3M Vinyl Wrap – Care Instructions

Cure Time Details

3M Vinyl Wrap – Automotive Application

Your vehicle has been professionally wrapped using 3M high-performance vinyl film. While the wrap is fully applied and bonded, it is still undergoing its curing process.

Cure Time Expectations:

  • Full adhesion cure time is 72 hours under normal conditions (70-85°F)
  • In colder temperatures (below 60°F), full bonding may take up to 5-7 days
  • Sunlight helps activate the adhesive – outdoor parking is encouraged during the first few days

Important Notes During Cure:

  • Post-heating has been applied to all edges, seams, and recessed areas to secure the wrap – but full bond
    still develops over time
  • Do NOT touch, press, or attempt to fix any edges or corners during cure
  • Slight shrinkage may occur around complex curves, mirrors, door handles, and bumpers – this is normal
  • Avoid washing, wiping, or using any cleaning products on the film for at least 72 hours
  • Do not park under trees or in dirty environments where sap, bird droppings, or heavy dust could settle on the wrap

If something appears abnormal, contact LuxeArt for evaluation before attempting to fix anything yourself. Warranty terms and reporting deadlines will be outlined in your Warranty & Liability section.

What You Can & Can’t Do During Cure

To avoid edge failure, contamination, or damage during the first few days post-install, follow these instructions carefully:

DO NOT:

  • DO NOT Wash the vehicle or rinse it for at least 72 hours
  • DO NOT Wipe the wrap with any product – including quick detailers or waterless washes
  • DO NOT Touch, press, or attempt to fix lifted corners or edges
  • DO NOT Use compressed air or pressure washers anywhere near wrapped areas
  • DO NOT Park under trees or around sap-heavy environments, dust storms, or industrial fallout
  • DO NOT Open and close doors aggressively where edge-wrapped film is still settling

YOU MAY:

  • Drive the vehicle immediately
  • Park indoors or outdoors – sunlight helps the adhesive finish bonding
  • Lightly dust with a clean, dry microfiber towel only if absolutely needed (no pressure, no cleaner)

Edge, Shrinkage, & Lift Notes:

If you accidentally get rain, sprinkler spots, or bird droppings during the first 7 days:

  • Minor shrinkage or film pullback around tight curves, mirrors, or seams is normal as the vinyl settles
  • Edges may feel slightly tacky or soft in the first few days – do not pick, rub, or test for adhesion
  • If you believe an area is lifting or failing, contact LuxeArt before touching or attempting to fix it

Aftercare & Maintenance

How to Keep Your 3M Vinyl Wrap Looking Fresh Long-Term

After your vinyl wrap has fully cured (72 hours post-install), proper maintenance is the key to keeping it clean, vibrant, and protected.

Washing Instructions:

  • Hand wash only for the first 14 days
  • After that, hand washing is preferred long-term
  • Use pH-neutral automotive soaps only – avoid degreasers, citrus cleaners, or bug/tar removers

Are Car Washes Safe?

  • Touchless car washes are safe after 14 days – but use sparingly
  • Brush washes are NEVER allowed – they damage the vinyl and void your warranty
  • If you use a touchless wash, inspect all edges afterward

Drying:

  • Use a soft microfiber towel
  • Do not rub aggressively on edges, seams, or recessed areas

Avoid These Products:

  • No petroleum-based waxes, solvent sprays, or abrasive compounds
  • No ceramic sprays unless verified to be vinyl-safe

Protect Your Investment Further

LuxeArt recommends R1 Nano Ceramic Coating for Vinyl Wraps:

  • Prevents fading, water spotting, and light scratching
  • Shields against bird droppings, tree sap, and pollution
  • Boosts color depth and gloss
  • Makes cleaning easier and keeps your wrap looking new
Ask your installer about upgrading to R1 Wrap Ceramic once your wrap has fully cured.

3M Vinyl Wrap – Warranty

Warranty Coverage ∓ Customer Responsibility

3M Vinyl Wrap – Installed by LuxeArt

LuxeArt provides premium wrap installation using 3M high-performance vinyl films. Your wrap is covered by a Limited Warranty for material performance and professional install quality.

What’s Covered:

  • Peeling, lifting, or bubbling due to adhesive failure or install defect
  • Excessive discoloration or fading not caused by chemicals or neglect
  • Wrap separation not caused by impact, pressure, or edge abuse
  • Premature delamination on flat painted vertical panels

Warranty coverage ranges from 3 to 5 years, depending on the wrap series and surface orientation (vertical surfaces last longer than horizontal or curved areas).

What’s NOT Covered:

  • Physical damage from rocks, scratches, impacts, or vandalism
  • Chemical damage from degreasers, bug removers, or unapproved soaps
  • Edge failure caused by pressure washers, car washes, or poor maintenance
  • Fading or shrinkage due to improper care, extreme sun exposure, or neglect
  • Film lifting due to picking, rubbing, or cleaning with abrasive materials
  • Wraps applied to textured plastics, low-energy surfaces, or curved/high-stretch areas
  • Any damage due to weather (hail, excessive snow/ice scraping, etc.)
  • Color shift or surface cracking due to misuse or aftermarket sealants/waxes

Important Liability Terms:

  • You must report any visible issue within 5 calendar days of noticing it
  • Waiting weeks or months voids eligibility for free correction
  • Warranty is valid only for the original vehicle owner
  • Warranty is void if the film is removed, modified, or repaired by anyone other than LuxeArt
  • Warranty does not cover paint blending, panel repainting, or any OEM substrate issues beneath the vinyl

Panel-Specific Exclusions:

Certain surfaces on your vehicle are more prone to early failure due to material limitations. The following areas are installed at customer request and are not covered under warranty:

Textured Plastic Trim & Moldings:

3M vinyl is designed for smooth painted surfaces. On textured plastics, the adhesive cannot fully bond, leading to premature lifting, bubbling, or edge failure, especially under heat or pressure washing.

Deep Curves, High-Stretch Zones & Recessed Panels:

Areas like bumpers, mirrors, louvers, and door handles often require vinyl to be stretched past its manufacturer limit, which may cause long-term shrinkage, distortion, or separation.

Horizontal Surfaces (Roofs, Hood Tops, Mirror Caps):

These areas receive more direct UV exposure and heat stress, which may cause fading, premature wear, or color shift faster than vertical panels. These are not covered under 3M’s vertical warranty expectation.

These zones are installed for cosmetic purposes only, and durability will vary based on usage and environmental conditions.