LAST UPDATED: APRIL 2024
Welcome to the new era of car customisation! Vinyl car wrapping has revolutionised the way we transform the appearance of vehicles and has become the preferred method of colour customisation for a lot of enthusiasts. In this blog, we’ll take a look at the vinyl wrap process and compare its benefits in comparison to paint.
So how does a vinyl wrap work? Basically, vinyl film is applied to the auto body in large sheets to transform the vehicle’s appearance. It all starts with selecting the style of vinyl wrap, which comes in an array of colours, finishes (such as satin, gloss, matte), textures (like carbon fibre or metallic), and qualities, allowing for endless possibilities. Some wraps even have special effects like colour-shifting or chrome finishes.
Before the magic happens, the surface of the car is thoroughly cleaned with a full decontamination wash to ensure the surface is free from any contaminants that could interfere with the adhesion of the vinyl. This step also ensures a smooth application that not only looks great but lasts long too. Any parts that need to be wrapped individually, like the door handles and mirrors, are removed. Some vehicles need more parts removed such as the front bar, but this is completely dependent on the vehicle.
Now that the prep is complete, large pieces of vinyl are applied to each panel and with the application of heat, the wrap is conformed to the shape of the car. Edges are trimmed and tucked away or contoured into fittings, and this step requires high attention to detail to achieve that seamless, professional finish. The individually wrapped parts are then reattached and a ceramic coating is applied to the whole vehicle. Most professional wrap shops will include the ceramic coating as part of the wrap service, but if not, it’s worth asking to have it done for the longevity of the vinyl. So, why should you choose to wrap your car over painting?
Customisability & Personalisation
One of the most exciting things about vinyl wrap is endless design possibilities. There’s many vinyl manufacturers and they all have a long list of unique colours, finishes and textures. Some have colour-changing properties, carbon fibre textures, chrome finishes, sparkles, galaxy print, you name it. You can also print complex custom designs, liveries and business signs onto vinyl, making the design choices literally infinite. On top of that, there’s small styling changes you can add like different colours, door handles, roof wraps or stripes. Want your car to match your favourite sports team? No problem. Want to cover your car in pepperoni like a pizza? Done. Custom camo print? You got it.
Vinyl wrapping offers unparalleled levels of personalisation and versatility unlike traditional paint jobs, which often come with limitations in colour options and design flexibility.
Protection
Another compelling reason to go for vinyl wrap over paint is the added layer of protection it offers. The vinyl acts as a physical barrier against the elements, protecting the underlying paint from scratches, stone chirps, UV rays and debris. Those who wish to protect the resale value of their vehicle can enjoy peace of mind knowing the factory paint is preserved and safeguarded, especially those who have a limited edition or sought after colour. When the vinyl is removed, the paint job is returned to its untouched condition. Paint on the other hand, is susceptible to damage even if you get the best paint money can buy.
Removability
Ah, the beauty of removability- yet another reason to go for vinyl wrap over paint. Picture this: you’ve wrapped your car in a stunning design, but as time goes by, you’re looking for another change. No problem! With wrap, if you’re unsatisfied with the current wrap or simply want to change up the design, you have the freedom to do so. You can change the colour every few years if you wish, keeping your ride looking fresh without the long-term commitment that comes with paint.
And, if you need to sell your car quickly, you can simply remove it and sell it with paint in perfect condition due to the protection the vinyl has provided. This is great if you’re someone who wants to go for an adventurous design but are worried about your car’s resale value. So whether you’re a trendsetter who wants to stay ahead of the auto design curve or someone who values flexibility, vinyl wrapping has got you covered.
Turn Around Time
Lastly, when it comes to turn around time, vinyl wrapping takes the cake. Let’s break it down: traditional paint jobs require meticulous prep time including sanding, priming, curing, not to mention multiple coats of paint and drying time in between. It’s a process that can take weeks to complete. The type of finishes that wraps can achieve are often the same as those that require extensive time and effort in the paint shop. From sleek matte finishes to eye-catching metallic sheens, vinyl wraps can deliver stunning results without the lengthy process. Most vinyl wraps can be completed in just one week, or a few days depending on the crew size of the wrap shop. So whether you’re itching to hit the road with a fresh look or want to minimise downtime, vinyl wrapping offers a speedy solution that doesn’t compromise on quality. With quick turn-around times and impressive results, it’s no wonder why more and more car enthusiasts are choosing vinyl wrapping as their go-to customization option.
Some FAQs
I chatted with Sean from Wrap Wise, a premium wrap shop in Brisbane, to help me answer some frequently asked questions about vinyl wraps.
Q: How long does a vinyl wrap last?
A: 3 to 5 years depending on maintenance and the brand of film (some brands are higher quality than others)
Q: How long does it take to wrap a full car?
A: At Wrap Wise it typically takes 5-7 days to complete a full colour change wrap.
Q: What is the average price of a wrap compared to paint?
A: For the unique colours and finishes that we achieve with wrap, the same paint job can be anywhere from $10K – $20K, whereas a vinyl wrap is typically $5K – $8K
Q: What’s the maintenance like for a wrap?
A: The maintenance for a vinyl wrap is pretty straightforward, a yearly checkup and yearly ceramic coating as well as professional detailing
So there you have it, with its unparalleled level of personalisation, protective benefits for your car’s paint, easy removability, and lightning-fast turn-around times, it’s clear why vinyl wrapping has become the go-to choice for drivers looking to make a statement on the road. Whether you’re craving a new look, aiming to preserve your car’s resale value, or simply want to stand out from the crowd, vinyl wrapping offers a winning combination of style, convenience, and practicality.
