Do you want to change up your car’s look? A car wrap might be your ideal solution.
Car wrapping covers the surface of your car with a vinyl car wrap or decal. It provides you with a quick way to customize your car’s appearance. But what are its pros and cons? How does it compare to a paint job?
Read on to find answers to these questions.
Advantages of Car Wraps
A Wide Range of Options
This is the greatest advantage to car wraps. They can be customised to suit your tastes and come in a wide range of colours and finishes. Some even shift in colour depending on the angle of the light. Finishes include gloss, semi-gloss, matte, chrome, carbon fibre, and stainless steel. Car wraps can even incorporate lettering, images, and patterns.
Most cars are sold in shades of white, black, grey, and silver, and only a small percentage of cars are sold in more vibrant colours. As such, car wraps are the ideal option for people that want their car to be unique with more colorful and creative designs.
In contrast, paint jobs provide fewer colour options. It can be difficult to find the exact paint colour you want, but car wraps can be of any colour since they’re printed.
Adding to their customisability, car wraps can be removed and replaced anytime you want. You can change your car’s appearance as soon as you get tired of how it currently is.
Costs Less than Paint
A high-quality paint job is far more expensive than a car wrap that would give you the same aesthetic results. Depending on the size and complexity of your car’s body, a full car respray will cost you $3,000 to $6,000 while a full car wrap will cost you $2,000 to $5,500. Car wraps save you a significant amount of money.
Wrapping a Car Is Faster
Getting a paint job can mean your car will be in an auto shop for several days or even weeks. Paint jobs require time for preparation, adding layers of primer, and drying between coats.
Meanwhile, car wraps can be installed much faster, often taking only a day or two. Most of the pre-work which includes cleaning the car and designing the wrap is done before you drop your car off.
Additionally, you are legally required to report changes to your car’s colour to your local transport authority. This can include a vehicle inspection, depending on where you live. However, you don’t need to report a car wrap, saving you further time.
Paint Protection
A respray to fix even small imperfections can be expensive for the relatively small size of the job. Preventing damage costs less than getting it fixed.
Car wraps don’t just provide aesthetic benefits, they also provide protection to your vehicle’s paint. In fact, if you’re happy with your car’s current appearance and just want the protection, you can get a clear car wrap. The extra layer prevents small scratches and chips from reaching the paint beneath and reduces damage from sun exposure.
Disadvantages of Car Wraps
Damaged Cars Can’t Be Wrapped
Unfortunately, dents, chips, and damage to paintwork need to be fixed before a car wrap can be applied. Otherwise, you won’t get the best possible finish and the wrap can cause the damage to stand out even more.
Doesn’t Last as Long as Paint
A high-quality paint job can last your car’s whole life if maintained well. Meanwhile, car wraps last for an average of five years.Â
Factors that affect a car wrap’s lifespan include the climate, environment, washing, and sun exposure. Sandy environments that can chip the car wrap as you drive, frequent sun exposure, and improper washing can shorten its lifespan to just a year.
Should you get your car wrapped, you need to park your car in the shade whenever possible. You also need to follow proper washing practices. Cleaning a wrapped car requires a soft rag or sponge, and you should avoid using abrasive cleaners and brushes with stiff bristles.
Insects, bird droppings, tree sap, or anything that can stain your car wrap should be cleaned immediately.
You Need an Experienced Technician
Hiring an inexperienced technician to wrap your car can leave cut marks or scratches on the paint beneath, and you wouldn’t know until the wrap is removed. Make sure you hire a certified vinyl installer to ensure a quality job.
Seven Smart Auto is here to help.
Change Up Your Car’s Look with Seven Smart Auto
We provide high-quality car wrap services, and we’ll be happy to make your car look exactly how you want it.
Get a quote for your car wrap by calling us at 0452 471 690. You can also email us at info@sevensma.sportsmarketing365.com or fill out our contact form.
