To help the longevity of your vehicle wrap & graphics we encourage you to read and follow the

3M maintenance guide below:

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Maintenance 

 

A. Graphics with a Screen Print Clear or Overlaminate Use a cleaner designed for high-quality painted surfaces. The cleaner must be wet, non-abrasive, without strong solvents, and have a pH value between 3 and 11 (neither strongly acidic nor strongly alkaline.) 

 

B. Digitally-Printed Graphics with a Clear Coat Use a wet, non-abrasive solution that contains NO solvents and NO alcohol and has a pH value between 3 and 11 (neither strongly acidic nor strongly alkaline.) 

 

C. Power Washing Graphics 

 

Power washing, or pressure washing, may be used. However, aggressive washing can damage the graphic. Excessive pressure during power washing can damage the graphic by forcing water underneath the graphic. Water lessens the adhesion of the graphic to the substrate allowing the graphic to lift or curl. These problems are magnified by wind. Avoid pressure washing perforated window graphic films without edge sealing tape. 

    To avoid edge lifting or other damage to the graphics, follow these important steps: 

• Use a spray nozzle with a minimum 40 degree wide spray pattern. 

• Be sure the spray nozzle includes a nozzle protector (tip guard). 

• Use a maximum pressure of 1200 psi (80 bar). 

• If the system is heated, limit the water temperature to 140°F (60°C) or less. 

• Hold nozzle at least 12 inches (300 mm) away from and perpendicular (90 degrees +/- 10) to the graphic or a minimum of 39 inches (1000 mm) away from the graphic at a 30º angle, or higher. 

• Do not direct the water stream between 0°-60° to the edge of the graphic To reduce the risk of serious injury from high pressure spray: 

• Do not place your hand or body near the nozzle or the spray. • Do not direct the spray toward anyone else. 

 

D. Automatic brush washing may be used, but keep these two points in mind: 

• Brushes can catch a loose edge of the graphic and cause further damage to the graphic. 

• Brushes can dull the finish of the graphic. 

 

E. Hand Washing Exterior Graphics 

 

1. Flush the graphic with clean water to remove loose dirt particles. A trigger-type hose nozzle is convenient for this purpose. 

 

2. Use a mild liquid detergent and water solution and wash the graphic with a soft brush, rag or sponge. 

• Wash thoroughly from the top down. 

• Avoid abrading the graphic by unnecessary scrubbing. 

• After applying the cleaning solution, keep a steady stream of water flowing on the graphic to wash away dirt particles. 

 

3. Rinse the entire graphic thoroughly with clean water. Allow to dry naturally. 

 

F. Hand Washing Interior Graphics 

 

1. Use a mild liquid detergent and water solution and wash the graphic with a soft brush, rag, or sponge. 

• Wash thoroughly from the top down. 

• Avoid abrading the graphic by unnecessary scrubbing. 

 

2. Wipe the graphic with a water-soaked brush, rag or sponge to wash away the detergent and dirt. 

 

3. Dry the graphic with clean toweling. 

 

4. Refer to Removing Difficult Contaminants, below, if necessary. 

 

G. Caring for Matte, Textured or Other Unique Film

 

Finishes Special care must be taken to avoid abrading or scratching the film. Scratching and abrasion marks may be visible and you may not be able to work them out of the unique finish of the film. To help avoid such damage, avoid using harsh chemicals, brushes or hard scrubbing when cleaning your vehicle, and avoid parking near shrubs and trees or any other items that could scratch the film. Clean as directed in Step 7.A., above. Rinse thoroughly after cleaning and dry with a clean, soft cloth or soft rubber squeegee to avoid water spots. Do not apply waxes, polishes, paint or clear coat over these films. If there is wax and wax residue on the film, remove with an all-purpose cleaner. To help restore the finish of the film, clean it with isopropyl alcohol and water (2:1ratio). 

 

H. Removing Difficult Contaminants 

 

Some contaminants may remain after following the normal cleaning procedures. Most contaminants can be removed using one of these methods. Other cleaning products and methods should be used only on a customer test-and-approve basis. 

 

1. To remove tar, oil, diesel smut or bituminous material: 

• Wipe with 3M™ Citrus Base Cleaner or a rag dampened with kerosene, mineral spirits, heptane, or VM&P naphtha. Do not use other solvents.

 

2. To remove pollen and fungus: 

• Wash the graphic with 3M™ Marine Mildew Stain Remover (PN 09067), a 3 to 5% sodium hypochlorite (full-strength household bleach) solution, or mild liquid detergent and water. 

• Rinse with clean water immediately. 

 

3. To protect the graphic from pollen and fungus, apply 3M™ Marine Mildew Stain Remover as a part of regular maintenance: 

• Remove any existing mildew stains. Clean and dry the surface. Using 3M™ Marine Mildew Block (PN 09065), spray surface and gently wipe to ensure a uniform coating over the graphic, including the edges. Ensure a uniform coating without leaving droplets, streaks, or puddles. Remove any over-spray with a damp cloth, and allow to dry (typically for one hour). Repeat after cleaning*. *Use of some cleaners can remove the protective coating and reduce the length of graphic protection. To maintain protection, simply re-apply this product after cleaning. 

4. To remove crayon, lipstick, or similar materials: 

• Select an appropriate solvent and test it in an inconspicuous area to ensure it removes the contaminant without damaging the graphic. This must be done on a customer test and approve basis. 

• Wash immediately with mild liquid detergent and water, then rinse with clean water.

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(source: https://multimedia.3m.com/mws/media/12593O/6-5-storage-handling-maintenance-removal-of-films.pdf )