Vehicle Wraps Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to wrap a car?
A well cared for vinyl wrap can last for up to 7 years. (We’ve seen some last longer, but these were mostly show cars that didn’t see much time outside.) We usually give a lifespan of 5-7 years for our color change films (3M, Avery, etc…) and 5 years for our digitally printed wraps.
How much does it cost to vinyl wrap a car?
Wraps are priced using a combination of square footage, complexity and (if required) design services. An average full wrap on a vehicle can range from $2,000 to $4,500 depending on the amount of square footage and services required. The vehicle wrap industry is most definitely a “get what you pay for” industry.
What is a vehicle wrap made of?
Wraps are made from pressure-activated adhesive-backed vinyl – which is a fancy way to say they are big stickers or decals. Most wraps are digitally printed onto this vinyl, and then laminated with a clear film that provides protection from the sun and other elements.
How is a vehicle wrap different than paint?
Paint is permanent. Vehicle Wraps actually protect your cars painted surface, and can be removed when it comes time to trade-in, or sell your car. In addition to being wrap installation professionals, we are also capable of striping your vehicle, should the need arise.
Will a vehicle wrap harm my vehicles surface?
A vehicle wrap also protects your paint from the harmful effects of mother nature. In addition to UV protection, the vehicle wrap will stop chips, scratches, acid-rain and more, and since the vehicle wrap is not permanent, your paint will look just as pristine as it did the day you dropped your car off to be wrapped. The benefits are two-fold, your will be adding resale value to your vehicle, all while promoting your business.
How should I care for my vehicle wrap?
Mild soap and water will do fine. We do recommend that the vehicle is washed regularly, as road grime can cause vehicle wrap fatigue and negate the vinyl manufacturers warranty.
How should I care for my vehicle wrap?
Mild soap and water will do fine. We do recommend that the vehicle is washed regularly, as road grime can cause vehicle wrap fatigue and negate the vinyl manufacturers warranty.
What is a Vehicle Wrap?
A Wrap is a large vinyl graphic or decal. It is applied directly over the original paint of the vehicle. The application of the Wrap allows you to change the vehicle’s appearance in a very short period of time and in turn allows you to remove the Wrap, returning the vehicle back to it’s original condition if necessary.
What’s involved in a Vehicle Wrap?
Vehicle wraps, 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 abrasions and UV rays that can cause graphics to fade over time. The third phase is installation where the vinyl is actually applied to your vehicle. In some cases there may even be a fourth phase, the removal of graphics if requested.
What’s the difference between a partial wrap and a full wrap?
Anything less than a full wrap is normally called a “partial wrap.” ½ partial wrap normally includes the entire rear of the vehicle and ½ way up the vehicle, and includes a hood logo. ¾ partial wrap normally includes the entire rear of the vehicle and ¾ way up the vehicle, and includes a hood logo. Typically, a Full Wrap includes the entire surface of the vehicle.
How long will the wrap stay on my vehicle?
Normally, you can leave a wrap on between 1 to 6 years. Life of your wrap depends on many factors but the main factor will be exposure to the sun. In general, a high performance cast vinyl wrap using solvent long life inks and a UV protective over laminate can last 3 to 6 years.
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.
Do I have to wash my vehicle before installation?
Yes. All vehicles have to be free of dust, mud, wax, oil, armor-all type products, and other agents that may prevent the vinyl from adhering to the vehicle surface during the installation process. Even if you clean the vehicle yourself Unitech Applications will still do extensive prep work to the vehicle to ensure it is ready for the vehicle wrap. Most vehicles need to be high pressure washed with detergent. After washing, it is also critical to prep the vehicle surface with degreasers, alcohols and other solvents.
Do I need to bring my vehicle in for measurements?
Yes. Unitech Applications utilizes a software program that has accurate dimension of most standard production run cars, trucks, vans, and trailers. This program will be used to design the wrap but accurate measurements will need to be taken prior to production of the wrap.
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 preparation than a vehicle wrap. Often a full wrap applied by Unitech Applications on a standard automobile can be done in one to two days.
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.
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.
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. Size of the vehicle, amount of the vehicle to be wrapped and type of vehicle play a part in cost. In general, vehicles with compound-curves, or indentions, like a VW Bug or PT Cruiser are more difficult and more expensive to wrap than a box van with flat surfaces. Partial wraps are a great way to minimize cost as opposed to a full wrap. Cast vinyl which is used on vehicle wraps is more expensive and lasts longer than the calendered vinyl which is used for general signage.
How can I justify the cost of a vehicle wrap?
If you are using your vehicle wrap as signage there is no more cost-effective advertising method available. It has been proven that the cost per impression 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 your vehicle, digitally printed vehicle wraps can simply not be duplicated by other methods such as paint or air brush.
Can you easily remove vinyl graphics used for wraps?
Yes, in most cases, if you follow guidelines from Unitech Applications. In general, all vinyls tend to be harder to remove the longer they remain on the vehicle because the adhesives tend to build up a bond over time. Heat is often used to soften the vinyl and its adhesive in order to assist in the removal of the vinyl. There are also special chemicals and special tools available to assist in the removal of vinyl.
Can I see through vinyl on the windows?
You can see through window graphics that are printed on perforated window film. Window perf vinyl is vinyl that is perforated with very small holes that allow you to see out. From inside the vehicle visibility is similar to regular window tint. From the outside the graphic is visible. For safety reasons the front windshield and front driver and passenger windows are not able to be covered. Rear windshield and rear windows on passenger and driver side doors can normally have vinyl graphics.
Is it normal to have some wrinkles or bubbles?
No. Wrinkles and bubbles are not acceptable.
What are some of the benefits of advertising with Vehicle Wraps?
Cost – Take billboards for example. Average billboard prices are $500 to $600 per month or $6000 to $7200 per year. Average wrap prices range from $2000 to $3500 for a three year advertisement. Broken down, you are spending $56 to $98 per month for what is essentially a rolling billboard. Turn your gas dollars into advertising dollars!