If you ever have questions don’t hesitate to text us (865) 291-0369
Do:
- Schedule your 30 & 90 day Check Ups.
- Hand wash weekly with a mild automotive soap.
- Use a soft microfiber or sponge.
- Remove bird droppings, sap, and bugs immediately.
- Test any new cleaner on a small hidden area first.
- Consider parking the vehicle in the shade to extend lifespan.
- Ask us about ceramic coating applying our ceramic coating package to make cleaning easier.
DO NOT:
- Don’t miss your 30 or 90 day check ups.
- Don’t massage bubbles or imperfections in direct sunlight. Instead text us a photo of the issue.
- Don’t use brushes or abrasive pads.
- Don’t use solvent or oil‑based cleaners.
- Don’t let fuel spills sit on the wrap.
- Don’t pressure wash too close or too hot.
- Don’t park under trees that produce sap droppings.
Vehicle Wrap Cleaning & Care – FAQ
- How often should I wash my vehicle wrap?
- Who do you recommend to wash my vehicle in Knoxville?
- Can I take my wrapped vehicle into a drive-through car wash?
- What should I use for spot cleaning?
- Can I pressure wash my vehicle wrap?
- How do I clean bird droppings, insects, tree sap or other difficult stains?
- What should I do about gas or fuel spills?
- Can I park my vehicle outdoors for long periods?
- My vehicle wrap is turning brown or rust colored. What should I do?
- What products should I avoid when cleaning my wrap?
- Can I ceramic coat the wrap to allow for easier maintenance?
Paint Protection Film Care – FAQ
- How soon can I wash my car after paint protection film is installed?
- How often should I wash my paint protection film?
- Can I take my car with paint protection film through a car wash?
- Can I wax or ceramic coat my paint protection film?
- Can I pressure wash my paint protection film?
- How do I clean bugs, bird droppings, or tree sap from paint protection film?
- How does the self-healing feature of my paint protection film work?
- What products should I avoid on my paint protection film?
Spot Graphics & Stripe Care – FAQ
- How should I care for spot graphics like door logos or stripes?
- Can I use car washes and pressure washers on spot graphics?
- What if a spot graphic edge starts to peel or gets damaged?
How often should I wash my vehicle wrap?
Wash your wrap once a week or more often if your vehicle is exposed to a lot of dirt or pollutants. You should hand wash it using 3M® Car Wash Soap 39000, or Meguiar’s NXT Generation® Car Wash or Deep Crystal® Car Wash. At AZ Rag, we also recommend 3M Quick Detailer Spray Wax or Meguiar’s Ultimate Quik Wax.
You can use another gentle automotive detergent if necessary – any good brand will work. Dawn dish sowap also works good. Always use a nice automotive sponge or clean, soft cloth to wash your wrap. Rinse the vehicle with clear water after washing. Minimize water spotting by using a soft edged chamois to remove water, then dry with a clean microfiber cloth.
Who do you recommend to wash my vehicle in Knoxville?
While we prefer your vehicle is handwashed we understand that there isn’t always time to keep up with that. You have a few options locally to keep your vehicle looking nice and professional. Here are some recommendations of local car washes that have an understanding of the extra care that a vehicle wrap installed by us need.
- Max Detail
- These guys are our neighbors just a few doors down. They can detail your car inside and out.
- Synergy Auto Wash
- Customers of ours that use wraps to advertise their business. They offer fleet discounts and a membership program to support your business or personal vehicle.
Can I take my wrapped vehicle into a drive-through car wash?
You can bring your wrapped vehicle to an automated brushless car wash, though hand washing is safer and more thorough. Brush car washes may be too rough on the film, degrading it and causing peeling and lifted edges. If a car wash uses water spray and no brushes, it should be safe for most wraps.
What should I use for spot cleaning?
Use 70% isopropyl rubbing alcohol to spot clean isolated stains. Rinse the area with cool water after cleaning. Don’t use tire dressing to spot clean, as it may splash on the wrap and cause stains. Avoid wiping the wrap when it’s hot; this can distort the material and cause wrinkling.
Can I pressure wash my vehicle wrap?
If you want to pressure wash your vehicle wrap, keep it below 2,000 psi. Use a spray nozzle with a 40° wide-angle spray pattern and keep water temperature below 140°F. Keep the spray nozzle at least 36 inches away from the car surface and edges.
How do I clean bird droppings, insects, tree sap or other difficult stains?
Clean bird droppings and difficult stains immediately. Letting them sit for too long will make them harder to remove and may permanently damage the wrap. Soak the affected area for a few minutes with warm, soapy water to loosen the contaminants. Rinse completely and dry with a microfiber cloth.
For stubborn contaminants, use denatured alcohol, 3M® Citrus Base Cleaner, Meguiar’s Gold Class™ Bug and Stain Remover, or a mix of two parts isopropyl alcohol to one part water. Always test these solutions on a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure the cleaner will not harm the wrap. Do not use solvents or oil-based cleaning products!
What should I do about gas or fuel spills?
Wipe off fuel spills immediately, then hand wash the affected area. Letting the spill stay on the wrap too long will degrade the vinyl. A quick wipe with a wet paper towel at a gas station will clean the fuel-affected area decently enough until you can get home to do a more thorough job.
Can I park my vehicle outdoors for long periods?
Excessive amounts of time under the sun or other outdoor elements (rain, smog, debris, and road pollutants from passing cars) can degrade the wrap on the roof, trunk lid, and hood. These horizontal areas are a magnet for pollutants, which are intensified by UV ray exposure.
Try your best to park your car in a garage or under a canopy or shelter. If you must park it outside for prolonged periods, look for shady parking areas.
My vehicle wrap is turning brown or rust colored. What should I do?
Wraps turn brown due to prolonged exposure to acid from pollutants in the air. This is typically a result of neglect and failure to follow the recommended care procedures above.
If you notice brown, discolored, or rust-colored areas on your wrap, it is best to remove the film from your vehicle to prevent damage to the paint beneath it and reapply fresh wrap. Often it is only necessary to replace the affected panel.
What products should I avoid when cleaning my wrap?
Never, EVER use any of the following cleaning products on your wrap:
- Solvents
- Oil-based cleaners
- Kitchen & bathroom cleaners
- Oven cleaner
- Orange oil
- Engine degreaser
Can I ceramic coat the wrap to allow for easier maintence?
If you used a 3m film for your wrap yes you can ceramic coat the vehicle with us on your 30 or 90 day check up without voiding your warranty. It must be applied by us. Text us for more information or to book an appointment.
If you used another brand of film such as Hexis, Oracal, KPMF, Avery, etc. You will want to ask us before moving forward as these brands may have specific recommendations or it may void the materials warranty entirely.
How soon can I wash my car after 3M paint protection film is installed?
After installing 3M Scotchgard™ Paint Protection Film or 3M™ Paint Wrap Film (PWF), allow the film to fully set before washing. As a general rule, wait at least 1-2 weeks after installation before any washing so the adhesive can cure and any moisture under the film can evaporate.
During this time, avoid high-pressure water, car washes, and aggressive wiping. A small amount of haze or trapped moisture is normal and will usually clear as the film cures.
How often should I wash my 3M paint protection film or 3M PWF?
Treat 3M Scotchgard™ PPF and 3M™ PWF like high-quality automotive paint: wash regularly, about once a week or whenever the vehicle is visibly dirty. Frequent, gentle washing helps prevent bugs, sap, road film, and hard water spots from bonding to the surface and makes the film easier to maintain over time.
Use a pH-neutral automotive car wash soap and a clean microfiber wash mitt or sponge. Rinse thoroughly and dry with a soft microfiber towel. Avoid automatic washes with stiff brushes, just as you would with your wrap.
Can I take my car with 3M paint protection film through a car wash?
For best appearance and longevity, we recommend hand washing vehicles with 3M Scotchgard™ PPF or 3M™ PWF. However, most touchless (brushless) automatic washes that use only water and detergents are generally safe once the film has fully cured.
Avoid car washes with rotating brushes or harsh mechanical contact. These can cause premature wear, edge lifting, or swirl marks in the film’s topcoat layer—on both PPF and wraps.
Can I wax or ceramic coat my 3M paint protection film or 3M PWF?
Yes, you can protect 3M Scotchgard™ PPF and 3M™ PWF with spray waxes, synthetic sealants, or ceramic coatings that are specifically labeled as safe for paint protection film / clear bra / vinyl. These products can help reduce staining, make washing easier, and improve water beading.
Avoid waxes or polishes that contain abrasives, heavy solvents, or dyes. Do not use rubbing compound or aggressive machine polishing on the film. If you are unsure whether a product is compatible with 3M films, test a small, hidden area first or contact us for recommendations.
Can I pressure wash my 3M paint protection film or 3M PWF?
You can pressure wash 3M Scotchgard™ PPF and 3M™ PWF if you use the correct settings and technique. We recommend:
- Maximum pressure: 2,000 psi (or less, if possible)
- Nozzle: 40° wide-angle spray pattern
- Water temperature: below 140°F
- Distance: at least 36 inches away from the surface and all edges
Never aim the pressure washer directly at film edges, seams, or lifted areas. High pressure at close range can lift or damage the film, especially along edges and around badges or trim pieces.
How do I clean bugs, bird droppings, or tree sap from 3M paint protection film?
Clean tough contaminants off 3M Scotchgard™ PPF and 3M™ PWF as soon as possible. Bird droppings, bug splatter, and tree sap are acidic and can stain or etch the film’s surface if left too long.
Start by soaking the area with warm, soapy water and a soft microfiber towel to loosen the contamination. Avoid aggressive scrubbing. For more stubborn spots, you can use:
- A PPF-safe bug and tar remover that is compatible with 3M films
- A mix of two parts isopropyl alcohol to one part water on a microfiber cloth
Always test any cleaner in a small, hidden area first. Avoid harsh solvents, strong degreasers, or abrasive pads on paint protection film or PWF.
How does the self-healing feature of 3M Scotchgard™ paint protection film work?
Many versions of 3M Scotchgard™ Paint Protection Film use a self-healing topcoat that can help light swirls and minor scratches disappear when the film is warmed. Heat from the sun, warm water, or gentle heat allows the top layer to relax and “heal” fine marks.
To encourage self-healing, park the vehicle in the sun or rinse the affected area with warm (not boiling) water. Deep cuts, rock chips, or damage that penetrates through the film will not self-heal and may require replacing that section of PPF.
What products should I avoid on my 3M paint protection film or 3M PWF?
Avoid using the following products on your 3M Scotchgard™ PPF or 3M™ PWF:
- Solvents, harsh degreasers, or petroleum-based cleaners
- Abrasive polishes, rubbing compounds, or heavy cutting compounds
- Scouring pads, magic erasers, or abrasive sponges
- High-pH wheel and tire cleaners on panels covered with PPF or PWF
- Any cleaner not labeled as safe for clear coat, vinyl wraps, or paint protection film
Using harsh chemicals or abrasives can dull, stain, or prematurely age the film. When in doubt, choose gentle, pH-neutral automotive shampoos and PPF/vinyl-safe detailing products, or contact us and we’ll advise you on products that work well with 3M films.
How should I care for spot graphics like door logos or stripes?
Spot graphics (door logos, number panels, hood graphics, stripes, etc.) should be cleaned just like our full vehicle wraps: hand wash with a gentle, pH-neutral automotive soap, using a soft microfiber mitt or sponge, and rinse thoroughly with clean water.
The main difference is that spot graphics have more exposed edges and corners.
Be extra gentle along those edges:
- Avoid scrubbing directly across the edge with heavy pressure.
- Use straight, light passes with a soft cloth or mitt.
- Dry with a clean microfiber towel instead of dragging a rough towel or brush across the edge.
With regular, gentle washing and reasonable sun protection, spot graphics will hold up well and stay looking sharp alongside your factory paint.
Can I use car washes and pressure washers on spot graphics?
We always recommend hand washing for the best results, but most touchless (brushless) car washes are generally safe for spot graphics
once the film has fully cured.
Avoid automatic washes with rotating brushes or cloth strips. Brushes can catch and lift the exposed edges of small logos and stripes much more easily than they do on a full wrap.
If you pressure wash a vehicle with spot graphics, follow the same guidelines we use for wraps:
- Maximum pressure: 2,000 psi
- Nozzle: 40° wide-angle spray pattern
- Water temperature: below 140°F
- Distance: at least 36 inches from the surface
Keep the wand at a shallow angle and never aim the spray directly into the edge of a graphic. Always spray across and away from the edge, not into it.
What if a spot graphic edge starts to peel or gets damaged?
If you notice a corner lifting, an edge starting to peel, or damage from a scratch or impact, do not pick at it or try to trim it with a blade. That can pull up more film and may damage your paint.
One advantage of spot graphics is that they are usually easy and affordable to replace. In many cases, we can remove and re-install just the affected logo, stripe, or panel without changing the surrounding graphics or repainting the panel, as long as the underlying paint is in good condition.
Contact us as soon as you spot an issue. Early, small repairs almost always look better and cost less than waiting until the graphic fails or peels further.
