Almost daily we are asked about doing wraps for customers; and while they are fun, exciting, and can really be a game changer, there is still a lot of misconceptions out there about them. We're going to clear the air and help you understand all the important things you need to know about wraps. It's high time those fake myths are debunked once and for all! Plus, after you know what's actually true and what's not, you'll be confident and informed in proceeding with your wrap project. So..., let's jump right in!
Know the Facts
First off, let's clear the air and lay down the essentials.... Here, at Impact Signs, we strive for perfection and want to ensure that each wrap we do will be durable and effective for the long haul. Our team of experts are the absolute best around and our attention to detail is impeccable! In order to provide this excellence, we perform an initial inspection of each vehicle before we begin any wrap. This examination is done in order to identify any potential concerns when it comes to the installation and longevity of the vinyl wrap itself.
Sometimes, issues with the preexisting paint will need to be addressed prior to being able to actually apply a wrap. Compromised paint that is peeling, chipped, or faded, damaged body panels, dints and dings, as well as old graphics or residue from where a graphic once was will have to be assessed and possibly corrected before any new graphics can be applied. This is because in some of these instances, the vinyl will not properly adhere to the vehicle resulting ultimately in inevitable failure. In other circumstances, the surface texture is the problem.
Wrapping a vehicle does not hide flaws and essentially the surface texture that you start with will be the surface texture that you end with. While vinyl wraps can create some very incredibly captivating visual communication, it's unfortunately not magic and will not hide any blemishes that are previously present. In all reality, it may actually highlight them even more so than they currently appear depending on what type of texture and/or color wrap that is applied on top. With that being said, and a foundation now laid, let's move on to busting these myths!
Myths
Wraps are too expensive. False! On average, wraps will cost anywhere from $2,000 - $5,000. Of course, this number can fluctuate depending on the size and complexity of the graphics. Those deciding factors can either raise or lower the cost. It is way cheaper to have graphics printed, especially if you're looking to have some crazy, unique design done, versus having a painter try and paint lots of detail. When compared to a new customized paint job though, you can expect to spend upwards of $10,000 or more! I think the numbers really speak for themselves here.
Wraps cause damage to the original paint. False! This could not be any farther from the truth. Actually, (with the understanding that the original paint is in decent condition prior to application) wraps can seriously protect the paint from wear and fading due to UV rays, dirt, and tons of other environmental elements. The wrap forms a barrier between the paint and anything that would otherwise come into contact with it. Because of this additional extra layer of protection, your paint will be preserved. When the wrap is finally removed, years down the road, the original paint will be in the same pristine condition that it was when the wrap was first installed. What does that have to do with anything, you ask? Well, think about it... you now have a higher resale value than you would have had had you not decided on wrapping your vehicle! Cha-ching!!
Wraps take too long to install. False! It's easy to see why some might think it would take a long time to install wraps. In all reality though, a good qualified technician with the correct specialized tools (<< check out that link) will have your vehicle back to you usually within a few days. If you consider having it painted instead though, expect to be without your ride for possibly three weeks or more.
Wraps require too much maintenance. False! While you might think that since the wrap isn't paint it will require a lot of extra work to maintain it's appearance, this is not true. Believe it or not, the only thing that you need to do is simply wash it. There is absolutely no waxing that needs to be done unlike a paint job. Washing by hand is the best option here as you do not want to use anything too abrasive and risk damaging the vinyl. However, touchless car washes should be fine if the wrap was installed by professionals ( << find out why at that link...), and a high quality brand vinyl was used. Ultimately, just be sure to avoid the brush kind and pressure washing and you'll be fine. We use 3M and Avery brand vinyl and laminates to ensure that our product will remain resilient for years to come. Both of these companies are leaders in the industry and continue to pave the way for new and innovative, trendy products.
Wraps don't last. False! Bologna! Did you know that if you use a high quality wrap material, install it correctly, and well care for it in accordance with the previously mentioned recommendations, vinyl wraps can last you for years to come?! You can potentially get five to even seven years out of one wrap before any issues or failures begin to occur.
Wraps add unnecessary weight to my vehicle. False! With all my years in the sign industry this has been on the bottom of the list when it comes to concerns, but a concern nonetheless. So let's go ahead and address it and put the worries to rest. An average full wrap job will only add about an additional 25 pounds. If you were to get a new paint job though, do you know that you would be adding about 40 more permanent pounds to your car?! While both directions will add some weight to you vehicle, deciding to go with a wrap will save you those extra 15 pounds. Those 15 pounds will in turn save you on unnecessary, dreaded trips to the gas station. That inevitably means less of your precious time wasted and more of your hard earned money stays in your pocket! What's not to love about that?!?
Wraps are unsafe on windows. False! There is actually a special type of vinyl intended just for windows. This material allows for viewing through and works best on windows that are not low-angles like the occasional car rear window. With that one exception, window perforation does not hinder the driver's visibility or make it unsafe to drive. However, it should be refrained from use on front windshields or the forward most side windows.
Wraps have to completely cover the vehicle. False! Not true! Not true! Believe it or not, wraps do not have to completely cover the vehicle. Having the option to choose between a partial wrap versus a full wrap can save you big when it comes to staying in a budget. How great is it to still get the same effect of a full wrap without having to pay for it!?! If you haven't already, now is a great time to check out another one of our blogs addressing these cost effective options for vehicle advertisement! Wraps work awesome for adding that custom accent like racing stripes or a unique swirl without completely loosing sight of the existing paint color. Oh the possibilities...!
Wraps cannot be removed. False! Wraps are made to be removed! This is because the prestigious vinyl manufactures know that interests change, businesses grow, and ownership transfers. With that comes the need to take off what once was desired and current. When the recommended guidelines are followed removing a wrap will be easy, quick, and free of any damage! This is clearly good news for the owner!
Wraps are a waste of money. False! The reality of the matter is actually just the opposite and here's why.... When a vehicle is wrapped with something unique it's going to attract lots of attention. What does that mean from a business stand point, you ask? Well, for all of those millions of impressions you're going to be receiving, over the wrap's lifetime, you will only end up spending fractions of a cent making it one of the most economic marketing strategies available! To break that down even further, when it comes to call back rates, vehicle graphics have an astounding return rate of 91% - 98%. It's pretty obvious as to why vehicle advertisement is the most cost effective means to advertise. The one time investment you make with vinyl wraps will constantly be working for you for the entire life of the graphics!
In conclusion, you really do get what you pay for. That's why we earnestly recommend using someone reputable and trustworthy, like Impact Signs, where we have the skill, experience, and offer only the highest quality material. Our prestigious work and reputation precedes us. You can check out some of our many show stopping wrap jobs on our website, Instagram, or Facebook. Once you get through there, and you're ready to customize your ride, give us a call at (940) 234-7746. We're looking forward to making you stand out above all the rest!!!