1. What is a Vehicle Wrap?
A wrap is a large vinyl graphic or decal that is applied over the original paint of the vehicle.
2. What's involved in a Vehicle Wrap?
Vehicle wraps, including bus wraps and fleet wraps, are comprised of three phases. The first is the design phase which includes getting accurate measurements for the vehicle and actual design of the graphics to be applied. The second is the production phase where the graphic is printed and then laminated to protect the vinyl from abrasion and UV rays that can cause graphics to fade over time. The third is installation where the vinyl is actually applied to the vehicle. In some cases there may be a fourth phase, the removal of the graphics if requested.
3. What's the difference between a partial and full wrap?
Anything less than a full wrap is normally called a “partial wrap.” A half wrap normally includes the entire rear of the vehicle and halfway up the vehicle, and includes a hood logo. A three-quarter wrap normally includes the entire rear of the vehicle and most of the way up the vehicle, and includes a hood logo. Typically, a full wrap includes the entire surface of the vehicle.
4. How long will the wrap stay on my vehicle?
Normally, you can leave a wrap on between one and six years. The life of your wrap depends on many factors.
5. Will a Vehicle Wrap damage my paint?
In most cases vehicle wraps will not damage factory paint jobs. Paint in poor condition may peel when vinyl is removed.
6. Do I have to wash my vehicle before installation?
Yes. All vehicles must be free of dust, mud, wax, oil, Armor-All and other agents that may prevent the vinyl from adhering to the paint surface.
7. How long will it take to wrap my vehicle?
Time to do wraps vary widely from project to project . However, in general, vehicle wraps can be done in significantly less time than painting. Paint jobs normally require curing and drying time and much more.
8. If my vinyl vehicle wrap graphics are damaged, can they be fixed?
Yes. You can normally have the damaged pieces or panels of your vehicle wrap replaced after your vehicle is repaired. You normally do not need to redo the entire wrap if the damage is limited to certain areas of the vehicle.
9. Can you wrap a leased vehicle?
You must always obtain permission to wrap a leased or rented vehicle. However, in general, most leased or rented vehicles have factory paint jobs with excellent paint quality. Vinyl applied over factory paint is best because the vinyl can be removed easier without damage or “paint peel.” Leased vehicles are often wrapped throughout the country without incident or damage.
10. How do I care for my Wrap?
Hand washing is best. Try to avoid high pressure washes and be careful never to use an ice scraper on window graphics. There are specially designed products to clean and polish vinyl graphics. We will be happy to tell you about them.
11. What is considered when calculating the cost of a Vehicle Wrap?
There are several things to consider: design time, materials (including vinyl and lamination), print and installation. The size of the vehicle to be wrapped and the type of vehicle also play a part in cost. In general, vehicles with compound curves and indentions, like a VW Bug or PT Cruiser, are more difficult and more expensive to wrap than a vehicle with less contour. Partial wraps are a great way to minimize cost as opposed to a full wrap. Cast (High performance) vinyl is more expensive then Calendared (Intermediate) vinyl but last longer, so be sure to ask for details.
12. How can I justify the cost of a vehicle wrap?
If you are using a vehicle wrap as signage, there is no more cost-effective advertising method available. It has been proven that the cost per impression (CPI) of vehicle wraps is less than other forms of advertising such as billboards, television, radio and yellow pages. If you are using your vehicle wrap to improve the appearance of you vehicle, digitally printed vehicle wraps simply can not be duplicated by more traditional methods like paint or airbrushing.
13. Can you easily remove vinyl graphics used for wraps?
Yes, in most cases. The vinyl used for vehicle wraps is designed to be removed with no residue. If the vehicle’s paint is old or peeling, it might peel up with the vinyl when it is removed.
14. Can I see through vinyl on the windows?
You can see through window graphics that are printed on window film. Window perf vinyl is perforated with very small holes that allow you to see out. From inside the vehicle, visibility is similar. For safety reasons the front windshield and the forward driver and passenger windows should not have vinyl graphics. Normally the rear windshield and rear windows on passenger and driver side doors can be covered.
15. What is the best base color for a vehicle that is going to be wrapped?
In most cases a black vehicle is preferred because it helps hide any areas that don’t match the vinyl graphics. Any base color on a vehicle can be wrapped, but the black seems to work the best. If you have a base color other than black, a design can be made to tie in with that color as well.
16. What is the best type of design in order to hide installation flaws such as wrinkles or bubbles?
Since not all bubble, wrinkles, and seams can be avoided, a very “busy” design with lots of background shapes and colors can help hide these flaws. A camouflage background is one example of a “busy” design. It has a great impact but it can still hide potential defects to the vehicle wrap.
