What is a Vehicle wrap material?
A vehicle wrap is a huge piece of vinyl covered paper that is placed on top of your vehicle paintwork. It has the ability to change the appearance of any vehicle - a full colour brand design or just a basic matte finish - and at the same time preserving the original paint below.
Not every wrap material is created equal. Quality, thickness and type of the vinyl you purchase will directly influence the length of the wrap and how good the wrap appears during the life of the wrap.
The Major Vehicle wrap material types
Cast Vinyl
The standard of vehicle wraps is cast vinyl. It is created by pouring (or 'casting') liquid vinyl onto a flat surface and letting it dry to create a thin, flexible film that can easily bend around curves and contours.
- Very good conformability - perfect on complicated shapes and recesses.
- Existence: 5-7 years in the wild.
- Averse to shrinking and raising.
- Thousands of finishes available: gloss, matte, satin, chrome, carbon fibre.
It is the most recommended material used by most professional wrap shops in South Africa, including Johannesburg and Cape Town, to use in full vehicle wraps.
Calendered Vinyl
Calendered vinyl is made by forcing vinyl into rollers. It is not as flexible or thin as cast vinyl, so it is more applicable to flat or simple surfaces.
- Cheaper than cast vinyl.
- Lifespan: 2-3 years (less than cast)
- Shrink with time, particularly in the hot South Africa.
- Ideal in short term promotion or flat panel graphics.
The calendered vinyl might not hold up so well over time in Durban where the factors of humidity and heat are constant throughout the year.
Specialty Films
These consist of colour-shift materials, brushed metal finishes, reflective wraps and paint protection film (PPF). These are high-end models that are priced higher but offer excellent visual effect and safety.
Vehicle Wrap Material has a number of advantages
- Protection of paint: A good wrap not only protects the factory paint on your vehicle against UV rays, small scratches and weather, but it is also especially useful in the South African hot summer sun.
- Affordable branding: To companies, a wrapped car is a moving bill board. A single wrap is capable of creating thousands of impressions per day in the busiest streets, in Johannesburg or Cape Town the Atlantic Seaboard.
- Reversibility: As opposed to respray, a wrap can be taken off without ruining the underlying paint - ideal in the case of leasing cars.
- Customisation: Select the colour, pattern or design of your choice and there is no permanent commitment.
- Resale value: Paint of a wrapped car will be in almost original condition at the bottom and this can enhance the resale value.
Cons to Be Wary of Before You Wrap
- Initial investment: Professional installation and quality cast vinyl is not cheap. Pay a higher price on materials that do last.
- Maintenance: Wraps should be washed and maintained regularly. Fading and edge lifting is promoted by neglect.
- No replacement of damaged paint: In case your car is rusted, severely scratched or has body damages, wrapping it up will not correct the situation but will only worsen the situation.
- Sensitivity to heat: Less expensive materials may shrink, bubble or peel in high temperatures - a very real issue in South African cities such as Durban and Johannesburg during summer.
- Installation is everything: The best vinyl will not work when it is poorly installed. Always select an experienced installer who is certified.
The Question of Which Wrap Material to Select
- A simple method of thinking about it is as follows:
- Going for a full vehicle wrap? Choose cast vinyl, always.
- Branding of short-term events or flat panel? Saves money and works calendered.
- Need a high quality appearance or protection of paint? Check in specialty films or PPF.
- Touring in South African rough conditions? Focus on UV protection and a well-known brand such as 3M, Avery Dennison or ORAFOL.
Always insist on a material specification sheet by your installer, and never hesitate to inquire about the duration of the warranty. A reputable store will support its efforts.
Conclusion
A long-lasting vehicle wrap material does not need a complicated selection process. Begin with your budget, consider the life of your wrap and never allow price to be your priority instead of quality installation. Be it a single car that you are wrapping or a complete commercial fleet in South Africa, the proper material and the proper installer would make it or break it.
Frequently asked questions
Here are some common questions about our company.
The material that is most suitable to use in South Africa is cast vinyl that is UV resistant. Oraguard, such as 3M Series 1080, Avery Dennison Supreme Wrapping Film and ORAFOL, are reputed to be resistant to heat and colour colour stability - important in cities such as Johannesburg and Durban that have long and hot summers.
A quality wrap and professional respray may be of a similar price to provide a complete colour change. Wraps, however, have reversibility and protection of paint that cannot be provided by resprays. Wraps are nearly always cheaper and more versatile than branded fleet vehicles to those businesses that require them.
Wipe your wrap with a pH-neutral soap and do not use high-volume jets that are aimed at the edges. Where feasible, park in shade to minimize the exposure to UV. Keep off petrol, oil, or caustic chemicals. Cities located along coastlines such as Cape Town and Durban, wash the vehicle on a regular basis to get rid of salt traces. The easiest of care routines will extend the life of your wrap by a few years.