How Long Does a Vehicle Wrap Last?

Pulling onto the road with a stunning, brand-new vehicle wrap can feel like driving a new car hot off the lot. But like paint, vehicle wraps are limited by their lifespan. When well-maintained, a vehicle wrap can last up to five years, but several factors affect their longevity.

What is a vehicle wrap?

Car wraps are inexpensive ways to apply custom graphics to a vehicle. They double as protection, too. Vehicle wraps come in a variety of textures, colors, and levels of artistry. They are temporary and easily removable at the shop where it is first applied.

Vehicle wraps are similar to plastic wrap - only pricier and thicker. Installers cut and apply them to a newly cleaned vehicle in individual pieces. The wraps adhere to the car without adhesive, although a heat gun may be used. Air bubbles and imperfections are smoothed out.

The more advanced the wrap, the more layers are needed. Computer programs are relied upon to design the graphics, which come in a range of colors as well as matte, glossy, chrome, and metallic finishes. When the wrap is no longer necessary, it is easily removed.

What are the benefits of a vehicle wrap?

Companies use car wraps to advertise their products or services. Driving a vehicle with a car wrap has extensive marketing reach—being seen by about 85% of people of all income levels. About 20,000 to 70,000 impressions are created daily with this form of mobile marketing.

The exposure from vehicle wraps is impressive. Commuters view the business’s messaging, whether the car cruises along highways and city streets or is parked. While simply noticing a colorful vehicle wrap delivers the desirable benefits of exposure, the majority of commuters also read the graphics.

What is the cost of a vehicle wrap?

Prices to install a car wrap vary depending on the size of the car, the complexity of the graphics, and how much labor is necessary. Applying a vehicle wrap on a two-door sports car is cheaper than covering a four-door sedan. The former costs $2,000 while the latter around $3,500.

Expect to pay more for chrome treatments, which cost upward of $6,000. A highly exotic wrap with complex graphics and expensive materials can average $10,000 when applied to a large-size vehicle. Due to the time involved, cost also goes up when wrapping inside the doorjambs.

How long does a vehicle wrap last?

Because of the efficacy and cost of vehicle wraps, companies want them to last. A vehicle wrap can last four to five years, if it’s been applied professionally and environmental conditions are not harsh. Maintenance practices also go a long way in extending the life of the vehicle wrap.

Geographic areas with extreme temperatures can take a toll on the lifespan of vehicle wraps. Excessive heat breaks down the wrap over time. Frigid temperatures likewise damage car wraps, since the salt used on roads is hard on the vinyl materials.

What helps extend the life of vehicle wraps?

1. Protect from Weather

Parking the car in a garage or covered lot helps protect the vehicle wrap from the harsh elements, like sun exposure, snow, sleet, and the salt from the roadways. If a garage is unavailable, a car cover can deliver the same protective qualities and extend the life of the wrap.

2. Handwash Weekly

Washing the vehicle wrap is a part of maintenance. Rather than run the car through a commercial car wash and risk damage to the wrap, handwashing is recommended. Use a cleaning solution intended for vinyl materials. Handwash the car wrap once per week for best results.

3. Power Wash Fleets

Handwashing commercial fleets vehicles is impractical. However, power washing them is far more convenient. When power washing the fleet, set the water pressure no higher than 800-2000 psi. Power wash the vehicles from a distance of 12-14 inches at a minimum.

4. Repair and Replace

When signs of wear and tear, like fading or lifting, appear on the vehicle wrap, address these concerns right away. Take the car to a qualified professional for the proper removal and replacement of the wrap. If the wrap must be updated, rely on a professional to do the job.

5. Install Professionally

Long-lasting results are achieved by having the vehicle wrap installed by experienced professionals. They typically use high-quality materials, such as 3M or Avery & Arlin. Conversely, a shoddy job by inexperienced installers can result in bubbles, creases, and premature lifting.

6. Apply to a Clean Car

Another recommendation for boosting the longevity of the car wrap is to have it professionally installed on a freshly cleaned and detailed vehicle. The surface of the car should be smooth, otherwise the vinyl fails to adhere properly. These steps get the most mileage out of a vehicle wrap.

‍

Divine Signs Vehicle Wraps

When your business aims to leverage the marketing power and visibility of vehicle wraps, it’s important to work with an experienced designer and installer. Divine Signs and Graphics is a professional sign design and installation company with years of experience covering cars in eye-catching graphics.

Your mobile marketing starts with a discussion with our design team. Once we understand the concept for your vehicle wrap, our professionals begin the design phase. We then perform a high-quality install of the completed wrap on your vehicle, whether it’s an individual car or truck or an entire fleet.

The design possibilities for your custom vehicle graphics and wraps are endless. Our team offers a range of options, from partial and full vinyl car wraps to vinyl graphics and lettering. We also provide vibrant magnetic car signs and gorgeous decals that attract the attention of commuters and passersby.

If you own a one-person company in Schaumburg or operate a large-scale business that requires a fleet of vehicles, Divine Signs and Graphics is ready to professionally design, print, and install a vehicle wrap that turns heads and endures. Call our Schaumburg, Illinois, office today to discuss your vision.

‍

‍