Vehicle Graphics Care Guide
This vehicle graphics care guide explains how to look after your new van, car or fleet graphics after installation. By following a few simple aftercare steps, you can help keep your vehicle graphics clean, clear and professional for longer.
How to care for your new vehicle graphics
Your new vehicle graphics are designed to help your business look professional on the road, on site and outside your premises. Whether you have had simple lettering, partial vehicle wraps, tradesman vehicle graphics or full fleet branding installed, a little care will help keep your graphics looking clean, clear and presentable.
This guide has been created for Printmonster customers after installation. It explains how to wash your vehicle, what to avoid and when to get in touch if you notice anything unusual. It is also useful if you are considering vehicle graphics and want to understand how easy they are to look after.
Printmonster supplies vehicle graphics for local businesses, tradespeople and organisations across Cannock, Walsall, Wolverhampton, Birmingham, Lichfield, Stafford and the wider West Midlands area.
Vehicle graphics aftercare: the first few days
Once your graphics have been fitted, the adhesive needs time to settle properly. During this early period, it is best to treat the graphics with extra care.
For the first few days, avoid washing the vehicle if possible. This gives the vinyl time to bond well to the surface. You should also avoid pressure washing, harsh cleaning products and automatic car washes during this settling period.
Try not to pick at edges, corners or small details. If you notice a small area that appears lifted shortly after installation, please contact Printmonster for advice rather than trying to press, heat or trim it yourself.
Vehicle graphics are applied to clean, suitable surfaces, but the way they are looked after afterwards can make a real difference to their appearance over time.
How to wash vehicle graphics safely
Regular cleaning helps your vehicle graphics stay bright and readable. Dirt, road film, salt and general grime can build up, especially if your vehicle is used daily for work.
For best results, hand wash your vehicle using clean water, a soft sponge or cloth and a mild vehicle shampoo. Rinse the vehicle first to remove loose grit, then wash gently without scrubbing aggressively over the graphics.
When cleaning around vinyl lettering, printed graphics or wrapped panels, move the sponge in a smooth motion rather than pushing hard at edges. After washing, rinse with clean water and dry with a soft microfibre cloth where possible.
If your vehicle is used on building sites, farms, industrial estates or busy roads, it may need cleaning more often. However, gentle regular cleaning is better than leaving heavy dirt to build up and then trying to remove it with strong chemicals.
What to avoid when cleaning vehicle graphics
To protect your graphics, avoid anything that may lift edges, scratch the surface or affect the adhesive.
Do not use abrasive pads, stiff brushes or rough cloths directly on the graphics. Avoid harsh chemicals, solvent based cleaners, tar removers, strong degreasers and cutting compounds unless you have checked they are suitable for use around vehicle vinyl.
Pressure washers should be used with great care. If you do use one, keep the nozzle well back from the graphics, use a wide spray setting and avoid spraying directly at the edges. Never hold the jet close to corners, joins or fine lettering, as this may cause lifting.
Automatic car washes are not recommended for vehicles with graphics. Brushes and high pressure systems can be too aggressive, especially around vinyl edges and detailed areas.
You should also avoid polishing directly over printed graphics unless the product is known to be suitable. Some polishes and waxes can leave residue around edges or affect the finish of the vinyl.
Everyday vehicle graphics care tips
Vehicle graphics are made to be used in real working conditions, but everyday habits can help keep them looking smarter for longer.
Where possible, park away from overhanging trees, heavy sap, bird mess and areas where the vehicle may be exposed to chemicals or excessive dirt. If bird mess, tree sap or fuel spills get onto the graphics, clean them off gently as soon as practical using warm water and a mild cleaner.
Take care when loading tools, ladders, materials or equipment around graphic panels. Scrapes from sharp objects can damage the vinyl surface. If your vehicle is used by several members of staff, it is helpful to make sure everyone knows how to clean and treat the graphics properly.
If your graphics are part of fleet branding, consistent cleaning across the vehicles will help your business look more professional when your vans are seen together.
What to do if your vehicle graphics lift or peel
Please contact Printmonster if you notice lifting edges, bubbling, damage, peeling or any area that does not look right. It is always better to ask for advice early, especially if the graphics have only recently been fitted.
You should also contact us if you are planning repair work, panel replacement or bodywork on a vehicle with existing graphics. In some cases, graphics may need to be removed or replaced after the repair.
If you are updating your business name, telephone number, website, services or branding, we can also advise on whether part of the graphics can be updated or whether a new design would be more suitable.
Need more vehicle graphics?
If your vehicle graphics have been installed and you are happy with the result, you may want to brand more vehicles, add matching site boards, update your business stationery or create printed marketing materials with the same look.
Printmonster can help with vehicle graphics, fleet branding, partial vehicle wraps, magnetic vehicle signs, banners, stickers, business cards and more.
For advice, artwork support or a new vehicle graphics enquiry, contact the Printmonster team and we will be happy to help.
Vehicle graphics care guide FAQs
How soon can I wash my vehicle after graphics have been installed?
It is best to avoid washing the vehicle for the first few days after installation. This gives the vinyl adhesive time to settle. When you do wash it, hand washing with mild vehicle shampoo is recommended.
Can I use a pressure washer on vehicle graphics?
Use pressure washers with care. Keep the nozzle well back, use a wide spray and avoid spraying directly at the edges of the graphics. High pressure close to vinyl edges can cause lifting.
Are automatic car washes safe for vehicle graphics?
Automatic car washes are not recommended. Brushes, rollers and high pressure systems can be too harsh for vinyl graphics, especially around corners, joins and fine lettering.
What should I do if an edge starts lifting?
Please contact Printmonster for advice. Avoid picking, cutting, heating or pressing the area yourself, as this may make the issue worse.
Can I polish or wax over vehicle graphics?
Some products may not be suitable for use on or around vinyl. Avoid applying strong polishes, cutting compounds or waxes directly over printed graphics unless you know they are safe for vehicle vinyl.
How do I remove bird mess or tree sap from graphics?
Clean it off gently as soon as practical using warm water, mild vehicle shampoo and a soft cloth. Avoid scraping or using harsh chemicals.
Can Printmonster update old vehicle graphics?
Yes, depending on the existing graphics, vehicle condition and what needs changing. Contact the team and we can advise on the most suitable option.
Need help with your vehicle graphics?
Whether you need aftercare advice, replacement graphics or branding for another van, car or fleet vehicle, Printmonster is here to help. We create vehicle graphics for businesses across Cannock, Walsall, Wolverhampton, Birmingham and the wider West Midlands.