How to wash your vehicle to prepare it for a wrap at AZRagIPS
To ensure the best possible results for your vehicle wrap installation, it’s critical that your vehicle is properly cleaned and prepared ahead of time. Please carefully follow the instructions below.
Wash 24 Hours Prior to Installation
Thoroughly wash your vehicle 24 hours prior to your installation appointment.
🚫 Do NOT wax your vehicle. If your vehicle has ceramic coating it must be removed.
If your vehicle has a permanent protective coating (such as Ceramic Pro or Opti-Coat), you must inform us beforehand. These coatings can affect the adhesion and performance of your wrap.
Remove Aftermarket Accessories
Before washing, remove any aftermarket accessories, including:
- Bug shields
- Rain guards
- Wind deflectors
- Any similar add-ons
These areas collect dirt and debris that can interfere with installation.
Hand Wash Only — No Drive-Through Washes
Use dish soap and a brush or wash mitt to scrub the vehicle by hand.
⚠️ A “drive-through” type car wash will NOT sufficiently clean the vehicle. These areas must be cleaned thoroughly by hand.
Pay Special Attention to These Areas
Be sure to thoroughly clean:
- Rocker panels
- Wheel wells & mud flaps
- Around small hardware
- Window moldings
- Bugs or tar on bumper/grille
- Around trim pieces
- Door jambs
- Bumper recesses
- Around door handles
- Hatch opening
- Grille & fog-light areas
- Area between cab & bed (trucks)
- Old adhesive residue
- Windshield/hood cowl
- Around utility doors
These detailed areas are critical for proper vinyl adhesion.
Remove All Contaminants
The following residues can cause your wrap to fail:
- Dirt
- Wax
- Tar
- Bugs
- Sap
- Soot
- Grease
- Loose paint
- Old adhesive
- Any other surface contaminants
If any of these are present when your vehicle arrives, we will need to detail the vehicle before beginning installation.
💲 Detailing fees will apply.
Additionally, if detailing is required, your installation may be extended by an additional day or possibly postponed to allow adequate drying time.
Final Preparation Notes
Your vehicle may get slightly dirty on the drive to our shop. That’s okay — we will re-wipe the exterior before applying the vinyl.
What’s most important is that you thoroughly clean all nooks and crannies in advance and allow sufficient time for the vehicle to dry completely.
The cleaner your vehicle is when it arrives:
- The sooner we can begin installation
- The smoother the installation process
- The faster you’ll get your freshly wrapped vehicle back
Important Reminder
Your vehicle MUST be clean and wax-free in order to install your wrap.
If you would prefer that we detail your vehicle for you, please let us know ahead of time and we will schedule it accordingly (additional charges apply).