Caring For Your Wrap

What to do — and not do — to keep your itasha looking good for as long as possible!

Washing
Do
  • Rinse it down with water first to knock off loose dirt before you touch it
  • Hand wash with soap using a soft microfiber cloth and ensure you take care around the edges of the wrap
  • Wash every couple weeks, more often after events or driving in the rain or snow
  • Always use a clean microfiber cloth
Don't
  • Automatic car washes — the brushes will scratch it and catch the edges
  • Spraying high pressure directly at the wrap may cause lifting at the edges and potentially in the center of the wrap, so keep a safe distance! (Avoid zero degree nozzles and use a fan spray pattern)
Contaminants
Do
  • Get bird poop, bugs, tree sap, and fuel off as soon as you see it — they're acidic and will eat into the vinyl
  • Wet the spot first before wiping, never scrub it dry
  • Use a microfiber cloth and a wrap-safe cleaner for spot treatment
  • Rinse the area off when you can, and wash the whole car when you have time
Don't
  • Leave it sitting — even a few hours is enough to stain or etch
  • Scrape at it with your fingernails or anything rough
Chemicals to Avoid
Do
  • Stick to products that are known to be pH-neutral and/or safe for vinyl
  • While fueling, rinse off any overspray of gasoline or diesel immediately — it can stain the vinyl if left on too long
  • Overspillage of chemicals like brake cleaner, degreasers, or tar removers can damage the wrap, so rinse off immediately
  • Rim cleaner that dissolve iron can also affect the vinyl, so rinse off any overspray immediately
  • Use a wrap-safe sealant or ceramic coat to protect the vinyl from chemical exposure
Don't
  • Ammonia-based cleaners — a lot of glass cleaners have this
  • Acetone, bleach, or anything alcohol-based
  • Petroleum-based solvents
  • Polishes or abrasive compounds, such as rubbing compound or scratch remover
Matte & Satin Finishes
Do
  • Use a matte-specific detail spray when spot cleaning
  • Rinse well after washing
Don't
  • Ceramic coating that is not matte-specific — it will leave shiny patches
  • Wax — it also leaves shiny patches you can't undo
  • Machine polishing or buffing — it will burn through the matte finish and leave shiny spots
Storage & Parking
Do
  • Garage or covered parking when you can — sun is what fades the graphics over time
  • Rinse off road salt when you get a chance, especially during winter
Don't
  • Leave it baking in direct sun all day
  • Park under trees that drip sap or have birds nesting above
  • Avoid parking near construction sites or areas with a lot of dust and debris that can scratch the wrap
  • Don't leave it parked for months without washing it — dirt and dust will etch into the vinyl over time
Protection
Do
  • A wrap-safe sealant or ceramic coat will help protect the wrap from fading and chemical exposure
  • Overlaminate from the start is the best move for long-term graphic life
  • Wash and detail the wrap regularly to keep it looking fresh and new
Don't
  • Just leaving it alone and hope that the wrap is fine — it will fade and get damaged over time without protection