Vehicle wraps are a significant investment for both fleet managers and individual car and truck owners. Here you will find a list of the most common questions we get asked quite frequently.

Q: What is a Vehicle Wrap?

A: A vehicle consists of a design that is developed, printed on special vinyl wrap and laminated, and finally installed or “wrapped” on a vehicle. The wrap is applied directly to the vehicle. The application is so precise it is often mistaken for a custom paint job. 

Q: What is a wrap made of and how does it go on?

A: A wrap is a large vinyl graphic or decal. The graphics are printed on this vinyl, which is designed specifically for vehicle graphics, and then typically laminated with a protective coat that gives a final gloss, matte, or luster finish. The vinyl is applied directly over the original paint of the vehicle and it actually helps protect the paint. A wrap is easily removed even after several years to return the vehicle to its original condition.

Q: What is the process for getting a car or truck wrapped?

A: The design phase, which starts with effective communication between the client and designer, involves getting accurate measurements for the vehicle and the actual design of the graphics to be applied. This is a critical step in terms of the image and visual communication desired by the client as well as the fit of the graphics to the specific vehicle. The second phase is the production phase where the graphic is printed and then laminated to protect the vinyl from abrasions and UV rays that can cause graphics to fade over time. The third phase is installation where the vinyl is actually applied to your vehicle. It is best that installations be done at Speedpro Imaging as we have a garage to get out of the wind, rain, sun, etc. 

Q: What is a partial wrap compared with a full wrap?

A: Anything less than a full wrap is normally called a "partial wrap." A common ‘partial’ wrap begins at the driver door and goes all around, with no graphics on the roof, hood, or front quarter panels. Often a logo or other graphics is installed separately on the hood and doors. With some tall vehicles, it isn't an effective investment to cover the roof; however, the design needs to take this into consideration as the underlying paint color needs to be considered. The most valuable space is the rear view of the vehicle as this is viewed as a 'constant' by vehicles behind and can thus be read and make a greater impression.

Some clients are better served with what we term an I.D. Package. This is different from a wrap in that is a selection of specific pieces that are installed around the vehicle. 

Q: How long does a wrap last?

A: Under normal conditions, you will be ready for a new vehicle or a new graphic before you notice any serious wear on your wrap. The life of your wrap depends on many factors. A high performance cast vinyl wrap using solvent long-life inks and a UV protective overlaminate can easily last more than three years….some have been seen looking good beyond six years. Perforated window film is much more sensitive however, since it is compromised with perforation. You may see edges of window perf begin to detach or for the laminate to break down under sever heat after 18-24 months. 

Q: Will a wrap hurt my paint?

A: In most cases vehicle wraps will not damage factory paint jobs. Typically, the wrap will actually protect your paint and leave it in far better condition had you not wrapped the vehicle. It is important to talk with your supplier and possibly pre-test your paint job prior to wrapping with vinyl. Paint in poor condition may peel when vinyl is removed. New paint needs several weeks to cure before a wrap should be installed.

Q: Do I have to give you measurements of my car?

A: We use software programs that have accurate dimensions of most standard production-run cars, trucks, and vans. However, we prefer that customers bring their vehicles in beforehand (or we can often go on-site) so we can take photographs or get verification of key measurements to insure an effective fit of the graphics. Once the graphics are printed, we can’t change measurements, so we prefer to ‘measure twice and cut once’.

Q: How long does it usually take to get a vehicle wrapped?

A: Getting your design right takes more time than any other phase. It’s critical. The design can take a couple of days or a couple of weeks; it depends on the clarity of your 'vision' and your availability for quick feedback to design proofs. Once we have an approved final design, we move into production and also confirm the installation schedule. From the day of approved art, it can be as quick as 3-4 days to completed installation. We use outside professional wrap installers, so we have to work within their schedules sometimes.

Q: Can a wrap be repaired? What if I am in a wreck or need to change something?

A: Yes. You can normally have the damaged pieces or panels of your vehicle wrap replaced after your vehicle is repaired. You normally do not need to redo the entire wrap if the damage is limited to certain areas of the vehicle. “Patches’ can be tricky as matching colors and exact graphics line-up can be a challenge. During installation, the vinyl may have been stretched to conform, and with changes in print and color over time, sometimes an overlaid patch may not blend effectively. Replacing an entire body panel area is most effective, or creating an original design, or patch, that looks like it is part of the design is a good approach.

Q: Can you wrap a leased vehicle? 

A: Check with your leasing company, but generally YES.

Q: Does a wrap require special care?

A: Nothing to specific, just be gentle with it! Hand washing is best with mild soap and a soft cloth or sponge. Try to avoid high pressure washes and be careful never to use an ice scraper on window graphics. Avoid rolling windows down if they have graphics applied, and remove or never use a rear-window wiper on a wrapped window. 

Q: How is the cost of a wrap figured?

A: Three factors determine the cost: The amount of material required (specific vehicle/coverage), the amount of design time and photo acquisition required, and the complexity (or simplicity) of installation. The specific vehicle and the design will dictate this. Multiple vehicles/fleets using the same design and layout will save due to having only one design phase and economies of larger print runs.

Q: Can you see through windows with graphics applied to them?

A: You can see through window graphics that are printed on perforated window film. Window perf vinyl is perforated with very small holes that allow you to see out. It also gives you the benefit of acting as a tinting to reduce heat in your interior and to prohibit people seeing into the car (which can be a security benefit for many businesses). From inside the vehicle, visibility is similar to regular window tint. From the outside, the graphic is visible. We use an optically clear overlaminate on all window perf. This keeps dirt from settling into the holes and allows water to flow over the perf more easily which helps visibility in the rain.

Q: I've seen bubbles and wrinkles in some wraps. Is this normal?

A: Yes, on a full wrap it is normal to have an occasional wrinkle or bubble due to complex curves and ridges in the body shape. Just like a new paint job, if you inspect it close enough you can find flaws. However, a professionally designed and installed wrap will look immaculate to the common viewing eye. There are many techniques to reduce imperfections when wrapping, which is why we use professional full-time wrap experts, but even the best vinyl-wrappers can't eliminate all wrinkles on severely concave or rounded surfaces.