How To Wrap Your Car

Change your car’s appearance easier than Superman changes clothes.

byLisa ConantJan 20, 2022 5:00 AMCleaning and DetailingGuides & GearHomepage How-TosHow ToHow-TosShareLisa ConantView lisa conant's Articles

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Gone are the days when switching up your car color involved a major time and financial commitment comparable to getting a full back tattoo. The introduction of vinyl car wraps has made it easier and more economical than ever to give your ride a face-lift.

Change up your car’s appearance for the year, the month, or even the day, going with whatever look suits you. Once you’re over it, just peel the wrap off to reveal your car’s original paint job. Wrapping your ride opens up endless possibilities in the way of designs, colors, textures, patterns, logos, and more.

Here’s the kicker: Many people are intimidated when it comes to wrapping their own cars, thinking it’s a precision job best left to professionals. No worries. The Drive’s crack info team has laid out a guide explaining what vinyl automotive wrapping is, how much professionals charge, how much it costs to wrap a car yourself, and how to wrap a car.

Car Wrapping Basics

Estimated Time Needed: Hours to days, depending on the size and style of the vehicle

Skill Level: Intermediate, Expert

Vehicle System: Exterior

What Is a Vinyl Car Wrap?

Vinyl car wraps have been around for years, as far back as the 1950s. Full vinyl vehicle wraps made their grand entrance into the automotive world in Germany in 1993 as a way for advertisers to showcase mobile billboards. Cast vinyl car wraps are the most popular types, and you can get cut graphics, half wraps, or full vehicle wraps. These wraps are large sheets of pressure sensitive vinyl film that adheres to your vehicle without peeling, chipping, or fading. The newest and most innovative car wraps look so much like real paint that most of your buddies would never guess you paid a fraction of the price for what is essentially a temporary tattoo for your car. You get all the “cool kid” points without the lifetime commitment. And, when you get sick of it, it’s easy to remove or swap out.

Car Wrap Safety

Working on your car can be dangerous and messy, so here’s exactly what you’ll need to ensure you don’t die, get maimed, or lose a finger and that you keep your jeans, shirt, and skin spotless—hopefully.

Everything You’ll Need To Wrap Your Car

We’re not psychic, nor are we snooping through your toolbox or garage, so here’s exactly what you’ll need to get the job done.

Many of the items above can be purchased together in pre-packaged car-wrap kits.

Organizing your tools and gear so everything is easily reachable will save precious minutes performing this job. You’ll also need a flat workspace, such as a garage floor, driveway, or street parking that’s also well ventilated. Check your local laws to make sure you’re not violating any codes when using the street because we aren’t getting your ride out of the clink.

Here’s How To Wrap Your Car

Grab a buddy, and let’s get to it.

Pro Tips to Wrap a Car

Wrapping a vehicle can be a difficult, time-consuming task. These tips will help ensure the process goes as smoothly as possible:

Video

This in-depth tutorial will take you through proper vinyl car-wrap installation from start to finish. It also includes some nice tips and tricks to make the process even and your finished product even smoother.

FAQs About Car Wraps

You’ve got questions. The Drive has answers.

A. The average life of a car wrap is about five years when properly maintained. Environmental factors, however, can decrease a wrap’s lifespan.

A. No, wrapping your car will actually protect your paint, as the wrap takes the brunt of the world’s dirt, debris, and environmental wear and your paint stays hidden below. It is not, however, primarily designed as a protectant, and paint can still be damaged through the vinyl by external hazards.

A. You don’t. All you’ll need to do is wash your car from time to time with soap and water and dry it immediately with a squeegee or a microfiber towel. Certain finishes such as matte, however, require special washing techniques detailed by the manufacturer.

A. Yes and no. If your car already has surface or scale rust, it will continue to rust since that’s a chemical reaction within the metal, and no amount of surface protection will stop it. If, however, your car is pristine, it can prevent rust caused as a result of rock chips, scuffs, and scratches as long as they don’t penetrate the vinyl.

A. No, your vinyl wrap won’t fade, as most modern high-quality wraps are designed to far better standards than other vinyls. Your wrap will continue to look good until you need to replace it or your mood demands a different color.

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