Imagine you’re tired of the same old appearance of your car, or perhaps you’re a business owner looking to turn your vehicle into a moving billboard.
The solution?
Vinyl wraps.
These wraps have revolutionized the automotive industry, allowing vehicle owners to completely transform the look of their cars. But how long does it actually take to wrap a car?
The answer depends on various factors, such as the size of the vehicle and the complexity of the chosen design.
In this article, we will take you through the entire car wrap process, from choosing a design to finding the right installer, and give you an idea of how long each step takes. So, if you’re curious about the time it takes to give your car a brand new look, keep reading.
Steps in the Vehicle Wrap Process
Finalize Your Wrap Design
Before beginning the vehicle wrap process, it is essential to finalize your wrap design.
This step involves choosing a design that reflects your personality and preferences. Vehicle wraps can range from simple decals and lettering to more elaborate custom designs or color changes.
Take the time to select a design that will make your vehicle stand out and meet your specific goals.
Locate an Installer
Once you have settled on a wrap design, the next step is finding the right installer.
With the car wrapping industry expected to reach 3.6 billion dollars in 2027, there are numerous wrap shops to choose from.
However, not all installers are created equal. It is crucial to select a professional installer with extensive experience in the field. A skilled installer can ensure that the wrap is applied correctly and that it will last for years to come.
Apply the Vinyl Film
After finalizing your wrap design and finding an installer, it is time to apply the vinyl film to your vehicle.
The length of time this step takes depends on various factors. If you opt for a full wrap, the process can take up to a day to complete. However, for partial wraps or just a few decals, the process may only take around four hours.
Other factors that can influence the time needed for wrap installation include the size of the vehicle and the complexity of the chosen design.
Additionally, certain types of vinyl wraps, such as carbon fiber or matte wraps, may require more time to install due to their unique properties. It is important to factor in preparation time and the time required for the film to fully adhere to the car’s surface.
How Long Car Wraps Take
Partial Wraps
For partial wraps, the vehicle wrap process typically takes approximately half a day or around four hours.
However, it is essential to consider the time needed for car preparation, ensuring that the surface is clean and free of dirt or grime that could affect adherence. Most wrap shops also recommend keeping the car for an additional 24 hours to allow the wrap to set properly before exposing it to the elements.
Full Wraps
Full wraps, on the other hand, can take up to a day to complete.
The complexity of the design and the type of wrap material used can also impact the installation time. Materials like carbon fiber, matte, or chrome vinyl wraps tend to be more challenging to work with and perfect, requiring additional time for installation.
However, when correctly installed, high-quality vehicle wraps can last up to seven years.
Wrap Installation FAQ
Do vinyl wraps offer paint protection?
Vinyl wraps do provide some degree of paint protection.
However, it is important to note that they are thinner than paint protection film and may not protect against deep scratches or cuts. To enhance paint protection, one can opt to apply a transparent paint protection film on top of the vinyl wrap during the installation process.
Does the type of vehicle influence how long the wrap takes?
Yes, the type of vehicle can have an impact on the duration of the wrap installation process.
Factors such as vehicle size (whether it’s a small sedan or a larger RV) and the vehicle’s shape (such as sports cars with numerous curves) can affect the time required for installation. In general, most wrap installations take around one to two days once the vehicle enters the shop.
Can I bring a wrapped car to a car wash?
While it is generally safe to bring a wrapped car to a car wash, it is recommended to opt for a hand wash instead.
Hand washing is gentler and can help preserve the longevity of the wrap. If you choose to use a car wash, it is advisable to select one that uses water spray instead of brushes to minimize the risk of damage to the wrap.
Wrap Your Car with Custom Designs from Wrapmate
More and more people are embracing the idea of custom-designed wrapped vehicles.
The transformative effect it has on a car’s appearance is undeniable, and the process itself is straightforward and simple. Now is the perfect time to explore the possibilities and bring your custom design wrap dreams to life.
At Wrapmate, you can get a free quote in just a matter of minutes using their online tool.
Additionally, take advantage of their convenient payment plan options to turn your vision into a reality. With Wrapmate, you are just a few days away from hitting the road with your newly wrapped car.
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In conclusion, the vehicle wrap process involves finalizing the design, locating an experienced installer, and applying the vinyl film to give your vehicle a fresh and unique look.
The duration of the wrap installation depends on various factors, such as the type of wrap, vehicle size, and complexity of the design.
Vinyl wraps offer some paint protection and can be brought to a car wash, although hand washing is recommended for better longevity. With Wrapmate, you can turn your custom design wrap dreams into a reality.
Explore the possibilities and join the growing trend of personalized wrapped vehicles.