Vinyl car wrapping is an innovative way to quickly customise the appearance of your ride without incurring lasting damage. Utilising thin removable vinyl films applied directly onto its exterior surface, this method offers affordable yet customisable looks for unique aesthetics. However, it’s important to consider the pros and cons of vehicle wraps, as this technique might not suit every car owner.
Vinyl wraps provide many benefits. Not only will they shield against minor scratches, chips and UV rays, but their lower cost also saves money when compared with custom painting jobs. Plus, you have plenty of colour choices, patterns and designs available so your car truly reflects you!
But car vinyl wrapping does have some drawbacks. It’s important to consider whether selling a wrapped car decreases its value, as professional installation is key for achieving a professional-looking result; otherwise, it could bubble, peel off, or cause permanent damage to the paint job. Over time, vinyl wraps may fade and peel, needing regular touch-ups or replacements – creating additional expenses when selling your vehicle. Also, some individuals worry that its value has been affected when selling it off.
Understanding Car Vinyl Wrapping Basics
Car vinyl wrapping changes a vehicle's look by adding a thin, sticky vinyl film to its outside. It lets you choose from many designs, like solid colours, metallic, matte, and holographic.
What Is Vehicle Vinyl Wrapping?
Vehicle vinyl wrapping involves applying a thin vinyl film over the paintwork on a car's body in three days using special tools and processes that require cleaning, careful application and heat for long-term success. However, you might wonder, can you wrap a car with scratches? It’s important to ensure the surface is smooth and free of imperfections for the best results.
If you'd like to learn more about vinyl wrapping, you can read our previous article by clicking HERE.
Benefits of Vinyling a Car
Partial wraps enable you to target specific parts, like your car bonnet, roof, doors or windows for an updated and stylish appearance at a fraction of the cost. Below is a guide of recommended sizes for various partial wrap areas so as to guarantee perfect application:
| Wrap Area | Recommended Size (ft) | Application |
| Fender | 5' x 3.3' | Suitable for all vehicle types. |
| Hood | 5' x 10' | Applicable to all vehicle types. |
| Roof | 5' x 10' | Ideal for sedans, SUVs, and trucks. |
| Bumpers | 5' x 16' | Applicable to all vehicle types. |
| Trunk | 5' x 10' | Suitable for most vehicle types. |
| Doors | 5' x 5' per door | Ideal for sedans, SUVs, and vans. |
| Window Wrap | 5' x 5' per window | Perforated vinyl for advertising or design. |
| Racing Stripes | Variable | Custom lengths depending on the car. |
| Decals | Variable | Custom lengths depending on the car. |
Vinyling a car offers many advantages over traditional paint jobs. It is often cheaper and quicker to change its appearance; custom wrap prices often fall below custom paint costs; wraps help protect existing paint which increases resale value; they allow you to choose colours, textures, and designs you might otherwise never consider; for businesses they act as mobile advertisements!
Installing a vinyl wrap can be done quickly and without damage to the original paint, taking only three or four days. Cleaning with soap and water makes upkeep easy; plus you can transform the look of your car effortlessly as this doesn't alter its original paintwork.
Vinyl wraps can extend the lifespan of existing paint while protecting it against further wear and tear. At up to 60% cheaper than custom paint solutions, these vinyl wraps can offer extra protection and come in numerous colours, finishes, and textures - providing your car with extended longevity and added peace of mind.
Vinyl wraps last about 3 to 5 years with proper care. They also protect the car's paint, making it look better for longer.
"Vinyl wrapping is a cost-effective and flexible way to customise your car's appearance without the long-term commitment of a paint job." - John Smith, Automotive Technician, Yorkshire.
Common Challenges and Drawbacks of Vehicle Wraps
Car wraps offer many benefits, yet also present unique challenges. One issue that often arises with wrap installation is professional installation being required if any errors in placement arise; otherwise you might experience bubbles, wrinkles or the wrap deteriorating quickly. Furthermore, keeping temperatures below 20 degrees to ensure it adheres correctly.
Does selling a wrapped car decrease its value?
This is something many car owners consider before opting for a vinyl wrap. Installation and Quality Issues. Car wraps don't always perform well on cars that have paint damage or rust issues that compromise their aesthetic or quality of the wrap. Using a heat gun is especially helpful to ensure wrinkle-free coverage on complex surfaces without wrinkles or tears forming in the fabric. See what the 5 most common issues when wrapping a vehicle here.
Concerns about Removing the Wrap
Car owners frequently worry that removing their wrap will harm the paint on their car. Here's the truth: removing either paint protection film (PPF) or colour wrap from an original factory paint surface should not harm it when removed, regardless of its brand; but once your car has been repainted and wrapped again with wraps from various brands (high-end or budget-friendly), chances increase significantly for peeling during removal; no company can guarantee no such damages will occur when taking down wraps from repainted surfaces.
Paint Issues Even Without Wraps
Some vehicles, even brand-new ones, can suffer from paint issues even without wraps in place. Certain German and Japanese cars in particular often experience paint peeling around edges of bumpers or wheels without wraps being applied; This is something car wrap specialist, Arios Suzuki understands this risk well and therefore always informs their clients of such risks prior to installing wraps on their vehicles. The disadvantages of repainting a car can also influence your decision to wrap it, as repainting can lead to potential issues with durability and finish.
Wrapford is an established provider of high-quality wraps tailored to meet a range of needs, such as protection from paint chipping or damage when repainted surfaces have been covered up with new coats of paint. However, no wrap can provide 100% protection from this potential risk; regardless of its price or origin.
Wrapford provides exceptional wrapping materials, but their success relies heavily on the ability and experience of its installers. Professional installers ensure proper application, minimise risks, and guarantee performance as intended; selecting such an installer should be treated just as seriously as selecting trusted brands like Wrapford.
Maintaining Your Vehicle Wrap
Caring for your vehicle wrap takes careful attention. In particular, avoid harsh cleaners and pressure washers in order to preserve its appearance and prolong its lifespan based on factors like weather, pollution levels and how well it has been maintained.
Consider its Effect on Resale Value
Finally, think about how wrapping could impact your car's resale value. Some potential buyers might not want a wrapped vehicle, which may drive down its price. Removing the wrap should always be handled by experts to avoid damaging paintwork when taking off or installing. If you're still unsure about the decision, it’s helpful to consider the pros and cons of vehicle wraps before committing.
Conclusion
Selecting a high-quality vinyl wrap from a reliable brand is an effective way to upgrade your vehicle's aesthetic while guaranteeing long-term results. A reliable brand not only offers top quality materials that protect from scratches, UV damage and chips but also professional installation support to ensure seamless application - giving your car lasting beauty that increases value over time.
Opting for a reliable brand like ours provides peace of mind. Our wraps are built to last and resist fading with expert installation that leaves the original paint of your car undamaged and the wrap can be removed easily without leaving behind any damage behind. Investing in vinyl wrap from a trusted brand allows you to enjoy both aesthetics and practical protection for your vehicle!
