If you are looking for ways to protect your vehicle’s paint, you might be asking – how long does a car wrap last? If you are wondering how long does a vinyl wrap last on a car, we have the answers you are searching for. Our guide covers the lifespan of the car wrap and discusses ways to add more years to its use.
Before we answer - how long does a wrap last on a car, we must first discuss what the automotive wrap is. This large graphic is typically made from vinyl and gets applied directly to the vehicle. It changes the look of the vehicle without getting a paint job.
There are three types of car wraps you can choose from.
Car wraps aren’t just used to change the color or style of a vehicle but are also used by businesses for promotion. With just a little work, a vehicle can be branded to support a business.
How Long Does A Car Wrap Last? (Main Factors That Affect It's Life)
How long does a wrap on a car last? It depends on what type of vinyl wrap you apply and what vehicle you use. In general, you can expect most car wraps to last about seven years when properly taken care of.
However, when you look at how long does a wrap on a car last, you have to take several factors into consideration, such as if it was done professionally and what materials were used.
Vinyl Quality/Durability
With a high-quality vinyl, you fight off fading, helping the wrap to last longer. So if you choose a high-quality vinyl wrap with UV protection, it should last longer than something made with sub-par materials.
Proper Care
The vehicle wrap keeps your car from getting scratched, but you must also take good care of the wrap itself. By removing bird droppings, corrosive materials, and bugs from the wrap, you help it last longer.
Temperature
Any extreme temperature can affect how long a wrap lasts. How long do car wraps last in winter? In some situations, these wraps aren’t going to last as long. By parking your vehicle in a garage, you can avoid additional wear.
Sun Exposure
As previously discussed, UV rays can cause cracking and fading to the vinyl wrap. If you don’t have a garage, consider using a car cover to protect the vehicle or apply a wrap with UV protection built-in.
Frequency Of Washing
If you want a clean car, you naturally spend time learning how to detail a car. However, the more often you wash it, the less likely it is to fade and wear out.
Tips To Make A Car Wrap Last Longer
How long does wrapping a car last? If you take care of it, you can expect a longer lifespan. Maintenance and care are essential to getting many years out of the wrap. Start by parking your vehicle in a garage or shaded location when you aren’t using it. The UV rays can damage the wrap and cause it to fade over time.
Additionally, it's important to keep the vinyl wrap clean, so you want to wash the vehicle regularly. Just make sure you are using products that are compatible with the wrap, so damage isn't done. Read the label of any product you use to ensure no harsh chemicals could cause fading or wear.
Furthermore, extreme temperatures should be avoided at all costs. Excessive heat can cause bubbles to form in the wrap, while cold weather leads to cracking. If you do notice bubbles, don’t push on them. Instead, have a professional look at the wrap because it could be fixable.
How long does a car vinyl wrap last? If you follow these steps and take some common sense effort to care for it, you could easily get seven years out of your vehicle wrap, thereby giving you the best value for your investment.
Car Wrap Vs Paint: Which Is Best?
How long does a full car wrap last? It can look new for longer than some paint jobs, but which option is right for you? Consider these factors as you examine whether wrapping a car is worth it.
Application
Putting on a car wrap can be less time-consuming than getting a paint job. Furthermore, a professional car wrap won't ruin your paint. However, if you choose to get a paint job, the car might be at the shop for days, between the sanding, primer, paint coats, and clear coat on top.
Removal
Additionally, removing paint and doing a new paint job can be a lot of work. With that said, most vinyl car wraps will come off easily and shouldn’t damage the paint below. Even if the paint were to be damaged slightly during the removal, it’s far less than what happens when you want a new paint job.
Cost
Is it cheaper to get a car painted or wrapped? With less work to be done, the vinyl wrap is almost always cheaper than a comparable paint job. Sure, you could paint your own vehicle at your home garage, but the results likely won’t be professional. Plus, you will need to worry about getting paint off your car if you mess up, which could add to your expenses.
Durability
How long does a vinyl wrap on a car last? Not only could it last up to seven years, but it also provides a protective layer over the paint. With a regular paint job, the first time a shopping cart runs into your vehicle or stones fly up on a dirt road, you are looking at imperfections to the exterior finish.
Maintenance
With either option, the maintenance typically remains the same. In general, you should consider handwashing your vehicle versus taking it through an automatic car wash. Not only is this a gentler option, but it ensures that you have more control over what products you use on the wrap.
Customization
While vehicle wraps have come a long way, the paint job still provides the best finish and look. This is the one area where paint jobs win. However, there’s a lot you can do with a custom-designed vehicle graphic and most people aren’t going to be able to tell the difference between the two.
People Also Ask (FAQs)
How much does wrapping a car cost?
A full-vehicle wrap should cost most car owners between $2,500 and $5,000, which is a fraction of the cost of a paint job. If you are advertising your business, you can easily make this money back from the exposure to the public.
How long does it take to wrap a car?
Most professionals will need the vehicle for a couple of days. This allows time to install the wrap and provides the necessary curing time to protect its life. All films should rest about 12 hours after the application.
Does wrapping a car devalue it?
Actually, a car wrap might increase the value. Not only does it provide a superior finish, but it can also be removed easily if the purchaser isn’t happy with it.
Can you wash and wax a vinyl wrapped car?
You should continue to wash your car to keep contaminants off of the surface. However, most vinyl graphic manufacturers do not recommend waxing the vehicle once the wrap is installed.
Does a car wrap affect insurance?
In most cases, nothing will happen to your insurance premiums after wrapping your car. However, it’s always best to speak with your agent before you install the wrap, just to be sure.
Conclusion
How long does a vinyl wrap last on a car? If you get a professional warp and installation, plus you take good care of it, you might get seven years out of the graphics. Customize your vehicle with the colors you want and enjoy the newfound attention you receive.