Vinyl wraps provide an opportunity to customize your car’s exterior, especially if you want to stand out in a sea of black, white, gray, and silver vehicles. Available in a variety of colors and finishes, vinyl wraps can mimic the look of chrome, stainless steel, carbon fiber, and leather, although more subdued options are also offered.
These wraps consist of sheets of film that adhere directly to the vehicle’s body panels using an adhesive. Vinyl wrap not only transforms the appearance of your vehicle but also offers long-term protection for its paint. While a high-quality paint job delivers a more permanent solution, it’s considerably more expensive and less versatile than a wrap, which can be easily removed.
While more affordable and less invasive than a respray, a vinyl wrap still requires a significant financial commitment. A professional-grade vinyl wrap application typically costs $2,000 to $4,000, but can easily increase to between $6,000 and $8,000 for higher-end finishes. Although typically installed in the aftermarket, Tesla has leaned into wraps instead of paint to expand its vehicles’ color palette, charging $7,500 to $8,000 for the option. Given this substantial investment, it’s prudent for owners to take steps to maximize the lifespan of their vinyl wrap. Today, we’ll discuss how long vinyl wraps last and how to maintain them to get the most value from this investment.
How long can a car wrap last?
The lifespan of a vinyl wrap depends on the quality of installation, the type of material used, regular maintenance, and exposure to the elements. Consequently, there can be significant variation in how long a vinyl wrap lasts. It is important to note that wraps are temporary, even when used for several years.
According to Car and Driver, a professionally installed wrap can last four to five years on a vehicle in a temperate environment. And wrap application companies, like Metro Restyling, claim that some of their wraps can last up to 12 years in mild climates. However, if the vehicle is parked outside in the hot summer sun or if you live in a cold climate where the wrap is exposed to salt and snow, you may not be as fortunate.
The type of wrap also affects its longevity. For instance, gloss and satin wraps usually last four to six years, while matte wraps last three to six years. Chrome wraps, on the other hand, are considered less durable, require more maintenance, and last one to two years. Fluorescent wraps are especially prone to fading and are particularly sensitive to direct sunlight, making them the most vulnerable. While fluorescent wraps can last up to a year, some may not even last three months.
The best way to take care of vinyl wrap
Wraps require more attention than paint. Therefore, it’s essential to follow maintenance protocols to prolong your wrap’s life. Knowing what not to do is just as important as knowing what to do. It’s best to hand-wash your car and avoid automatic car washes since the brushes can harm the wrap. You can use a jet washer as long as there’s enough distance from the vehicle and you maintain a low-pressure setting. When hand washing the car, use mild soap and a microfiber cloth, and be sure to clean hard-to-reach areas, like the roof, to prevent contaminant buildup. Additionally, use a soft brush to remove snow and ice, as heavy scraping can damage the wrap.
Since prolonged heat and sunlight can harm the wrap, it’s advisable to park the vehicle in a garage or under a well-fitted car cover. Excessive sunlight can cause the vinyl to “bake” into the paint, making wrap removal challenging later on. Although age and severe heat may cause wraps to bubble over time, don’t expect the bubbles to reach the extremes of the viral “pregnant” Chinese cars.
Regularly inspect the vinyl wrap to remove bird droppings and dead insects as they appear to minimize damage. When removing elements, do so patiently and carefully to avoid scratching the wrap. Vinyl wraps are a more affordable alternative to repainting and can last several years with proper maintenance. Follow upkeep instructions to preserve your wrap for years to come.