Using a Car Wrap to Boost Your Car's Curb Appeal
There's nothing like the feeling of driving a nice, new car. But, what if you could have that same feeling without the new car payment? Vehicle wrapping is more versatile than any paint job and can provide a fresh look at a fraction of the price of buying a new car.
The History of Car Wrapping
The process of using a car wrap has been around since the early 20th century. Milton Hershey was one of the first pioneers to use the outside of his automobile to provide advertising space for his chocolate company. Early on, the only option was to paint the images on the vehicle, but the invention of vinyl chloride allowed for the decoration of cars in ways never thought possible previously.
Vinyl chloride is an accidental invention created by B.F. Goodrich back in 1926. Initially, self-adhesive vinyl graphics were far too expensive for the average car owner, and the technology was used almost exclusively by government agencies to mark their vehicles. Since the beginning of the 21st century, new technologies have made the process much more cost-effective. Today, a vinyl car wrap costs about the same as a quality paint job.
Car Wrapping Offers Amazing Options
With virtually unlimited colors, textures, and designs, the sky is truly the limit when choosing a custom car wrap design. The car owner can also choose between wrapping the entire car in a full wrap or decorating a portion of the vehicle in a partial wrap.
How Does The Process Work
The vehicle's entire exterior will need to be impeccably clean for the wrap to adhere correctly. Any dirt or debris on the car at the time of application will substantially reduce the wrap's durability.
Next, measurements are taken to ensure a correct fit for the design. The pattern is then printed and treated with special coatings to provide scratch and U.V. protection. At this point, the wrap is ready to be applied to the clean and dried car, and application fluid is then applied to the car's exterior.
The wrap backing is then removed to expose the adhesive side of the vinyl, and another adhesive fluid is applied to the vinyl. Multiple checks are then made to verify the proper alignment of the wrap before pressing it into place. Final examinations for air bubbles are then made to ensure a satisfactory application. While it is possible to do a DIY car wrap application, a professional has the right tools and experience to get the job done right.
How to Keep the Car Wrap Looking Great
After completion, a car wrap will require some essential maintenance to keep it looking great. The car should be washed at least once a week with a quality car wash detergent. If the vehicle is taken to an automatic car wash, the brushes may be too harsh and damage the wrap. Taking the car to a brushless car wash should be safe.
While handwashing is recommended, care should be taken not to scrub or wipe the wrap when it is warm, which can distort the image. Any pressure washing should be done at a level below 2000psi with a water temperature below 140 degrees.
Wrapping your car is a great way to add curb appeal while genuinely making the car your own. A well-kept car wrap should last around seven years.