Vinyl wrap is one of the most popular ways to customize your car. It’s easy to apply and can last for years without fading or peeling, making it an excellent option for both new cars and older vehicles. Many professional brands like Mercedes-Benz and Porsche use vinyl wraps on their cars before they’re even sold to give them an extra layer of protection from scratches and dings that come with daily use.
If you’re ready for an upgrade on your ride but want to avoid breaking the bank by buying a brand-new one, consider applying a vinyl wrap instead.
Vinyl Wraps vs. Paint
According to Bankrate, a showroom-quality paint job can cost as high as $20,000 in some cases. Vinyl wraps are a popular alternative to paint because they’re cheaper and much easier to apply and remove.
If you want your car wrapping to match the color of your vehicle, there’s no need for an expensive paint job. Just lay down a vinyl wrap when it’s convenient for you. And since vinyl wraps don’t require special tools or equipment, you can save even more money by doing it yourself.
But what about permanent sealing? You may wonder whether or not a vinyl car wrap can withstand all weather conditions. Fortunately, this is not an issue at all. While they won’t last forever, their lifespan will easily exceed ten years without showing noticeable signs of wear or damage.
Furthering this longevity is the fact that most people will choose matte finishes over glossy ones. These give off less light reflection and thus reduce fading over time.
In addition to being less expensive than traditional auto body painting methods and durable enough for long-term use, there are other benefits as well. These include being able to apply them directly onto any surface type without having prior preparation work done beforehand, like sanding/priming/basecoat, etc.
Why a Vinyl Wrap?
If you’re considering having your new car painted, it’s essential to understand that the cost of a custom paint job can be high. In addition to the base cost of getting your car painted, there will also be additional charges for any touch-ups or fixes that need to be done down the line.
Vinyl wrap is a much cheaper alternative than painting because no paint is required, and it can last up to two years or longer if well-maintained. According to Inside Network, a full wrap can cost anywhere between $1800 to $6000.
Also, as per Grand View Research, there’s surging demand for customized graphics to give a personalized touch to their vehicles. Vinyl wraps are ideal for those who want a customized design on their car rather than a permanent one. You can easily remove it by using heat guns or even razor blades.
Since vinyl wraps don’t require expensive tools like sprayers or brushes, they have become increasingly popular among DIY enthusiasts who enjoy doing their own work instead of hiring someone else whenever they want something done differently on their cars.
The Preparation Process
The preparation process is essential to getting your vinyl wrap to look great. It is where you will ensure no oils or dirt on your car’s surface and that it is completely dry before applying the vinyl. Otherwise, you risk having an adhesive transfer to your paintwork and causing damage over time.
To avoid this, we recommend using a plastic sheet to protect your paintwork before beginning any application process. If possible, always use a cutting tool, such as an electric knife or a vinyl cutter, when cutting out your decals so that no blade marks are left behind on them or between them when pulling them apart from each other later down the line.
Choosing Where to Apply the Vinyl Wrap
You want to avoid vinyl wraps on surfaces with rough textures, like rope or wood. If you’re unsure if your chosen surface is too textured, try running a credit card over it. If it catches at all, it’s too rough.
It’s also essential to ensure that the surface isn’t dirty before applying your new wrap. If you can’t get all the dirt off by hand with soap and water, use an all-purpose cleaner or rubbing alcohol for stubborn spots.
Choosing the Best Vinyl for Your Car
When choosing your vinyl wrap, be sure to choose one that is suited to your vehicle. Some vinyl wraps are more durable than others, so it’s essential to find one that will last for as long as possible.
You’ll also need to consider the environment where you will park your car. If it will be parked in hot or cold weather, look for vinyl with good flexibility and durability in both climates.
Choose the correct installer for your needs. A professional installer can make all the difference between an average wrap job and a flawless finish.
Cleaning Your Car for the Wrap
Before you start, ensure your car has been thoroughly washed and dried. If there are any stickers or decals on the vehicle, remove them. The surface of the vinyl will not adhere properly, if it comes into contact with adhesives from other materials.
After washing your car with soap and water, use a microfiber towel to wipe down all surfaces to which you’ll apply the vinyl wrap. You want to remove any dirt, wax, or grease from these areas, which will cause bubbles in your wrap when applied. Be thorough in this step.
The most important part of this process is ensuring there are no cracks in your paint job that could show through once you apply the wrap over the top. Any scratches or chips in your paint job will also be visible after applying some types of wraps, so make sure those are fixed before starting on this project.
Taking Care of Your Decals, Wraps, and Vehicle Graphics
Taking care of your decals, wraps, and vehicle graphics is reasonably straightforward. The best way to ensure they remain in good condition is to keep them clean and waxed regularly. Remember, don’t use harsh chemicals when cleaning the exterior of your vehicle. They can damage the surface of your decals.
Regarding washing, it’s best not to use a pressure washer or hose on these surfaces because there is less chance of scratching or scuffing if you wash by hand with mild detergent and soft cloths. Also, avoid using brushes or sponges on these materials, as this will help prevent any damage from occurring during regular maintenance activities such as washing or waxing the car.
Conclusion
Once you know what you’re doing, vinyl wraps can easily apply to your car. It’s a fun way to customize your vehicle and make it stand out from the crowd. The best part is that once you get a good quality wrap, you’ll never have to worry about painting or polishing again.