Vinyl and PPF Aftercare Suggestions

  We suggest not washing your car OR leaving it in the rain in the first 5 days after installation, the adhesive has moisture in it that is still evaporating between the vinyl and your paint that needs to dry so it can adhere to the paint correctly. The use of shampoos will deter the edges from setting correctly. After the initial 5 days, it is recommended to wash your wrap weekly using the suggestions below.


The film will settle from regular driving and being exposed to sunlight.  During the initial curing period, you may notice some bubbles or a slight haze in the film, but that is temporary and not a concern. This generally takes  1-3 weeks depending on how you use/park the vehicle.


Once the film has cured, you are able to wash the car as normal. However, we recommended hand washing or self-service car washes instead of automated car washes. The brushes in automatic car washes may damage the vinyl or compromise the vinyl resulting in peeling or scratches. We suggest using PH-neutral car care products.


When you encounter bug splatter, tree sap, or bird droppings you should remove them immediately. The best way to remove the bug splatter is by using pressurized water from 3 feet away,      the best way to remove bird dropping is by pouring warm water on the area;  leave to soften then gently use a microfiber cloth only to wipe off. If left on; the acids in the dropping will imprint through the vinyl, this imprint combined with the ambient heat produced by the car may intensify the process. Do not use rough scrubbing or abrasive tools, which will scratch the film. Wash and rinse off all residue immediately.


If you regularly use polish or wax your car there are some restrictions on what you can use on the film.  Polishes that have abrasives may not be used on the film nor products that contain Petroleum or Solvents, these products can damage the film and if solvents are used will remove the adhesive.


Do not use abrasive or resin-based products as they can cause a haze on the surface of the film.

How to Clean Window Tint

Believe it or not, there is a right way and a wrong way to clean tinted windows. Following a few basic tips and guidelines will prevent all sorts of window tint problems in the future such as scratching, fading, bubbling, and peeling.

  • Use the Right Cleaning Solution – Window tint film can easily be damaged with the wrong chemicals, and unfortunately these are the same chemicals a lot of people use when they clean off their car windows. Ammonia-based window cleaners (most of the blue bottles beneath the sink) can deteriorate the film. For best results, always use a window cleaner specially formulated for automotive window tint film.

  • Employ the Two-Towel Method – One of the secrets of professional auto detailers is the two-towel method for cleaning car windows. Use one microfiber towel to wipe down the window and the second towel to buff away any remaining cleaner or moisture. This is the best way to ensure a streak-free finish. Using microfiber towels will also prevent scratches and swirls in the tint film like you might get using paper towels or regular cotton towels.

  • Give Opposite Final Wipes – When you switch to the second microfiber towel to finish wiping off the window, give the outside of the window a horizontal wipe and the inside of the window a vertical one. This way you can quickly spot a smudge or missed spot and know immediately whether it’s on the outside or inside of the glass based on whether it’s horizontal (outside) or vertical (inside).

How to Prevent Window Tint Wear

Standard hybrid film (contains dye and metal deposits) generally lasts about five years, while most high-end metallized window film can last twice as long. Carbon and ceramic tint films are even longer lasting, often coming with a lifetime warranty. However, regardless of the type of window tint you have on your car, you need to be careful if you want to get the full lifetime use and value out of your tinted windows.

  • Never use ammonia-based window cleaners

  • Clean off tree sap, bird droppings, and other damaging substances as soon as possible

  • Avoid coarse paper towels and cotton washcloths

  • Be careful not to fling your seat belt off, which can scratch the film or even chip the glass

Aftercare Tips for New Window Tint

If you just had your car windows tinted or are planning on having it done soon, these aftercare tips will come in handy and help make sure you’re completely satisfied with the results.

  • Leave the windows up for at least 48 hours after the tint film is installed. This time is necessary for the tint to adhere to the glass so it will not peel away when the window is rolled down.

  • After 48 hours, wipe the windows down with a non-ammonia cleaner; or better yet, wipe the windows down with a cleaner specifically formulated for tinted windows.

  • Note: bubbles may appear and are normal for the first few days after the windows are tinted. You may also notice tint that appears cloudy, hazy, and has water pockets. These will go away as the film dries out; if they don’t, return your vehicle to the shop that performed the installation.