What Is A Vehicle Wrap?

If you’ve ever seen a car, truck, or bus that’s been completely covered in advertising or a design that looks too intricate to be a paint job, then you’ve witnessed a vehicle wrap in action. Vehicle wraps are becoming an increasingly popular way to market businesses and products. Or a way to simply change the appearance of a vehicle! But what exactly is a vehicle wrap? Keep reading to find out all about this and get answers to many of the most common questions about vehicle wrapping.

What Is A Vehicle Wrap?

A vehicle wrap is a large piece of printed vinyl that covers the entire exterior surface of a car, truck, bus, or other type of vehicle. Vehicle wraps can be as simple or detailed as you want them to be. They can include just text and graphics, or they can also include photographs and videos.

Can I Get My Vehicle Wrapped?

Yes! You can wrap just about any type of vehicle. However, the current paint needs to be clean and undamaged so the vinyl will adhere properly. Thus, before a vinyl vehicle wrap can be applied to your car, you or a professional will need to prepare the car to receive a wrap. 

Because the vinyl clings to every indentation, if there is rust or chips in the paint, then vinyl may not successfully mask it and could bubble up instead. So while it’s common for vehicle owners to use a vehicle wrap to cover or hide damage, it’s important to note that the quality of the wrap’s adhesion is largely determined by the smoothness of the base surface.

What Does Vehicle Wrapping Entail?

When you have a car, truck, bus, or other vehicle wrapped, the wrap company will start by measuring the surface area that needs to be covered. They will then create a custom wrap design that is printed on vinyl. The vinyl is then cut to shape and applied to the vehicle surface. The installation process can take a few days. It involves laying the vinyl sticker panels on the vehicle with squeegees, trimming the sticker panels at the edges, and then applying heat to set the material and ensure proper anchoring.

Is Vehicle Wrapping My Car Safe?

Yes, vehicle wrapping is safe for your car. The vinyl used in wraps is made of high-quality materials that are designed to last for years. Vinyl wrapping is safest on vehicles that are less than 5 years old, have nobody damage or non-OEM paintwork or coating, and have no chips or cracks. In fact, if your car’s paint is in great condition, a vehicle wrap will actually protect the paint! This can be great for resale value, especially if you’re using vehicle wraps for branding on fleet vehicles that you plan to trade out in a few years. Or perhaps you bought a car but don’t love the color. If you paint it, you may have a harder time selling it later. However, a wrap can be customized to fit your taste and will keep that original paint job fresh. 

One thing to note, though, is that if the quality of the vehicle paint isn’t very good to start with, there will be a greater risk of damage during the installation and removal process. 

Can I DIY Vehicle Wrap My Car?

Yes, you can! However, if you’re not familiar with the process or don’t have the proper tools and materials, it’s best to leave it to the professionals. Wrap companies have the experience and equipment necessary to get a great result. So whether you decide to do it yourself or have a professional do it for you, wrapping your vehicle is a great way to change its look.

Takeaways on Vehicle Wraps

A vehicle wrap is a great way to advertise your business or simply change up the look of a vehicle. It can function as a mobile billboard to promote your business or bring you joy by elevating the style of your personal vehicle. 

Do you have more questions about vehicle wraps? Check out all the resources on our website. We have plenty of answers to common questions and concerns and can help you get started on creating a wrap that’s perfect for your needs.