Common Vinyl Wrap Mistakes To Avoid (2024)

FAQs

What will vinyl wrap not stick to? ›

Rough or rusted surfaces

A rusting vehicle is an item we can't vinyl wrap as the vinyl can't stick to the rusted surface. You can't apply a vinyl wrap to a wooden item like a table or chest of drawers with rough and untreated wood as the vinyl wrap simply won't stay stuck down.

Vinyl wraps can start to peel due to impacts, external tears, or dirt building up under the edges. Improper washing with a pressure washer or high-pressure car wash can also cause your wrap to peel, so it is important to stick to recommended cleaning methods.

The sun's ultraviolet rays can cause damage to a vehicle wrap over time. Not to be dramatic, but the sun is a wrap's biggest enemy! Vehicle wraps that last longer (10 to 12 years) are typically vehicles that are not exposed to as much direct sunlight for whatever reason.

Difficulties with damaged or repainted vehicles

Wraps adhere best to vehicles with factory-finish paint jobs and no major damage. Vinyl won't stick to repainted vehicles, and significant dents or other exterior damage on a vehicle increases the potential for unsightly wrinkling, lifting, and bubbling.

The durability of a vinyl finish relies on various factors. Sometimes, it gets shortened when a vehicle wrap is not applied correctly, or the surface is not clean enough before the installation. As a result, the film might lift from the edge over time.

Some installers might tend to wrap them in one piece, but it might not be good for the performance of the vinyl wrap film, as the upper section often has a few steep angles. And wrapping in one giant piece is just not enough to hold them well. So creating an overlap is crucial in this section.

Using abrasive brushes when cleaning - Brush style car washes or abrasive cleaning supplies cause the film edges to lift, crack, or can cause a dulling appearance over time. Instead of using a brush style car wash, hand wash with a non-abrasive detergent and a clean soft sponge or cloth to keep your vehicle wrap clean.

Just like any other paint protection product, there are several variables that impact the longevity of a car vinyl wrap. The main is exposure to UV rays or specifically, direct sunlight.

While some can definitely provide a quality, lasting wrap, others cannot maintain a high-quality level resulting in wraps that are less durable and which fade over time. To make matters worse, a low-quality wrap may even damage your paint when removed, causing additional headache.

Vinyl wrap typically lasts three to five years, but this can be less if your car is constantly exposed to sun and heat. If you park in the shade, this can increase durability by one to two more years. If your vehicle isn't used regularly and you keep it in a garage, your vinyl wrap can last up to seven years.

How hot is too hot for vinyl wrap? ›

The optimal temperature range for applying a vinyl wrap is between 60-80 degrees Fahrenheit (15-26 degrees Celsius). This range provides the best environment for the adhesive to bond effectively with the car's surface.

After five to seven years most vinyl wraps will begin to crack, fade, and peel off the vehicle. An extra two years makes a big difference in getting your money's worth so how do you get your wrap to last closer to the seven year range compared to five? With proper preparation and a little maintenance.

When a car is wrapped, the resale value is considerably greater than for a car that has been repainted. This is primarily because the wrapper can be removed without damaging the car. Since the wrap preserved the paint, the value of your car is higher because it still looks new.

Car Wrapping Increases the Resale Value

The primary reason is that it is very easy to get the auto wraps removed and go back to the original look. Moreover, removing the wrap will not damage the car and has preserved the original paint underneath. It will come out looking as good as new with an amazing value.

You can vinyl wrap pretty much anything with a smooth, somewhat flat surface. That includes hard plastic, metal, wood, drywall, aluminum and other materials. In addition to vehicles, popular objects for vinyl wrapping include: Guitar bodies.

Vinyl is not meant to adhere well to silicone surfaces.

“PVC is in most cases user-friendly for adhesive vinyl application; however the hardness of the plastic impacts the installation. Hard PVC will accept the vinyl, but may be difficult to remove while softer PVC may not offer the best adhesive surface.” — Can I Apply Vinyl to This?

Wood is not the best choice for Vinyl

Actually unsealed wood, plywood and even painted plywood are not good substrates for vinyl. Vinyl is an adhesive backed film that is expected to last for years outdoors in all kinds of weather.