Start with the film maker's instructions
Every film has its own care instructions, and the shop's written instructions and the manufacturer's care sheet come first. The advice below draws on 3M's published care guidance for its protection wrap film (3M) and applies to most wraps and PPF.
The first few days
Adhesive keeps building strength after installation. 3M's guidance says not to wash the vehicle until at least 72 hours after installation. Your shop may give a different number for its film; follow it.
Hand washing is best
- Wash by hand whenever possible, with a neutral car shampoo, a soft wash mitt and plenty of water.
- Rinse thoroughly and dry with a clean microfiber towel.
- Don't use rough scrubbing or abrasive tools. They scratch film.
- Wash bird droppings, bug residue and tree sap off promptly; left to bake in the sun, they can stain or etch.
Car washes
If the vehicle has to go through a car wash, choose a touchless one. 3M warns that brush car washes may dull and scratch the film and lift its edges.
Cleaners to avoid
3M advises against strongly alkaline, acidic or alcoholic cleaning agents, which may permanently damage the film. Avoid solvents and petroleum-based products unless the film maker approves them, and avoid abrasive polishes and compounds on vinyl. Check any wax, sealant or detail spray against the film maker's list before using it.
Pressure washers
If you use a pressure washer, keep the nozzle well back from the film, point it straight at the surface rather than at an angle, and never aim it directly at an edge or seam, where water can get under the film and lift it. Follow the distance and pressure limits on your film's care sheet.
Matte and satin film
Matte and satin finishes show fingerprints and oils more than gloss. 3M's guidance for its matte protection wrap film is to wipe fingerprints with a clean, lint-free towel dampened with a mix of 70% isopropyl alcohol and 30% water, then dry the surface. Don't polish or wax matte film; most waxes and polishes add shine and leave it blotchy.
Fuel, salt and winter
Wipe up fuel spills around the filler door right away. In winter, rinse road salt, brine and sand off regularly, paying attention to the lower panels and the area behind the wheels, and dry the vehicle before parking it in a cold garage. Ice scrapers and snow brushes can scratch film; use a soft brush and avoid scraping painted or filmed panels.
Sun and storage
Sunlight is the main thing that ages film, especially on hoods, roofs and trunks. Parking in a garage or in shade, or using a breathable cover, slows that down. Check the film maker's guidance before using a cover, especially on new film.
Wax, sealants and detail sprays
Gloss vinyl and gloss PPF can usually take a spray sealant or detail spray made for film, which adds slickness and makes washing easier. Paste waxes with cleaners or abrasives can haze film and build up along edges. Whatever you use, try it on a small, out-of-sight area first, and check it against the film maker's list of approved products: using something the manufacturer warns against can affect the warranty.
Fleet vehicles
For work vehicles, put film care in the routine: a regular hand or touchless wash, prompt removal of fuel spills and tar, and a quick look at edges and corners when the vehicle comes back from a job. Drivers who know where edges are can avoid catching them with scrapers, ladders or loading equipment.
Inspect and act early
Look over the film every few washes. Small lifted edges, nicks or bubbles are easier to fix early. Don't pull at lifting edges; ask the shop to look at them. Keep the installation paperwork and film product names on file for warranty claims and future removal.