What should I wash my car with before wrapping?

Warm soapy water is the best thing to use to remove the dirt from your vehicle. Make sure you clean the windows, inside of doors, door seals, under the bonnet and wheel arches. Although the wrap will not be in contact with these areas, you don’t want to risk any dirt potentially ruining your wrap. For stubborn grease, use a mild detergent like Fairy washing up liquid and apply with a microfibre cloth to remove the grease safely. If you are using anything stronger, do a test first on a small inconspicuous area of the vehicle. Professional wrappers will be able to remove stubborn dirt and grease for you – they have the right tools and products.

Should I clean the hubcaps?

Yes, as you don’t want dirt from the hubcaps spraying up onto the car after it has been washed.

Should I remove the hardware from my car?

No, a professional wrapping company would ensure that wherever possible they remove wing mirrors, door handles etc. or if that is not possible, they will wrap discreetly around the hardware.

Is it best to wear old clothes when I clean my car before wrapping?

It’s entirely up to you, but if you are installing the wrap itself, make sure there are no loose buttons and threads or rough seams that could damage or get under the film. It’s also best to avoid wearing watches, jewellery and loose jackets when installing a wrap.

What if there is damage to the paintwork?

To get the best results, a vehicle’s bodywork needs to be as perfect as possible. Vehicle wraps do not work well on cars that have dents and, scratches, rust or paint bubbles as the vinyl wrap will mould to every contour of the car, including bumps and scratches, and not last as long. Rust and loose paint, which often affects vintage vehicles, needs to be carefully rubbed down so the surface is smooth, ready for the application of the wrap. There is no need to re-spray the vehicle before wrapping. If you are unsure, talk to the vehicle wrap supplier who will be able to answer your questions. To get the best results, a vehicle’s bodywork needs to be as perfect as possible.

Should I wax my car before wrapping?

No. Protectants and waxes and any other product that forms a barrier can interfere with the wrap’s ability to adhere properly to the vehicle.

Should I dry my car after washing it?

Yes, dry it thoroughly with a microfibre cloth. By washing your car 24 hours before it is wrapped, any areas you may have missed should also be nice and dry in time for wrapping. If the bodywork squeaks when you run your finger along it, it is ready but if it feels greasy, you will need to wash it again. It is worth taking the time and trouble to do a thorough job to ensure your new wrap looks fantastic.

How to prepare a car or van for vinyl wrap installation

Thinking of getting your vehicle wrapped? Congratulations, it’s a hugely exciting time! But while it’s tempting to think just of the wrap itself, there’s some prep work you need to do first. If you skip the car wrap prep, it can affect how long the work takes to complete. And if the dirt’s really bad, your wrapping team may have to clean it for you – potentially meaning an extra charge.

Follow this step-by-step guide to learn how to prepare a car or van for wrapping, and ensure it’s in the best shape possible for the big day.

1. Check for signs of damage

You’ll ideally have checked your car well before the agreed date. That said, minor scratches and dents aren’t a problem and can usually be wrapped over. Minor patches of rust can also be covered, but that’s just a temporary solution and you’ll still have the rust underneath. You can learn more about this topic by reading our guide on scuffs, dents and rust.

Tip: Don’t worry if the wrap is set for tomorrow and you’ve suddenly noticed a minor problem. Your wrap can still be applied, and it’ll still look good. In fact, a vehicle wrap is a great way to refresh your vehicle and protect the bodywork underneath. You can always tackle minor scuffs and dents later on.

2. Prepare the cleaning solution

You can mix water and non-abrasive dish soap to clean the dirt away. Alternatively, choose a non-wax car shampoo from a trusted name like Meguiar’s, Halfords, or Turtle Wax. If you follow the directions on the bottle, the cleaning solution will be pH balanced and kinder to your vehicle’s paintwork.

Avoid waxing or polishing your car, as this can stop the wrap from adhering properly. You don’t want to spend time forming a gorgeous shine, only to see it removed because the wrap won’t stick. You should also avoid all-in-one shampoo and wax solutions for the same reason.

Car Wrap Prep - Washing the vehicle

3. Wash your vehicle 24 hours before wrapping

Using a scratch-free sponge or mitt, clean your vehicle from the top down. Wash the mirrors, windows, door seals, wheel arches, and under the bonnet. Even if you’re not getting a full wrap, your vehicle should be cleaned all over as part of the vinyl wrap prep. Be sure to clean the hubcaps too, as this will help stop dirt from kicking up on the day of the wrap.

Washing the exterior may sound obvious, but we’ve actually had vehicles show up to our premises caked in tar! It’s then taken half a day to prep the car or van for wrapping – causing the whole project to take longer than expected.

4. Give your vehicle time to dry

You can reduce drying time by going over your vehicle with a microfibre cloth. If you washed it 24 hours before wrapping, even hard-to-reach areas should have dried in time.

Don’t worry if it’s raining outside or your vehicle still feels a bit greasy once you’ve cleaned it. Bear in mind that a reliable wrap company should degrease key sections of your car or van before applying the wrap. At least, that’s what we do here at Raccoon!

Car Wrap Prep - Drying the Vehicle

Here are some extra car wrap preparation tips:

Remove watches, jewellery and jackets that could ding the surface
Jet washing is effective at the right pressure level (below 2,000 PSI)
You can soak a rag in isopropyl alcohol to get rid of stubborn grease
Pick a wrapping team who can apply your vinyl wrap indoors
Take out any cash or important documents you might need

Don't forget about aftercare

With good van or car wrap prep, it’s time for the moment everyone loves – getting your vehicle wrapped! Once that’s done, we think you’ll be so thrilled with the wrap that you’ll want to keep it in great condition for as long as possible.

We at Raccoon have all the info you need to do just that. Click below for tips on wrap aftercare, and follow our advice to learn how to ensure your vehicle wrap looks smooth and vibrant well into the future.

Order Printed Products