How to Protect Your Car's Vinyl Graphics

Hand washing your car's vinyl graphics keeps them clean and looking like new.

Vinyl graphics are stick-on shapes and designs that customize your car with your favorite saying, sports logo or design. The graphics are not hard to install; they are removable and washable. Vinyl graphics require regular maintenance to keep them looking like new. Failure to care for your car's vinyl graphics frequently causes the graphics to peel, chip and fall off your car.

Things You'll Need

• 2 soft cloths or rags
• Credit card, plastic scraper or similar plastic tool
• Tweezers
• Scissors
• Car wash
• Cold water
• Bucket
• Water hose with sprayer
• Chamois
• Car wax/polisher

Instructions

Repairing Peeling Graphics

1. Wipe your car's peeling, vinyl graphic with a soft cloth or rag. Remove any loose dust or dirt.

2. Use a credit card, plastic scraper or similar plastic tool to press down the peeling graphic. Lift the peeling portion with tweezers -- and pull it upward -- if it no longer contains adhesive.

3. Cut off the portion of the graphic that you lifted. Smooth down the rest of the graphic with a credit card, plastic scraper or similar plastic tool.

Washing the Vinyl Graphics

1. Mix 1/2 cup of car wash in a 1-gallon bucket of cold water. Stir the mixture with a soft cloth or rag. Take your car to a self-service car wash. Take it through an automatic car wash that offers "soft touch" washing if no other option exists. Do not use a car wash containing a high-pressure hose, roller or pressure washer. These devices damage your car's vinyl graphics.

2. Spray your car -- including the vinyl graphics -- with water from a low-pressure water hose. Do not use a pressure washer or power sprayer. These tools damage the vinyl graphics.

3. Apply the soap mixture to your car. Wash the vehicle with the soft cloth or rag.

4. Rinse your car thoroughly with water; dry it with a chamois.

Tips & Warnings

• Wax your car by hand. The wax will enhance the appearance of the vinyl graphic.

References

• My Beautiful Ride: Car Graphics: Home
• Sign-Source: Vinyl Application & Care

Resources

• Consumer Reports: Do's and Don'ts of Washing Your Car