Vinyl wraps have been popular since they first appeared on vehicles in 1980s. Up until then, people had been painting on their cars in order to advertise their businesses; but graphic and screen printing technology had come a long way. It had become possible even for small businesses to add sophisticated advertising to their vehicles.
Since then, vinyl wraps have exploded in both the commercial and private sector. The technology has become more precise, and it’s not just businesses who are using it. People are turning to vinyl wraps for their private vehicles to change the appearance or add custom details without harming the original paint of the vehicle.
Even so, many people still assume that vehicle wraps are only for business or commercial use. On top of that, many businesses decide not to use vehicle wraps due to fears that the vehicle will be damaged, or that alterations will be impossible.
Here are some important things you didn’t know about vehicle wraps. You might be surprised!
- 1. Washing the vehicle is not a problem (usually)
- Some vehicle wrap specialists will tell you that modern car wraps are impervious to damage from car washes, and that you can go through any car wash without worrying about it.
The truth is, you could probably go through a great many carwashes without a problem. However, there is no universal standard for automated carwashes. They can get old and break down. They can have calibration problems. The owners can cut corners. That’s why owners of classic cars, even without wraps, never use automated washes. If you’re going with a vehicle wrap, regular washing is a great idea—but hand washing is far preferable, as it removes the chances that a machine will manhandle your vinyl wrap.
- 2. It doesn’t have to cover the entire vehicle
- When vinyl wraps first became popular, they were typically used to cover the entire vehicle and give it a uniform appearance, like a paint job. Strangely, many people believe this is still the only option, despite seeing partial wraps on the roads every day.
With modern technology (and a qualified expert), it’s possible to cover any portion of the vehicle you want to cover; and if you want to do a complete vehicle wrap that gives you the appearance of a new paint job, that’s still possible too.
- 3. Vehicle wraps do not damage the original paint job
- Many vehicle owners don’t believe this fact until they have a wrap professionally removed and see with their own eyes that the paint beneath is flawless. Vehicle wrap technology involves a very thin surface applied through a gentle process—so in fact, it has the effect of protecting the paint beneath it rather than damaging it. This is assuming, of course, that the wrap is removed by a trained professional.
- 4. Vehicle wraps are (relatively) easy to remove
- Although the process seems permanent—you can drive in all kinds of weather, park on the street all winter, wash the car as you normally would—having a vehicle wrap is not a permanent proposition. If your business details change, if you’re selling the vehicle, or for any other reason need to remove the wrap, a professional can do it quickly and effectively. It should appear as though the wrap was never there at all.
What’s the best way forward?
If you’re in the market for a vehicle wrap, whether to advertise a business or just to add that custom detail to your private car or truck, the first thing you want to look for is a licensed, qualified vehicle wrap specialist. Only deal with companies that have been around at least five years, are staffed by experienced pros, and offer clear fee structures that don’t leave you scratching your head. Then you’ll be able to rely on professional results.
Good luck with your vehicle wrap designs and projects! We welcome your feedback in the space below.