Vehicle Wraps Aren’t Just for Company Vehicles Anymore

OCTOBER 27, 2020| SpeedPro LA North

Have you ever driven to work or out to the grocery store and noticed company vehicles with their branding all over them? Some might only have the logo on the doors, while others are completely covered up by these graphics. These vehicles are not painted, they are simply wrapped in vinyl. These vehicle wraps are popular with businesses looking to unify their fleet vehicles or simply advertise their small business in a big way. While most people typically associate vehicle wraps with businesses and delivery trucks, we are seeing a rise in popularity for the every-day person. From car enthusiasts to people looking to change up the look of their vehicle, people are turning to vehicle wraps for their personal vehicles instead of the traditional paint job. Paint jobs still have their advantages, but vehicle wraps are quickly becoming the go-to method for complete vehicle customization.

What is a wrap?

Vehicle wraps start off as big rolls of vinyl that come in assorted colors and textures, which one of the many reasons it has become popular. Vinyl can come in just about any solid color, and those looking to get bold with their vehicle wrap can also choose from wraps that look holographic, mimic chrome, leather, and even fiberglass. These wraps also come in a variety of textures to match the feel of what you want your car to be: matte, semi-gloss, satin, and hi-gloss. After the vehicle to be wrapped is washed and prepped, these large rolls of vinyl are then cut to fit each area of the car and are applied like a giant sticker. Vehicle wrap installers take a great amount of care and attention to detail to ensure that no air bubbles remain and that each piece of vinyl fits perfectly. Much like applying fondant to a cake, the wrap must be stretched and trimmed in certain tricky areas that might be recessed or raised to ensure proper adherence. After all the vinyl is applied, the post-heating process begins in which a heat gun applies hot air to areas that have been stretched and trimmed. The vehicle is given a final cleaning and that ends the process.

Why should you choose a vehicle wrap?

Durability: While the paint on a vehicle is meant to be durable, it is susceptible to scratches, paint chips from little rocks, and fading due to the sun’s UV rays. Vehicle wrap vinyl is much more durable with physical damage and is not as prone to becoming sun-bleached. Vehicle wraps are meant to last up to 10 years, and can even double as protection for the paint job your vehicle currently has. Many customers are interested in preserving their vehicle’s pristine paint for resale value and opt for a vehicle wrap to do just that. After the removal of a vehicle wrap, your paint will look just as good as the day it was applied! Due to their durability, vehicle wraps are also much easier to maintain. While regular car paint requires you to wax your car, add protective coatings, and shade it from the sun, vehicle wraps only require a quick cleaning with soap and water.

Affordability: Traditional paint jobs can be quite costly and run you anywhere from $1,000-$10,000. There are a few factors at play that affect the price of a paint job. The first thing is the shop you are taking your vehicle to. Not all body shops can produce a high-quality paint job and while $1,000 may not seem like too much, you always get what you pay for. Other factors include the size of the vehicle, the color the vehicle will be repainted, and of course, labor. Paint jobs ranging from $7,000-$10,000 are not very typical since they tend to include specialty colors, customization, and fine detail work. You would still be looking at an average price of around $5,000 for a traditional paint job. Vehicle vinyl wraps are more affordable with the average cost being between $2,500 to $5,000. Of course, there are also a few factors that could either increase or decrease the cost of the wrap. Will the entire vehicle need a wrap or only certain sections? What is the size of the vehicle? The type of vinyl will also impact pricing. A vinyl that mimics the standard car paint would be less than a vinyl that mimics chrome.

Installation Time: The process of a paint job on a vehicle is quite time-consuming. The car must first be stripped of all its current paint which involves sanding the paint off until you hit an even layer of metal. After the paint has been completely removed, the vehicle must then be primed and sanded. Paint is then applied in multiple coats and finished with a clear topcoat. After your vehicle has been repainted, there is still an additional wait period for the paint to properly cure. It is also recommended that after you have received your painted vehicle that you drive it as little as possible to continue to let the paint cure, as well as avoid parking under any trees that could drop debris on the new paint. This process can take anywhere from a few days to even a couple of weeks. The vehicle wrapping process is much less involved and can be completed within a few hours and the vehicle is ready to drive as soon as it has been picked up. There is no need to be cautious about what may fall on the vehicle as well, the vinyl wrap will not be affected by fallen debris.

Vehicle wraps are a great way to change up the look of your car without having to go through the hassle of a paint job. And they are absolutely for your personal car and not just the company vehicle! However, if you do happen to also have a company vehicle, wraps are ideal in communicating your company’s branding where ever you may be.

If you would like to know more about what can be done with vinyl vehicle wraps, reach out to us here at SpeedPro LA North and we can answer any questions you may have. We carry a wide variety of vinyl colors and textures to perfectly suit your vehicle’s personality.