The Start of Vinyl Wrapping
Vehicle or vinyl wrapping has come a long way. Actually being invented in the 1920’s and put to use on cars as a source of advertisement in the 1950’s, it found its true mark in the '90s. Up until the ‘80s or ‘90s vinyl was too expensive for the average person. Only the government or large corporations used vinyl adhesion graphics to advertise their companies or propaganda.
Nowadays companies and even the average person use vinyl wrapping or graphics to advertise or show off their style. Vinyl wrapping has become much cheaper than custom painting with the advancement of digital printing technology. The possibilities are pretty much limitless now and a person can change the color or design of their car as quickly as they change their mind.
It’s NOT for Everyone
Ever think about getting your vehicle wrapped or have vinyl graphics added? Think again, and think hard because the long term effects of applying a vinyl wrap in the wrong conditions can be detrimental. Might even need a new paint job after something catastrophic happens.
If your vehicle will be outside in the elements 24/7 and might be in extreme heat or cold for extended periods of time you might want to reconsider the vinyl wrap or graphics. The vinyl materials will start to deteriorate or become permanently adhered to the surface causing problems to the cars exterior itself.
If your car currently has damage or needs rust/paint repair then wrapping it will not fix it. This will only magnify what is underneath as it takes the shape of what it is applied over. You might also peel off the exterior paint in the damaged area when removing the wrap. Not good.
Balling on a Budget
Of course, the more you get of something the more expensive it’ll be. It’s all relative. If you compare the price between the lowest paint job with one single basic color and regular clear coat to the premium level of wrap that includes a complete digital rendering and the highest grade of vinyl and inks then you might be around the same price. Now, if you just vinyl wrapped your car one single color with the average grade vinyl and a regular UV protectant then you can probably wrap your car multiple times before it comes near the price of just painting your car the one single basic color.
Where companies and individuals are starting to make the change from custom paint to custom wrap is the custom colors. Paint is expensive, especially when you want pearls, or metallics, or candies. Not to mention having to apply multiple layers of paint to achieve crazy or intricate designs, and the time that takes is very very long. A wrap can be digitally designed, printed on a single layer and applied in a few hours. Not much to weigh there.
Paintable vinyl is now a thing! You can change the color of literally anything on your car yourself for a few dollars by spraying it with an aerosol and simply removing it when you want in one big sheet.
Protecting your assets
Wrap your brand new car to protect it. Tired of looking at that lease before you need to turn it in, wrap it. What if the factory does not offer a color you really want, wrap it.
Make sure to keep the car in a garage if it is vinyl wrapped or cover it and protect it from the 24/7 elements.
I believe vinyl has its place. There are limitations to everything but if you figure your budget, what the end result needs to be and how long will i need/want this for then you can make your decision whether to wrap, or not to wrap.
~Pete