Tint
Don't roll your windows down for 48 hours.
Residual moisture will be between the film and your vehicle's glass for the first few days. When the windows are rolled down within this timeframe, the moisture may congregate and create a large pocket of water in your film. Additionally, the film can be lifted when rolled down within the curing process. So, be patient and refrain from putting your windows down for 48 hours. It will be worth the wait!
Expect some temporary hazing.
Freshly tinted windows will go through a curing process. During this time, windows may appear hazy and show pockets of liquid. This is normal. Depending on temperatures, this could take 2-7 days to completely dry out. Contact us if any distortion remains after this time period, but rest assured that most hazing is normal and resolves within a few days.
Don't use ammonia-based cleansers.
Ammonia products are known to degrade the adhesive on tints. Avoid using ammonia-based cleansers. We sell Sprayway Glass Cleaner in-house, if desired.
Use a soft cloth to clean your windows.
Microfiber towels are your tint's best friend.
PPF
Don't wash your vehicle for 48 hours.
Like tint, PPF also has a curing process. During this time, it is important to not wash your vehicle so the curing process may occur.
Expect some residual moisture under the film.
Paint protection is applied as a wet application. As a result, often times liquid will remain under the clear bra for up to 1-3 weeks, depending on temperature. If you see any pockets or bubbles please to not pick at them. Give the film time to cure and contact us after a few weeks if for any reason you still see distortion. Please note that these times can be extended in the winter. Keeping the vehicle warm and dry can help expediate the curing process.
Avoid pressure washing.
SunTek's warranty recommends handwashing only. High power pressure washers can damage PPF. If using a pressure washer, keep a distance of at least 36" from the PPF surface, seams and edges. Failure to do so may cause the PPF to lift and become distorted. For best results, we recommend hand-washing your vehicle whenever possible.
When using automated car washes, you can notify that technician that you have PPF on your vehicle and they may be able to assist you in ensuring the wash settings are appropriate for your PPF.
Use these type of services with caution and at your own discretion and risk.
Use caution while waxing.
Use a wax that is safe for PPF. We can advise on products if you're unsure. Whenever possible, avoid seams and edges of the PPF when waxing. Build up can occur in these places, making the PPF more visible to the eye and less seamless with the body of the vehicle.
Wraps
Wash regularly.
- Wash whenever the car appears dirty. Contaminants allowed to remain on the vehicle wrap may be more difficult to remove during cleaning.
- Rinse off as much dirt and grit as possible with a spray of water.
- See info below on difficult contaminants for spot cleaning bird droppings, tar, etc.
- Use a wet, non-abrasive detergent such as 3M™ Car Wash Soap 39000, Meguiar's NXT Generation® Car Wash, or Deep Crystal® Car Wash and a soft, clean cloth or sponge.
- Rinse thoroughly with clean water.
- To reduce water spotting, immediately use a clean microfiber cloth to remove water and finish with an approved UV protectant.
Avoid automated brush car washes.
Brush-type car washes are not recommended as they can abrade the film and cause
edges to lift or chip, as well as dulling the film's appearance. Brushless car washes
are acceptable.
Take care when pressure washing.
Although hand washing is the preferred cleaning method, pressure washing may be
used under these conditions:
- Ensure the water pressure is kept below 2000 psi (14 MPa).
- Keep water temperature below 80°C (180°F).
- Use a spray nozzle with a 40 degree wide angle spray pattern.
- Keep the nozzle at least 1 foot (300 mm) away from and perpendicular(at 90 degrees) to the graphic.
- Holding the nozzle of a pressure washer at an angle to the graphic may lift the edges of the film.
Use specific cleansers for difficult contaminants.
Soften difficult contaminants such as bug splatter, bird droppings, tree sap and similar
contaminants by soaking them for several minutes with very hot, soapy water. Rinse
thoroughly and dry. If further cleaning is needed, test one of these products in an
inconspicuous area to ensure no damage to the wrap film:
- Meguiar's Gold Class™ Bug and Tar Remover
- 3M™ Citrus Base Cleaner
- Isopropyl alcohol (IPA) (70% IPA to 30% part water)
- Denatured alcohol may also help.
Spot clean the wrap for difficult contaminants.
Spot clean the contaminants. Do not use rough scrubbing or abrasive tools, which will scratch the film. Wash and rinse off all residue immediately.
Make sure to clean up any fuel spills.
Wipe off spills immediately to avoid degrading the vinyl and adhesive. Then wash, rinse and
dry as soon as possible.
Wax & UV Protectant.
Use a wax that is safe for vinyl wraps. Approved products will keep the wrap looking great and also provide additional UV protection. We can advise on products if you're unsure.