You see them everywhere: brightly colored work trucks and vans, public safety vehicles with distinctive graphics, and custom show cars. Car Wraps Bradenton are quickly becoming a popular form of vehicle expression and branding.
A wrap is more than just paint; it can be customized with almost any graphic, text, or logo. There are also types of vinyl that mimic other materials like carbon fiber and chrome, and you can choose from a variety of colors and finishes.
If you decide that car wraps aren’t for you or that it’s time to repurpose your cars, the vinyl is easily removed. This means you can get back to your car’s original paint and resell it for a good price. It’s also more affordable than getting a full-body paint job.
The car wrapping process itself can last for a few days, depending on the size of your vehicle and how detailed the design you choose is. A skilled technician will take their time to ensure a quality installation. They’ll use high-quality 3M brand 7-year vinyl and UV-rated ink. Be wary of installers who try to cut corners by using cheaper vinyl and ink. The cheaper product won’t hold up as well and will peel or fade sooner.
Once your wrap is installed, it will protect the original paint and prevent it from being damaged by road debris or small nicks and scratches. This can preserve the resale value of your car and save you money on costly repairs down the line.
A good installer will clean and prep the surface before applying the wrap. They’ll need to remove the side mirrors, door handles, grille, headlights, taillights, and front and rear bumpers. They may also need to dismantle the windshield and windows, and they’ll use sharp tools that could scratch or dent the body work.
Wraps are incredibly durable, but they can be damaged by improper care or cleaning. For example, if you park your car outside and it’s exposed to sunlight all day long, the sun can “bake” the wrap to the body panels, shortening its lifespan and making it difficult or expensive to remove. Parking in a garage or using a car cover can help your wrap last longer.
Although car wraps offer several advantages over painting, they don’t work for every vehicle. If your car has a lot of damage or an ugly color, it’ll stick out like a sore thumb under the wrap. And if your paint is in bad shape, the wrap may not adhere properly and will likely lift or bubble.
They’re Customizable
Car wraps offer endless possibilities for customization while protecting your vehicle’s paint. They’re also a powerful marketing tool that can get your fleet noticed, even when you’re not driving.
Wraps are made of vinyl and can be designed to mimic the look of a matte finish, chrome color, or full-on graphic designs. This means that they can be customized to match your brand, and even to make your vehicle stand out in a crowd. This customization opens up a world of possibilities that aren’t possible with a simple paint job.
A quality wrap will be printed before being laminated and treated to minimise damage and fading from UV exposure and weather elements. This treatment is similar to the coating on your car’s window tint, and it helps to keep your wrap looking its best while in use. The vinyl is then heat-treated to make it more pliable and easier to wrap around the contours of your vehicle’s surface, with any air bubbles being carefully popped by hand.
Whether you’re getting a partial or a full wrap, it’s a good idea to go with a professional who knows how to do the work right. This is a delicate process that requires precision, and it’s not something that should be attempted by an amateur. Using a heat gun and a soft felt squeegee, the installer will apply the wrap and then smooth it out to eliminate any air pockets or imperfections. The final result will be a seamless, flawless appearance that doesn’t reveal the original paint beneath it.
While the cost of a wrap can vary, it’s typically less expensive than a traditional paint job. This is especially true for leased vehicles, where the extra maintenance required with a fresh coat of paint can add up quickly over time. Wraps are also a better choice for business owners who want to maintain a consistent image across their fleet.
Wraps can also protect the paint underneath them from chipping and dings that would otherwise ruin your company car’s looks. Although they won’t protect as well as a clear bra (Paint Protection Film), they can still help to preserve your car’s paint against the elements, bird droppings, hard water deposits, road salt and tree sap. They can also be easily removed when you want to change the appearance of your vehicle, which makes them a great option for leased vehicles that may not be returned in the same condition as they were received.
They’re Durable
Car wraps can be designed to cover the entire surface of a vehicle, or they can be applied only where you need them. This means you can get a custom look without covering up any areas that are important for driving, such as your mirrors or door handles. They are also durable, protecting your paint from scratches and other damage. Depending on the type of wrap you choose and how well it is installed, it may be able to last up to five years.
When you’re applying a wrap, it’s important to use a high-quality product and have it installed by a professional. A poorly applied wrap can cause it to bubble, peel, and tear easily, whereas a professional wrap will stick to the surface of your car and last longer. You’ll also want to make sure you have plenty of space to work in, as wrapping a vehicle can be a bit tricky. It’s a good idea to have a rubber-edged plastic blade on hand, too, to work out any air bubbles and smooth the vinyl before it sticks.
Wraps are also a great choice for businesses that need to keep their fleet of vehicles looking consistent. It’s incredibly difficult to paint multiple cars or trucks to match one another, but a car wrap can give each vehicle a unique look that still reflects the brand.
In addition to being durable, car wraps are also easy to maintain. Just make sure you park your car in a shaded area to avoid direct sunlight, and wash it regularly to remove dirt and debris that can scratch the wrap. You should also check for signs of fading or discoloration and address any problems as soon as you notice them.
If you’re interested in equipping your public safety or commercial vehicles with car wraps, contact RCS Communications today to learn more about our leading products. We have more than 70 years of experience equipping emergency and commercial vehicles in Kentucky and Indiana with the durability they need to withstand harsh environments and frequent use. We can help you select the perfect graphics and colors to ensure your vehicles are always in excellent condition.
They’re Affordable
If you’re a business owner looking to boost brand visibility on your company car, car wraps can provide more exposure than a traditional paint job. You can choose colors that match your brand or create a unique design that sets you apart from the competition. Wraps are also more affordable than repainting, making them a great option for businesses on a budget.
Wraps come in a variety of finishes, including matte, satin and carbon fiber. They can also mimic materials like leather or stainless steel. They are available in a wide range of sizes and color combinations, which can make your brand stand out in traffic. You can even choose a chrome finish to give your vehicle a sleek, metallic look. A car wrap can be customized to include a company logo or custom graphics that make it easy to recognize your vehicles on the road.
The cost of a wrap will vary depending on the style, size and complexity of installation. Prices can start at $2,000 for a simple gloss vinyl or matte finish, and more for more intricate designs. If you’re looking for a chrome wrap, expect to pay around $6,000.
A quality wrap will last for years, and may even help your car’s resale value. Because it is less likely to fade or scratch, a wrap can keep your car in showroom condition. It will also protect your paint from harmful elements like bird droppings, hard water deposits, road salt and tree sap.
When you’re choosing a shop to apply your wrap, ask about their process. Many shops will wash and prep the surface of your vehicle before applying the wrap. This might include a power wash and detailed washing to remove any debris or dirt that could damage the surface. Some shops will also remove certain panels, such as the bumper covers or headlights, to make it easier to wrap difficult areas of the vehicle.
If you want to try your hand at wrapping your own vehicle, there are many guides available on the internet. But be aware that it requires a high level of skill to produce a professional-looking result. If you don’t have the time or patience to learn, it’s best to leave the work to a professional.