Are you bored with the color of your car? Do you want to repaint it in an absurdly bold color? Do you want to give it a paint job that will turn every head? Well, times have changed, and painting a car is a thing of the past. Nowadays, most car enthusiasts and auto shops recommend vinyl wrapping it. It’s easier, simpler, and comes with many extra benefits.
Many people see vinyl wrapping one’s car to be superior over repainting it, as the vinyl wrap can be removed without damaging the paint underneath. In fact, the film will protect the paint, so that the underlying paint will look like new when the vinyl is removed years after. This can add to the resale value of the car. Vinyl wrapping your car will also give you more options to get crazier finishes, like a chrome finish, and is easier, quicker, and cheaper to maintain and install.
Best of all, you don’t need a professional to vinyl wrap your car. You can easily purchase car vinyl wraps online and do it yourself at home with some simple equipment, like a knife, a scraper and a hairdryer or a heat gun. If you want some ideas about how to go about vinyl wrapping your car, check out our handy guide below.
How to Choose the Best Car Vinyl Wraps
Finding the best car vinyl wraps is a tad tricky. There are just so many different types of products out there. We’ve considered various aspects of each product and weeded through the majority of them in order to figure out what the best ones available now are. Before giving you a list of our recommendations, here’s how we’ve broken down our analysis of each product.
Size and Thickness
Most car vinyl wraps come in various thicknesses and sizes to accommodate various needs. It’s important to take a look at your car and determine the size of the largest piece of vinyl you’ll need. It’s much easier to wrap each component using one single piece of vinyl instead of several pieces, as you won’t have to worry about seamlessly transitioning the edges together. Here’s another tip: it’s also always better to have a little extra on hand just in case.
The thickness of the car vinyl wrap should also be taken into account. If the film is too thin, it may not offer any protection to the outer surface of the vehicle. It may also not do a good job in giving you that solid finish that you’re looking for.
Adhesive and Ease of Installation
It does take some time to get used to the vinyl wrapping process. With that said, some car vinyl wraps are easier to install than others. They may have unique patented technologies or built-in air channels that make them less prone to bubbling or more flexible than other brands. The ease of installation will also depend on the type of adhesive that is used. In general, car vinyl wraps with pressure-activated adhesives are favored because they are easier to slide around and reposition during the installation process.
Overall Finish and Quality
Last but not least, it’s important to consider the overall finish and quality. This includes whether the product stretches well to prevent unsightly marks or whether the product has a protective coating overtop that will protect it from scratches. We’ll also take a look at the expected lifespan of each product.
We’ll go into more detail about every aspect of vinyl wrapping your car in our complete guide, but with these basics in mind, let’s review the best ones on the market today.
Top 10 Best Car Vinyl Wraps 2020
1. Best Overall Car Vinyl Wrap: VViViD XPO Black Carbon Fiber
Editor’s Rating:
Overview
VViViD makes a lot of wonderful car vinyl wraps that are affordable, easy to install and high-quality, but this black carbon fiber is by far our favorite. On top of being one of the best budget options out there, the black carbon design is easy to maintain and has an authentic texture and feel. If you’d like to enhance the durability of this product, the manufacturer recommends using both a 3M 94 Primer and a 3M edge sealer to protect the vinyl. This product relies on a dry application and the solvent-based adhesive at the back allows you to easily reposition it.
Size and Thickness
Each sheet is about 3.9mm thick, so it’s strong and durable. The sheet doesn’t break easily and will stretch and conform to the car’s curves. The thickness ensures that a solid color is maintained throughout regardless of how you work with the product. It is also not susceptible to stretch marks or discoloration.
This product comes in various sizes, so it’s perfect for working on small sections and parts as well as large ones. The largest roll is 100 feet by 5 feet and will easily wrap around just about any vehicle structure.
Adhesive and Ease of Installation
One of the main reasons why this is one of our favorite car vinyl wraps is because it is super easy to install. All you need is a hairdryer or a heat gun and a squeegee. The vinyl will stretch up to 200% to conform to the tightest curves without crinkling and can be applied to both the interior and exterior of the car. The product has a dry, solvent-based adhesive at the back that is repositionable, and the acrylic glue formula not only has a strong hold, but will also not damage the surface or any coatings. This low-tack formula also allows you to reposition and move the vinyl into just the right place with ease.
Best of all, this product has built-in VViViD Air Release, VViViD Resist, and VViViD Heat Fuse technologies that make the installation process as simple and easy as possible for beginners and DIYers. The technology expels air to give you that perfect, paint-like finish.
Overall Finish and Quality
The quality of this product is quite superb. It can easily last anywhere from 5 to 7 years outdoors, and has a dry carbon texture, finish and feel that looks real. One thing to note is the strong vinyl smell when you open it up, which can be overbearing at first.
Pros
- Lightweight, economical alternative to repainting your car
- Lasts for up to 7 years when installed properly
- Has built-in VViViD Air Release, VViViD Resist and VViViD Heat Fuse technologies for an easy installation
- Thick and stretchy to prevent discoloration and stretch marks
- Easily repositionable
Cons
- Has a strong vinyl smell at first
2. Best Budget Car Vinyl Wrap: LZLRUN 3D Carbon Fiber Vinyl Wrap
Editor’s Rating:
Overview
You don’t need to spend a fortune to wrap your car and this product is evidence of that. You don’t need to go out to look for any equipment, as this product comes with a knife and the hand tool that you’ll need for installation.
Size and Thickness
This product is relatively thick and will give you the uniform look that you’re looking for. The thickness is easy to work with and comparable to some of the more expensive brands. The only issue is that this product only comes a few sizes, the largest being 2 feet by 5 feet. If you’re looking to wrap a whole section of a large vehicle, you may need to use several different rolls to get the job done.
Adhesive and Ease of Installation
The adhesive on the back is high quality and will not harm painted surfaces nor leave behind any type of residue. It has a strong self-adhesive backing that is easy to remove without leaving behind any residues or scratches. The material is easy to stretch with heat to conform to the shape of your car. This product also has built-in air channels that will help prevent air bubbles from building up during the installation. It also has a grid pattern on the back of the film that allows for more precise measuring and cutting.
Overall Finish and Quality
The life of this product is comparable to many other brands. You can get about 10 years of use with interior applications and 5 years of use with exterior applications. The 3D carbon fiber pattern also looks real. This product is also water-resistant and is easy to clean.
Pros
- Incredibly affordable
- Conforms well to the contours and edges of the car
- Has built-in air channels for a bubble-free installation
- Comes with a free knife and scraper
Cons
- Available in only a few different sizes
3. Best Premium Car Vinyl Wrap: 3M 1080 Black Carbon Fiber Vinyl Flex Wrap
Editor’s Rating:
Overview
3M has long been regarded as an industry leader for car vinyl wraps. They produce high-quality products that last and are easy to work with, and this product is no different! The 3M 1080 Black Carbon Fiber Vinyl Flex Wrap is easy to install and will give you a finished product that looks superior to just about any other product on the market. This product can tolerate temperatures ranging from -60°C to +107°C.
Size and Thickness
This product comes in various sizes, and the 60 inch wide rolls will cover entire sections of most cars. The product has a nice thickness to it that makes it easy to work with.
Adhesive and Ease of Installation
The thing that makes this product stand out is that it uses a special patented adhesive layer called Comply™. This adhesive layer has multiple non-visible air release channels that form a waffle structure to prevent air bubbles from getting trapped between the film and the surface of the car. To get the air bubbles out, all you have to do is apply a little bit of pressure on it. This technology makes this product easy to install.
The adhesive also allows for a dry install, so you can position and reposition the vinyl until you’re happy with its position. The product offers extreme conformability for even the most curved surfaces.
Overall Finish and Quality
The finished product looks great. It’ll offer a similar appearance from daytime to nighttime, and since it is manufactured with two-color layers, it offers additional dimensional stability and durability. This product will usually last for about 5 years if installed on the exterior of a vehicle. Note, however, all the great aspects of this product come at a cost, with this wrap working out to be more expensive than other brands.
Pros
- Thick and high-quality for years of protection
- Easy to reposition the film thanks to pressure-activated adhesive
- Comes in various sizes for an easy installation
- Has non-visible air release channels for a bubble-free installation
- Easily conforms to curved surfaces
Cons
- Tad pricier than other brands
4. Best High Gloss Car Vinyl Wrap: VViViD Black High Gloss Microfinish
Editor’s Rating:
Overview
If you’re looking for that extra glossy look that will make your car look nice and clean all the time, this is the product that you need! It’s one of the best high gloss car vinyl wraps on the market right now. Keep in mind that high gloss wraps do reflect scratches more easily, which is why you’ll want to take that extra step and coat it with a sealer or a primer.
Size and Thickness
VViViD products are some of the best on the market because of their quality. They’re relatively thick and stretchable, and this product is no different. The VViViD Black High Gloss Microfinish Vinyl Wrap Roll is 4.3 mm thick, which is thick enough to prevent any type of discoloration, stretch marks or defects when wrapping your vehicle. It comes in many different sizes, ranging from 1 feet by 5 feet rolls to 9 feet by 5 feet rolls.
Adhesive and Ease of Installation
The dry adhesive used in this product is the same as in all other VViViD products. You will also get the same built-in VViViD Air Release, VViViD Resist, and VViViD Heat Fuse technologies with this product. These technologies help DIYers get that professional look and quality that they’re going for. The low-tack adhesive also makes it easy to position and reposition the vinyl wrap. As high gloss vinyl wraps don’t have any patterns on them, like with carbon fiber vinyl car wraps, this product is considerably easier to install.
Overall Finish and Quality
It’s hard to find a good high gloss car vinyl wrap that lives up to its name, but this product does. This product reflects light really well to give you that new car shine. It’s durable and can easily last anywhere from 5 to 7 years outdoors, although the manufacturer does recommend using a 3M 94 Primer and 3M edge sealer to promote adhesion and add life to the wrap.
Pros
- 4.4mm thick film protects the surface of cars
- Can be applied to many surfaces
- Easily stretchable to conform to various shapes
- Offers an unbeatable a high gloss finish at an affordable price
- Has built-in VViViD Air Release, VViViD Resist, and VViViD Heat Fuse technologies for easy installation
Cons
- Susceptible to scratches
5. Best Matte Car Vinyl Wrap: VViViD Black Matte Car Wrap Vinyl
Editor’s Rating:
Overview
Matte car vinyl wraps are all the rage recently. They offer a Sci-Fi feel to them and they’re great at highlighting the curves and structure of a car. The matte look does require a significantly more amount of maintenance, as it cannot be sealed with wax or a ceramic coat. You’ll also need to be more careful when handling the product, as it is more prone to showing fingerprints. With that said, unlike other matte wraps, this product has a micro-finished surface that makes it much easier to clean, maintain and install.
Size and Thickness
VViViD Black Matte car wrap vinyl rolls come in 13 different sizes, from 0.5 feet by 5 feet rolls all the way up to 100 feet by 5 feet rolls. You can purchase various kits, like a hood or roof kit, a hood, roof or trunk kit and a full-car kit. This makes it easy to find just the right size, and you’ll never need to worry about having to use several rolls to cover one section of your car.
This product is 3.9 mm thick, so it offers a good amount of protection to the surface of your car and will also be easy to work with. It can easily stretch and conform to any shape without getting discolored or having visible stretch marks.
Adhesive and Ease of Installation
Although matte car wraps need to be handled with more care, you don’t need to be a professional to install this wrap. Much like with all other VViViD products, this product has built-in VViViD Air Release, VViViD Resist, and VViViD Heat Fuse technologies that prevent air bubbles from forming between the vinyl and the surface of your car. The dry, solvent-based adhesive is just as easy to work with and can be easily repositioned.
Overall Finish and Quality
If you’re looking for a matte finish, you can’t go wrong with this product. It’s easy to work with and offers superior results. This wrap has a life of about 5 to 7 years with any exterior installation. To further protect the product, use a 3M 94 Primer and 3M Edge sealer.
Pros
- Easy installation for beginner DIYers
- Lasts up to 7 years outdoors
- Highlights the curves of the car
- Easily repositionable for a more seamless installation
- 3.9mm thick film protects the outer surface of car
Cons
- Difficult to maintain in comparison to other finishes
6. Best Chrome Car Vinyl Wrap: TECKWRAP Chrome Mirror Vinyl Wrap Film
Editor’s Rating:
Overview
That metallic finish that you can only get with chrome will really make your car stand out on the road. After all, you don’t see many vehicles with a chrome finish. It reflects light from the sun well and the color is very eye-catching. This product comes in 5 different colors: silver, gold, blue, red and rose gold.
Size and Thickness
This product is made from high polymeric calendered vinyl, which is a tad thicker than other vinyl wraps that are typically made with cast vinyl. This gives the roll that uniform look and feel throughout. You may need several rolls of this product depending on how you’re going to wrap your car, as the rolls only come in one size – 11.5 inches by 60 inches.
Adhesive and Ease of Installation
As long as it’s installed onto a clean and dry surface, you should find this wrap relatively easy to install. It is extremely malleable and flexible, so it can be easily installed on any curved surface. Like with most car vinyl wraps, this product has a pressure-activated adhesive that allows for easy repositioning. The only thing that you need to worry about is that you can’t stretch the product as much as you can other wraps, so be careful!
Overall Finish and Quality
The film has a layer of protective film overtop to lengthen its overall life. The colors are vibrant, and it’s definitely one of the better chrome vinyl wraps on the market right now.
Pros
- Unique colors that make car stand out
- High flexibility for installation on various surfaces
- Usable on both interior and exterior of car surfaces
- Affordable
Cons
- Requires more delicate handling during installation
7. Best Multi-Colored Carbon Wrap: F&B Carbon Fiber Film
Editor’s Rating:
Overview
Most carbon fiber textured car vinyl wraps are black to mimic the appearance of carbon fiber; however, some car enthusiasts might find that color boring and may prefer the carbon fiber texture, look and feel, but a different color. F&B offers the carbon fiber look in 5 different colors: red, black, gold, white and silver.
Size and Thickness
These sheets are a bit thin at 0.38mm, so you need to be a bit careful when stretching it to ensure that there are no visible stretch marks. This car vinyl wrap comes in 11 different sizes, so you’ll easily find one that can completely wrap the section of the car that you’re working with.
Adhesive and Ease of Installation
When it comes to installation, it’s pretty easy. The self-adhesive is easy to apply, stretchable with heat and fairly easy to work with. The only thing of note is that you need to make sure that the weave is in the same direction if you’re installing the vinyl wrap on several parts, or if you decide to use more than one roll on one section. Each weave is about 0.20 inches, so if the patterns don’t match up, it’ll be fairly noticeable.
Overall Finish and Quality
Most people go with black carbon fiber because the color tends to be less likely to fade. This product is UV-resistant, so the colors will stay vibrant and bold throughout its life. You’ll also get that true 3D texture carbon fiber resemblance.
Pros
- UV resistant vinyl
- True 3D texture resembles real carbon fiber
- Easily stretchable with heat
Cons
- Difficult installation due to the direction of the pattern of the film
8. DIYAH 3D Black Carbon Fiber Film
Editor’s Rating:
Overview
Another great carbon fiber film worth looking into is the DIYAH 3D Black Carbon Fiber Film. It’s easily one of the more affordable options out there and will offer you a similar quality finish as some of the other carbon fiber car vinyl wraps on this list.
Size and Thickness
In terms of thickness, this product is identical to the F&B Carbon Fiber Film, it’s 0.38mm thick, so you’ll need to be slightly careful when working with the product to prevent stretch marks. Despite being fairly thin, this product is easy to work with and stretches well. The smallest roll is 1 feet by 5 feet, which should be enough to wrap smaller sections; however, the largest roll is 5 feet by 10 feet, and that should be enough to wrap most sections.
Adhesive and Ease of Installation
The self-adhesive is easy to apply and stretchable with heat. It’s a bit trickier to install, and it requires some attention as the material is thinner than some other alternatives on the market.
Overall Finish and Quality
This product offers a genuine 3D carbon fiber finish, texture and feel. The product masks fingerprints and scratches well.
Pros
- Easily adheres to all surfaces
- Has genuine carbon fiber look
- Forgivable to work with
- Water-resistant
- Masks fingerprints and scratches well
Cons
- Difficult to install due to the direction of the pattern
- Thin and requires additional attention during installation
9. 3M 2080 Gloss Black Vinyl Wrap
Editor’s Rating:
Overview
3M products are excellent in quality, and if you’re looking for a simple gloss, you can’t go wrong with the 3M 2080 Gloss Black Vinyl Wrap. This is an upgrade from the 1080 line, and these films tend to have a longer life. The dual cast films are designed specifically for solid color vehicle detailing.
Size and Thickness
Once again, you can expect excellent quality when it comes to 3M products. They are a bit pricier than other alternatives. These vinyl films are at least 3.5mm thick, so they have a lot of room to stretch and are not likely to show any stretch marks.
The film comes as a 5 feet by 1 feet roll, which is enough to wrap around many smaller sections. With that said, the gloss finish allows the edges of one piece to easily and seamlessly blend in with another, so it will be difficult to notice that more than one piece was used after the product has been installed.
Adhesive and Ease of Installation
3M products are relatively easy to install. They possess a special patented adhesive layer known as Comply™, which is basically a layer that consists of multiple non-visible air release channels shaped like a waffle. This adhesive layer will make the installation process a lot easier and simpler, as it easily removes air bubbles that are trapped between the surface of the car and the film. All you have to do is apply a little bit of pressure on the air bubbles.
The low-tack, pressure-activated adhesive also makes it easy to slide and reposition the film until it’s in just the right place. It’s also easy to remove this product without leaving behind any residue. The adhesive will not affect the car paint in any type of way. This product easily conforms to curves and even sharp edges for an easy installation.
Overall Finish and Quality
There really is no comparison when it comes to 3M products. Their quality is superior and offers a beautiful finish that will last for years down the road, which makes it extremely worthwhile to install. Of course, you pay for that privilege.
Pros
- Has non-visible air channels for easy and fast installation
- High-quality material protects the outer surface of the vehicle
- Sold in large rolls for seamless installation
- Easily installable with pressure-activated adhesive backing
- Easy to maintain
Cons
- Pricier than other similar products
10. Avery Dennison Gloss Black Vinyl Car Wrap
Editor’s Rating:
Avery Dennison is another giant in the car vinyl wrap industry, and manufactures high-quality products. Their films have two layers to them – one layer for the color and one clear protective layer overtop to protect the color from degrading. You’ll get a nice gloss finish on this product that reflects well in the sunlight. However, it’s not true black, and it has brown undertones that are visible at times.
Size and Thickness
The thickness of these films is fairly decent, so you’re getting a fairly high-quality product that is not very susceptible to stretch marks or color deformation. The best part about this product is that it comes in 24 different sizes! You’ll easily find a size that will wrap around the entire section of any vehicle that you’re working on.
Adhesive and Ease of Installation
Avery Dennison car vinyl wrap films incorporate a special enhanced film technology that ensures excellent conformability on even some of the deeper recesses and irregular substrates. This makes these films easy to install with very little prep work. The films also have unique features and properties that prevent wrinkles and bubbles during application. The unique patented adhesive technology makes these films easy to reposition, and the glossy edges can seamlessly blend in with one another.
Overall Finish and Quality
Their films can last up to 12 years with any exterior installation, which is much longer than many other brands. The color and the shine won’t degrade, and will remain nice and shiny even years after the installation.
Pros
- Lasts for up to 12 years
- Superior conformability to irregular shapes and edges
- Unique patented adhesive technology
- Clear protective layers on top protect colors underneath
- Comes in many different sizes
Cons
- Not a true black color, as it has brown undertones that are especially visible under sunlight
A Complete Guide to Car Vinyl Wraps
Finding the right car vinyl wrap can be difficult. There are just so many choices out there! Knowing what you want is the first step in choosing the right wrap that will transform your vehicle from ordinary to extraordinary. There are many different factors to consider, like the type of finish that you desire, as well as the amount of effort that you’ll have to spend maintaining the car. Below, we’ll look at some of the different factors that may play a role in your decision.
The Different Types of Car Vinyl Wrap Finishes
One of the main factors to consider when choosing car vinyl wraps is the type of finish that you’d like. This all depends on how you’d like your car to look like at the end. The good news is that you can always remove the wrap and redo it if you don’t like how it looks. Let’s take a look at some of the more popular and common finishes on the market at the moment.
Gloss Finish
Many of the car vinyl wraps on our list are gloss wraps. These are some of the most popular finishes, as they offer a paint-like finish. The end product will look like you just got your car repainted by a professional at an auto shop. The only difference is that you’ll only have spent a fraction of the money, and you can do the job yourself at home without any professional help. Gloss wraps come in solid colors with no sparkles or flakes. This finish will give your car that beautiful shine that it deserves.
In comparison to many of the other finishes, gloss vinyl wraps are relatively easy to maintain. With that said, some manufacturers are coming out with a “high-gloss” finish that gives your car that extra shine. Some of these high-gloss finishes can be easy to scratch. To protect these vinyl car wraps, you can wax or treat the vinyl wrap with a clear liquid nano-ceramic coating to enhance its shine and durability.
Gloss Metallic Finish
If you prefer the look of metallic paint, look for car vinyl wraps with a gloss metallic finish. These types of wraps are slightly different from gloss wraps. They have tiny little metallic flakes that were added into the finish during the manufacturing process. This gives your car that extra shine and depth.
Matte Finish
Matte finishes are all the rage recently. They’re considered the modern look. This type of finish does not absorb or reflect much light and gives your car a “flatter” look. This, however, will ultimately draw more attention to the curves of the car, which is why matte finishes are particularly popular with sports cars. Due to the finish on matte finishes, these wraps tend to be less vivid in color.
When it comes to maintenance, matte wraps require a little more work. They cannot be waxed or sealed with a sealant or else they’ll lose their matte appearance. The matte finish is also more prone to showing fingerprints and scratches, as well as dirt and dust. Those who opt for this type of finish will need to clean their car more frequently. Water and snow, however, will not stick to matte finishes as easily.
Matte Metallic Finish
Matte metallic car vinyl wrap finishes are also quite unique. It’s basically a combination of a matte finish with some tiny metallic particles mixed in. This can be great for those who are looking to add more depth to the color of their car.
Satin Finish
Satin, another popular finish, is somewhere in the middle between gloss and matte finishes. It’s not as shiny as gloss wraps, but will be a bit more reflective than matte wraps. These types of vinyl car wraps can be sealed with wax or some type of ceramic solution. It’s a bit easier to maintain than matte wraps.
Other Specialty Vinyl Car Wrap Finishes
The finishes mentioned above are some of the most popular options out there. As the car vinyl wrap industry gains more attention and popularity, many manufacturers have since come out with other specialty vinyl car wrap finishes. These may be a bit difficult to find at times and include:
- Color Flip Finishes. These vinyl car wraps feature a combination of different colors. The color of the wrap will change depending on the angle that the car is being looked at. Wraps with these finishes need to be handled with extreme care, as they are directional. Depending on how the film is installed, the colors and hue will be different. It’s also important that all pieces are installed unidirectionally for a uniform look.
- Chrome Finishes. These are by far some of the most expensive car vinyl wraps on the market. These products are also rather difficult to install and can get scratched easily. Those who choose this type of finish will need to clean their car more frequently, as chrome finishes have a tendency to show fingerprints more easily. Many professionals recommend sealing the wrap with some type of protective film or sealant to preserve the mirror-like finish.
- Diamond finishes. These finishes have extra diamond dust in them, so they reflect a lot of light and will sparkle like crazy underneath the sun. They’re definitely a head-turner!
Those who choose specialty vinyl car wrap finishes should prepare for their cars to become showstoppers. These finishes will make your car stand out on the road.
The Different Types of Car Vinyl Wrap Textures
Some vinyl car wraps have textured surfaces. The most common ones are brushed metal and carbon fiber. We’ll explore the unique properties of these textures below.
Brushed Metal
The brushed metal texture is not as popular or common. The texture basically resembles scraped metal, which is why it is often used for cool accent pieces.
Carbon Fiber
Carbon Fiber resembles the look of carbon fiber, so it’s definitely one of the most popular options among car enthusiasts that want their car to look like it came out of an auto magazine. This type of textured material needs to be handled with more care. You’ll need to make sure that you align the pattern of the carbon fiber so that it matches.
Partial vs. Full Vinyl Wraps
There are also two different types of wraps that you can do. The first is called a partial wrap, which is when only one portion of the vehicle is covered. Some people opt for this method if they are doing something as simple as adding a logo or company information to the side of their car. This is also a really great idea for those who are looking to add a cool effect to their car. Let your creativity roam free! When looking to do a partial wrap, you can get away with much smaller pieces of film, which will be more affordable.
A full vinyl wrap is much more common, and is when one would cover their entire car from bumper to bumper. It can take some effort to install the wrap seamlessly for a natural-looking finish.
Cast Vinyl vs. Calendered Vinyl
Most people don’t realize this but car vinyl wraps come in two types: cast vinyl and calendered vinyl. For most people, it doesn’t really matter too much which type they choose, but it’s still good to understand the differences between the two.
In general, cast vinyl is considered to be of better quality than calendered vinyl. This type of vinyl is made by pouring liquid solvent onto a casting sheet and passing it through a series of ovens to bake out the liquid. The liquid solvent contains a polymeric plasticizer that increases its overall durability and lifespan. The vinyl does not get stressed during the manufacturing process, so there’s very little shrinkage. As a result, these vinyl wraps possess excellent conforming properties.
Calendered vinyl, on the other hand, is made using a paste that then gets flattened through a series of calendering rollers. This leads to a thicker type of vinyl that is more likely to shrink. Calendered vinyl is less conformable, but it’s also thicker, which means that it can offer more protection. This type of vinyl is not often used in car wrapping; however, it can be used to create vinyl decorations for vehicles.
Tips and Tricks for Installing Car Vinyl Wraps
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The process for wrapping your car is roughly the same regardless of the type of finish that you choose. Here are some tips and tricks to follow:
- Plan ahead! Always measure the amount of space that you’ll need to cover, so you know just how much vinyl wrap you’ll need to buy. Purchase a little bit extra to account for any mistakes that you might make along the way. It’s always better to wrap your whole car with one roll.
- Fill in scratches or chips. For a flawless installation, you’ll need to identify problem areas and fill in any scratches or chips that are present in the current layer of paint. These flaws will be magnified once the vinyl wrap has been applied.
- Clean your car. To get the vinyl to adhere easily to the surface of your car, you’ll need to clean it first to remove any dirt, dust or debris. It’s always a good idea to go over the surface of the car with 99% isopropyl alcohol, which is less likely to leave any type of residue behind. A smooth, clean surface will bond better with the adhesive on the wrap.
- Work out the bubbles. You’ll need a squeegee and some patience for this one. Vinyl wrapping is an art that can take some time to master. Go slow and maintain the same amount of heat throughout the application process to avoid getting any bubbles. Many vinyl wraps now have built-in air channels that help promote a bubble-free installation.
- Tuck in the edges. For a seamless look, tuck in the edges.
It might take you some time to find a steady rhythm, but once you get the hang of it, this should be a fairly easy task. You’ll need to be patient though!
Let Your Creativity Roam Free with Vinyl Car Wraps!
Vinyl wrapping one’s car comes with so many benefits. It’s not only more financially affordable, but it also allows you to let your creativity free without damaging or affecting the exterior surface and paint of the car. Car vinyl wraps are easy to install and easy to remove. You can easily get different effects and make your car one of a kind and a representation of your style and personality.
Source: Tools - autoquarterly.com
