Car Film Wrapping
Car wrapping is a way to change the color of your vehicle without damaging the paint underneath. It also offers an infinite number of graphics and designs that you can’t get with a paint job.
Wraps can be digitally printed or solid color and come in matte or glossy finishes. When a wrap is maintained properly, it can last up to 5 years.
What is a Wrap?
Wraps are large vinyl decals adhered over the painted portions of a vehicle, including the hood, doors, roof and fenders. They allow car owners to alter the appearance of their vehicles to be as moderate, outrageous or even informative (in the case of corporate vehicle wraps) as they wish.
Unlike paint, vehicle wraps don’t chip or fade, and they can be easily removed when it’s time to trade in or sell the car. Many people choose wraps because they’re less expensive than a paint job. Wraps also offer a wider array of colors and finishes, and can be used to create designs that aren’t possible with paint.
The cost of wrapping a vehicle can vary depending on the type and size of the wrap, as well as the installation method. The manufacturer of the wrap can affect the price as well. Gloss, matte and satin finish options are available, as well as chrome wraps.
A professional car wrapping company will be able to produce a high-quality wrap that looks like paint and protects the vehicle. They’ll also be able to make a car look more attractive by adding graphics or logos that will add value and raise the vehicle’s trade-in or resale value. The car wrap will also be easy to maintain, requiring just a gentle wash with pH-balanced soap and water.
Designing a Wrap
A vehicle wrap design should be perfectly tailored to the specific make and model of your car, and the existing paint color. If there Cutting Vinyl Rolls are any aftermarket modifications, those also need to be considered. Creating a design that is not an exact fit will result in awkward creases and uneven coverage.
The design should be bright and eye-catching. A wrap is a huge canvas that will be seen by many people, and it should communicate your brand and message in a memorable way. The design should also include any necessary contact information.
Using a high resolution image is important for a wrap because it will be blown up to a gigantic size. Low resolution images will look pixelated and will not give your wrap the quality it needs.
It is also important to consider the placement of any images, text, logos, and designs. Isolating graphic-heavy elements to the left and right sides of the Car Film Wrapping vehicle, and putting simpler, text-based information to the rear is usually a good idea.
It is best to use a color palette that reflects your company’s branding, and is in harmony with the existing colors of the vehicle. This will help to ensure that your wrap looks great and that the color scheme will not clash with the car’s paint job. Also, it is a good idea to proof your design before printing to ensure that there are no blemishes that may show up on the finished wrap. Using a software application that supports a soft proofing option is an excellent choice for this task.
Wrap Installation
Whether it’s a full wrap, partial wrap or spot graphics (lettering and numbering), a quality installation is key. A professional car wrap installer is trained by companies like 3M and Avery Dennison and should be able to show you photos of his or her work. He or she also needs to be a good communicator and able to take accurate measurements.
Before starting any wrapping, make sure the surface is clean and dry. Sweep or vacuum the area thoroughly and wipe again with isopropyl alcohol and a lint-free cloth. This is especially important because vinyl wraps accentuate dirt and other imperfections.
It’s also important to choose the right type of film. There are two kinds: calendered and cast. Calendered is thicker and less flexible, and it resists conforming to the creases and curves of a vehicle. Cast, on the other hand, is more pliable and can be applied to even the most complicated surfaces.
Once the film is cut and ready to be installed, work on a warm day. The temperature of the wrap and the vehicle should be roughly the same to ensure proper adhesion. Using a non-contact infrared thermometer will help you monitor this. Start at the center of the car and work your way outward, making sure you have enough vinyl to tuck edges.
Wrap Maintenance
Wraps can protect the existing paint, change the appearance of a vehicle or add company graphics. They are available in many colors, patterns and designs. Wraps are also removable, allowing owners to return their vehicles to their original factory finish.
Maintaining a wrap requires regular cleaning with a mild detergent or specialized vinyl cleaner. Do not use harsh chemicals or abrasive tools. It is best to hand wash a wrapped vehicle rather than send it through an automatic carwash. The brushes used by automated washes may scratch the vinyl film.
When washing a wrapped vehicle, it is important to rinse the car first with distilled water before soaping it up and then rinsing again. Distilled water has fewer minerals than tap or well water and it will help prevent water spots on the wrapped car.
If you do find a small stain or spill, spot treating the area can remove it. Regularly waxing the wrap is also recommended to keep its appearance. The workshop that applies the wrap should have a protocol for this, as should the manufacturer. If the wrap becomes damaged, it is important to get any scratches or dents repaired as soon as possible. This will help extend the life of the wrap and improve its effectiveness.
