Protect Vehicle Wraps Against Environmental Elements with Wax and Polish
January, 2012
How ongoing care increases endurance of wraps in extreme conditions
By Jason Yard
Maintaining the shine and luster for an extended period of time is the ultimate goal of vehicle wraps. The challenge lies in the wrap’s ability to hold up when exposed to extreme environmental elements. In past discussions, we have stressed the importance of weather when planning to wrap a vehicle to ensure your graphics will adhere properly. But, weather also plays a role in the post-installation of the wrap.
Extreme Environmental Conditions Impact Wraps
Once a wrap is complete, the vehicle will likely be exposed to all types of environmental conditions. Wraps should be installed indoors in a controlled environment, out of the elements; however, at some point, it will face the outdoors. Harsh weather conditions have been known to cause rust-colored splotches on the horizontal surfaces of wraps, a problem specifically reported by printers in Southern California and Southern Florida.
Seeking a solution, manufacturers across the industry have conducted tests to measure the consistency of overlaminate finishes. The results indicate regions with higher levels of air pollution, contaminates, such as rain, fog or smog, can get trapped in the wrap, leaving behind acid residues that attack the laminates.
Increasing Durability of Wraps
A critical step in the post-installation stage of wraps includes polishing or waxing the wrap. This is also recommended for wraps every few months to withstand wear and tear of the outdoors, across all regions. The practice of bimonthly waxing or polishing is particularly important in areas prone to take an extra toll on the wrap. Although nothing can completely eliminate the red-stained look reported in areas with high air pollution, waxing or polishing your wraps every few months will increase tolerance against the contaminates.
Recommended Wax and Polish
Because few companies provide specific vinyl wrap polish, you’ll need to use an off-the-shelf product for protection. Testing has concluded that a good silicon based polish will repel a majority of the contaminates causing the problems reported across regions with extreme conditions. Also, to ensure the polish or wax you choose is compatible with vinyl, be sure to read the label to avoid further damage.
Vehicle wraps require care on an ongoing basis. Applying a vinyl-friendly wax or polish is a simple practice to get in the habit of doing. It will not only extend the wrap’s lifespan by applying additional protection, but it will also enhance the wrap by preserving the sharp appearance and vibrant colors of a newly installed wrap.
 Jason Yard joined MACtac in 2007. With expertise in graphics printing and installation, Yard is responsible for marketing to MACtac Graphic Products’ large customer base and training them on the details of application techniques. Leading MACtac’s well-known Application Nation program, he focuses on educating customers on the best uses for MACtac’s products, matching products to applications and proper installation methods. He also assists and facilitates MACtac Graphic Products’ research and development testing and new product benchmarking.
Prior to joining MACtac, Yard owned his own graphic design business and spent several years in retail development. He worked for two large national companies specializing in employee training as well as national marketing and merchandising.
Yard holds a bachelor’s degree in Visual Communication Design from Kent State University.
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