I recently bought a new pair of pants and immediately spilled something on them the first day I wore them. I didn't get upset, knowing that the stain was something I could get out. After treating the pants and then throwing them into the 'stain' cycle, I was crushed to find that the pants were indeed ruined. And it wasn't the stain itself that left my new pants discolored; it was how I washed them. What a disappointment!

You certainly want to avoid ruining anything you buy, particularly something you are trying to take care of by cleaning it. And when you purchase a custom truck window sticker, whether it's a vinyl graphic or a vinyl decal, you know that it will be going with you wherever your truck goes. Obviously, it's bound to get a little dirty. Is it possible to clean a custom truck window graphic without ruining it in the process?

It is, but just as I should have cleaned my pants a little differently from my other clothes, there are specific ways to clean your truck window decals and graphics that preserve the vinyl and your personal message.

What Material Are Truck Window Graphics And Decals, Anyway?

Truck window graphics and decals are both made of an adhesive vinyl material. The difference between a vinyl graphic and a vinyl decal is how each is produced. Vinyl graphics are cut from the vinyl material and arranged in layers to create a custom look using various shapes and lettering. Imagine a truck window graphic in which the vinyl lettering spells out a name or is in the shape of an image such as a logo. Multiple colors can be used in this layered look in vinyl truck window graphics.

Vinyl decals are made of the same material as the graphics, but an image is digitally printed directly onto the material rather than cut into shapes. Vinyl decals are more like stickers in how they are made and applied. Vinyl decals are especially popular for truck window stickers using photographs.

Though the colors and imaging on both vinyl graphics and vinyl decals will not fade, they are sensitive to scratching and must never be cleaned with any abrasive cleaner or cloth. But you do have a few cleaning options.

I Love To Take My Truck Through The Car Wash

A lot of people do not have the time or desire to spend all day detailing their vehicles, so they use the convenience of a car wash. If you are such a person, you may be concerned that your truck window graphic or decal may wash off after a run through the local Mr. Bubbles. For extra durable truck graphics, be sure to ask for 'DuraCast 2 mil Thickness, High-Performance Vinyl Film'. DuraCast vinyl graphics are so strong that they are rated to last outdoors for 7 -10 years. And yes, that includes multiple visits to the car wash. DuraCast is so impressively strong that it even has a higher rating an longer warranty than 3M Brand vinyl!

So if you are planning to order a custom vinyl truck graphic to last as long as your truck, get a DuraCast graphic and wash away your grime without worry.

I Just Need A Standard Truck Graphic

If you are not planning to keep your truck graphic for more than two years, there is a less expensive, intermediate rated vinyl for your custom truck window sticker. These vinyl graphics can also handle the car wash, but not for as many years. A more gentle way of cleaning these vinyl graphics and decals is simply to use a mild soap in warm water and spot clean your window sticker with a very soft cloth. As long as you avoid scratching, your vinyl truck graphic or decal will last for upi to two years.

How Do I Correctly Apply My Vinyl Truck Graphic Or Decal?

You generally have two options when it comes to applying your custom window stickers. You can have the sign shop do it for you, or you can do it yourself.

Go Ahead - Order Your Custom Vinyl Truck Graphics Or Decals Without Fear!

And don't be afraid to clean them. Just follow the proper instructions, and your custom truck window stickers will last for years to come!