If you’re considering getting your business vehicle or fleet wrapped with your logo or custom design for the first time, you most likely have some questions. After all, since vehicles have such high visibility, these can be some of the most cost-effective marketing dollars you spend.
Before you go and make this important investment in your business, you want to make sure you have all the information you’ll need. As the Twin Cities’ foremost vehicle wrap design and installation team, we’ve been approached with countless questions over the years.
Read on for our most commonly asked vehicle wrap questions, with answers from Brand Ink experts.
WHAT IS A VEHICLE WRAP?
Also known as vehicle graphics or vinyl wraps, vehicle wraps are large graphics or decals that can be applied over the top of the paint and/or windows. Vehicle wraps can be any size, color, or finish, such as gloss, matte, pearlescent, or transparent.
Compared to a custom paint job, vehicle wraps are a much faster and more cost-effective method of partially or completely changing the look of the vehicle. They can also be removed at any time to restore the original look of the vehicle, if necessary.
WHAT IS THE BEST VEHICLE WRAP MATERIAL?
Almost all vehicle wraps are made from a thin vinyl film. With that said, not all vehicle wraps are created equally.
At Brand Ink, we only use 3M™ Commercial Vehicle Wrap products due to their unmatched quality, reliability, and industry-best warranty. As such, we are a 3M MCS warranted manufacturer and certified installation company.
3M products look especially good on 3M vehicles.
HOW LONG DOES A VEHICLE WRAP LAST?
The average professionally installed vehicle wrap will last approximately five to seven years, depending on the quality of the material. Brand Ink only uses industry-leading 3M™ products that are designed to last seven years or longer without any fading.
In fact, 3M guarantees our work will stand the test of time through their MCS™ Warranty program. This program covers finished graphics using products designed and tested for optimal compatibility and performance for jobs that demand the very best.
HOW MUCH DO VEHICLE WRAPS COST?
Vehicle wraps are unique to each application, and thus the cost can vary greatly from vehicle to vehicle. This can depend on any or all of the following:
- Size of the vehicle/wrap
- Vehicle model (cars with more curves, angles, and indentations are more difficult to work with)
- Shape of the wrap
- Quality/finish of the material
- Amount of time it’s intended to be in service.
While a partial wrap on a smaller vehicle can start as low as $2,000, a more exotic wrap with an elaborate finish can easily tiptoe the $10,000 mark. With that said, the industry average for a full vinyl vehicle wrap will run you anywhere from $3,500 – $6,000.
The more exotic the car and the more elaborate the wrap, the more it will cost.
Please give us a call and tell us about your project so we can recommend the most cost-effective ways to complete your wrap without compromising your goals.
ARE VEHICLE WRAPS WORTH IT?
Vehicle wraps are an important part of building credibility and uniform branding for your business. It’s also one of the most cost-effective methods of brand advertising, with an unbelievably low average cost per impression (CPI) of just 15¢ over the lifespan of the wrap.
Compare that to the average CPI of more traditional advertising media across the United States, such as TV ($27), radio ($11), print ($25), and billboards ($9), and you’ll see just how much of a value vehicle wraps can be to your business.
DO VEHICLE WRAPS DAMAGE PAINT?
In short, no. Factory paint in good condition will have absolutely no issues when a vehicle wrap is professionally removed. If there is pre-existing chipped paint or rust, those will likely come off upon removal, so it’s recommended that you fix those issues before your wrap is installed.
IS IT NORMAL FOR VEHICLE WRAP TO HAVE WRINKLES OR BUBBLES?
The occasional wrinkle or bubble is common with any vehicle wrap, especially on severely concave or rounded surfaces. That is why professional installation is highly recommended, as experienced vinyl wrappers use special techniques designed to eliminate these minor imperfections.
WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A PARTIAL AND FULL VEHICLE WRAP?
Vehicle wraps can be classified into four major categories:
Full Wrap: A full wrap covers every painted surface of the vehicle, and any windows if necessary. On larger vehicles, a full wrap typically does not cover the roof, as this is generally not visible.
Three-Quarter Wrap: A three-quarter wrap typically includes a hood logo, the entire rear, and the sides of the vehicle up to the front doors.
Half Wrap: A half wrap commonly consists of a hood logo, the entire rear, and the sides of the vehicle up to the windows.
Partial Wrap: A partial wrap is anything less than a half wrap and is often just a brand’s logo or design.
An example of a partial vehicle wrap (left) and a full vehicle wrap (right).
CAN YOU WRAP A LEASED VEHICLE?
When it comes to wrapping a leased or rented vehicle, you should always obtain permission from the owner before making any alterations. However, this is a fairly common practice, as many of the minor scratches and damage incurred during normal use will come off with the wrap when it’s time to trade in the vehicle.
HOW DO I WASH A WRAPPED VEHICLE?
You can wash your wrapped vehicle the same way you would a non-wrapped one. A professionally installed vehicle wrap is designed to withstand routine cleaning and inclement weather.
STILL HAVE QUESTIONS? BRAND INK HAS ANSWERS.
We can help. Check out our website for more frequently asked questions. If you still can’t find the answers you’re looking for, give us a call or send us a message and we’d be more than happy to provide you with that information.