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Refurbish Your Car With The Best Car Wrap Vinyl
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Vinyl sheets have been a popular item for redecorating stuff at an affordable price. These vinyl wraps are available for your ride too. Your car can have a completely new look with minimalistic effort. A scratch can be annoying as a repaint is very expensive. Here one can use a patch of vinyl wrap to cover the damage or cover your whole car for a completely new look. Moreover, one can use vinyl wraps on a vehicle to promote one’s business or represent a logo. You can also remove these sheets later, saving your car’s original paint. One thing that may hesitate most people while buying wrap vinyl sheets is durability. As cars go through harsh conditions and vinyl sheets are stickers, they may erode with time. However, an excellent vinyl sheet with suitable adhesiveness and thickness will surely last longer. Hence, sound quality is essential when selecting vinyl wrap for your car. Luckily we have compiled a complete buying guide to the highest-rated car wrap types of vinyl in 2023.
Buying Guide: Car Wrap Vinyl
Vinyl wraps are a form of PVC blended with different materials to make it look cool and add durability. Vinyl sheets were first used in the early 50s to advertise and represent logos. Then, in the 90s, it became famous for vehicles as an affordable solution to repaint. Today thousands of inches of thin vinyl are being used to decorate one’s vehicle.
Car Wrap Vinyl vs. Car Paint
Both have their advantages; however, with versatile car wrapping vinyl available today at low cost, it’s better to go with the sheet rather than the entire repaint. For starters, car wrap vinyl is not permanent in most cases, so your car’s original color and resale value remain there even after changing the color. Next, vinyl sheets can be customized easily, so you can install them at specific places in your car without worrying. Furthermore, you can DIY car vinyl installation with essential tools. On the other hand, a paint job will last more than a vinyl sheet. Also, if you plan to sell your car and it has scratches, it’s best to opt for paint as good quality paint sometimes increases car value. For short-term use, it’s best to go with car wrap vinyl, while it’s best to opt for paint for a more prolonged investment.
How to Install Car Wrap Vinyl
Cleaning your car
Scratches are not an issue; however, if your car has dents, it’s best to get rid of those first. It’s best to clean your car first with some car-washing liquid. Next, dry your car with a smooth cloth and ensure no residue is left. Working inside a garage with minimum air crossing on a warm day is also recommended.
Measuring
Once you have successfully cleaned your car, take measurements for the parts where you would like vinyl wraps. It’s important to note that always keep vinyl wrap one or two inches more on each side before cutting.
Wrapping
It’s time for wrapping after cutting vinyl sheets for each of your car parts. It’s best to start with flat surfaces like the hood. It’s usually a two-person job, so it’s best to call someone at this point. Hold the vinyl sheet above your car with a bit of stretch, and then slowly place it on the car. Gently press the vinyl and cut the extra borders with a utility knife.
Final touches
Make sure to peel the back of the vinyl sheet before applying heat. Once you remove the back, apply a heat pressure of no more than eighty degrees. If there are any air bubbles, gently remove them while pushing them out from the edges. The edges can be a little tricky; however, you will easily get a vinyl sheet wrapped all over your car with a bit of practice.
Washing Vinyl Wrap
Maintaining is the next thing that comes to one’s mind after installing, as you will want a maximum life for your vinyl sheet. For washing vinyl wrap, you can use any regular soap like the one you would use on regular paint. However, it is still best to read the product’s specifications so that it won’t damage the vinyl finish. It’s best to apply less water pressure and gently rub the surface while washing. Avoid brushes and rubbing if you have a pressure pipe to wash your car.
Things to Consider
Size
Each vinyl wrap has a variety of sizes available. The standard size to wrap all over your car is about 300 by 60 inches. However, most people don’t wrap their whole car, so it’s best to measure the size needed for your car and then add 2 to 3 inches on each side before ordering. It’s always best to have extra instead of being short.
Quality
You may have noticed 3M or 3Mil thick vinyl wraps. Well, Mil means thousandth of an inch. The thicker layer means a more protective layer for more extended duration use. However, each vinyl sheet with a different thickness has different purposes. So it’s best to choose the quality specifically designed for cars or outdoor use.
Adhesiveness
Some vinyl sheets don’t have an adhesive back and require glue for installation. It’s best to use the wrap with an adhesive back when applying it to cars. It makes things easier for you, i.e., remove the adhesive protection and apply firm pressure for installation.
Color
Color is a personal choice; however, different colors and shades have advantages. Like carbon fiber, black is known for durability. On the other hand, the glossy colors may look good but may catch fingerprints and scratches. Some other textures and shades look not only pleasing but also feel good, making them suitable for cars’ interior decoration.
Installation
The skills required for installation may differ depending upon the quality of car wrap vinyl. Some are easier to install, while others may require skills and special tools. Before installation, there are other things to consider, like the law; since your car’s original paint is registered with the state, changing the color may cause trouble with the registration and insurance.
Removing Car Wrap Vinyl
It’s pretty simple; first, apply the heat of no more than 50 degrees to loosen the adhesive. Next, use your fingernails around the edges to remove and pull the wrap vinyl. It's best to gently pull so that the sheet comes off in one go; otherwise, it could cause you trouble. Once you remove the wrap from the car, use any remover and rub the remaining residue off.
Top Picks
Best Overall:
Scotch Car Wrap Vinyl
Most Durable Car Wrap:
Vvivid Car Wrap Vinyl
Best Glossy Car Wrap Vinyl:
Rvinyl Car Wrap Vinyl
Best Carbon Fiber Vinyl:
Diyah Car Wrap Vinyl
Best Black Car Wrap Vinyl:
Rockrose Car Wrap Vinyl
Yes, you can; however, using a heat gun for firm installation is recommended.
Can I carwash a wrapped vinyl car?
It depends on the type of car wash. It’s best to avoid the ones with brushes. However, the ones with water pressure and hand washing are okay for the wrapped car.
Are car wrap vinyl safe for my car?
Yes, if installed and removed correctly, car wrap vinyl is safe to use and won’t damage your car.
