly suitable for use on vehicle graphics. Always follow the product instructions and rinse thoroughly afterwards.

Keep Your Vehicle Looking Its Best

Your vehicle graphics are one of your most valuable advertising tools, and with the right care they'll continue to promote your business for years to come. If you have any questions about caring for your graphics, or if your vehicle needs repairs, replacements or an updated design, we're always happy to help.

Contact Our Team

Vehicle Signwriting Service