If you’ve ever seen a vehicle on the road that stands out because of its eye-catching, non-standard graphics, chances are, it’s probably wrapped.
Vehicle wraps are used to transform the appearance of a vehicle, whether it’s a car, a van, or even a lorry. Wrapping is gaining popularity across the UK. But what exactly is it?
In this blog post, we’ll be diving into what vehicle wrapping is all about and how it can completely transform a vehicle.
Wrapping a vehicle involves covering part, or all of its bodywork with a thin, adhesive vinyl. It’s not just any vinyl though, it's a canvas that can be any design or colour imaginable, from company logos to intricate, detailed artwork.
This vinyl wrap is applied directly over the original paintwork of the vehicle, offering a very unique way to transform its appearance completely.
This makes wrapping extremely effective for many different uses, from changing a vehicle’s colours because of personal preference right through to advertising businesses and their company information.
When it comes to wrapping, there are a couple of choices.
This choice depends on the specific needs of the wrap.
Partial wraps are more budget-friendly and can be extremely effective for targeted branding for business vehicles, whereas full wraps offer a complete makeover, The Benefits of Vehicle Wrapping
There are many benefits to commercial vehicle wrapping
Protection
Besides aesthetics, a vehicle wrap will also act as a protective layer over the original paintwork. This means it’ll help safeguard against scratches and sun damage, maintaining the original paintwork and vehicle’s value.
Cost-effective advertising
For businesses, vehicle wraps are a powerful, cost-effective way to advertise. A one-time investment can turn your business vehicle into a mobile billboard, promoting your business wherever you go.
Quick and reversible
The wrapping process can be completed fairly quickly, especially compared to a paint alternative. They are also non-permanent, which means they can be removed if your style changes or you want to sell your vehicle.
The vehicle wrap process usually includes a number of different stages:
Design
The first step is designing the wrap, which can be daunting with so many options available. Luckily we have experienced in-house designers for this, creating unbelievable designs for our customers.
Preparation
Before the wrap can be applied to the vehicle, the vehicle must be meticulously prepared and cleaned to remove any dirt or other residues that could impact the finish and to ensure the wrap adheres perfectly.
Printing & Laminating
Once the fresh, new design has been finished, it’ll be printed onto a vinyl film. After printing, a layer of laminate is applied over the vinyl to protect the print from the elements. This can also be used to give the wrap a matte, satin or gloss finish.
Application
Once the wrap is ready and the vehicle has been prepped, it’s time to apply. Precision is key here.
First, the wrap will be cut into smaller sections or panels (matching the vehicle parts eg. roof) to make them more manageable and accurate.
Then, each panel is positioned in place, ready to be installed
Then, the installer will begin to apply the vinyl, This is done using heat guns to make the vinyl more pliable, enabling it to mould perfectly to the vehicle's bodywork whilst also activating the adhesive to ensure a secure bond.
Finishing
Final finishing includes working out trapped air and wrinkles that form to ensure a smooth, perfect finish.
It’s then important to trim any excess vinyl around the edges to form a seamless appearance and to eradicate any potential long-term lifting of the vinyl.
Finally, the final checks will be completed and the installer will fit the vehicle back together, ensuring the wrap is perfect in all areas.
It’s extremely important to correctly maintain your vehicle’s wrap to extend its life and vibrancy.
There are several steps you can take to look after your new wrap, luckily we’ve summarised all of this in a handy guide: How to properly maintain your vehicle’s graphics.
Vehicle wrapping is an increasingly popular and versatile way to customise your vehicle and is great for commercial purposes.
It’s a cost-effective and reversible alternative to paint jobs, with a much more varied choice of end finishes.
If you want to find out more about the vehicle wrapping services we offer at CJ Signs, get in touch with a member of the team.
