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What chemicals should be avoided with vinyl decals?

Acid and Corrosive Salt Cleaners are extremely dangerous to the decal and the surface underneath (ie – the paint).

Overview: Sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄) and Hydrofluoric acid (HF) and phosphoric acid (H₃PO₄) and ammonium bifluoride (NH4HF2) are found in many cleaners and are doubly horrible to spray anywhere near a decal.  

Warning: These chemicals are found not only in wheel cleaners and aluminum brighteners but even in some paint polish/waxes and automotive cleaners and of course automated car washes.
Warning: The ingredients on the label may list a derivative of these acids and salts.  Google your ingredients to be sure they are truly safe and do not contain the above chemicals.

Acid and salt chemicals can destroy your paint and decalSo what is the issue?  Well, in theory these products are safe.  Well safe-ish to use under the perfect conditions.  If sprayed on in the shade at lower temps and then washed right off, no damage may ever be seen.  However with continued use there could be problems, not just for the decal but also for the paint.

These salts and acids can adhere and stay on the decal EVEN  IF WASHED OFF later (similar to how a sponge holds water).  At that point the acid will just sit there and EAT at the decal and PAINT.  It might take years to see any issues.  It might happen the first time.  It may never happen.  But don’t risk it.

DO NOT spray, even accidently, any of these acids or salts on the decal.  Not even for a second.  Not worth the gamble.  

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