Vinyl wraps are a popular choice for car owners who want to change the look of their vehicle without having to get a new paint job. They are also highly durable and can last for many years if properly installed and maintained. Another benefit that many car owners cite when getting their cars wrapped is that the wrap protects the original paint job of the car helping to maintain its value.
But what about the actual wrap itself? How durable and scratch resistant is it? Read on to have your questions answered and to learn how vinyl car wraps are the way to go.
How Durable is a Vinyl Car Wrap?
The durability of a vinyl wrap is often dependent on several factors, including the quality of the vinyl, the quality of the inks, and the quality of the protective film. However, if properly installed and maintained, a vinyl wrap can last anywhere from five to ten years.
Vinyl wraps are also highly resistant to everyday wear and tear like minor scratches. These scratches don’t break through the material or damage your car’s paint. This will ensure that vinyl car wraps are a good investment and that you can get the most out of your exterior coating.
You can also find car wraps that repair minor scratches when exposed to sunlight or a heat gun.
Factors That Affect Vinyl Wraps
There are a few factors that can affect the durability of your vinyl car wrap and reduce its protective powers.
Extreme Conditions
Vinyl wraps can last as long as five years on cars that are exposed to normal conditions. However, there are some factors that can affect your car wrap’s durability. For example, strong exposure to sunlight will quickly bleach the colour of the cover and increase the chance of tearing. Washing and excess humidity can also cause all sorts of issues. In addition, strong chemical products will also affect the durability of your vinyl wrap.
If your vehicle undergoes heavy-duty use and is often in extreme conditions, a vinyl wrap will typically last a couple of years instead of five or more. However, it will still protect the original paint job on your car.
Improper Installation
The installation process is crucial to the durability of your car wrap. Any mistakes or carelessness results in bubbles forming, peeling, and dirt accumulating under the vinyl wrap itself. Not only does this look bad but also affects the protective abilities of the wrap.
While going DIY might seem relatively inexpensive in the short term, having your vinyl wrap installed by professionals works out better long term.
How to Prolong the Life of Your Vinyl Wrap
Apart from limiting exposure to harsh conditions, taking proper care of your vinyl wrap can prolong its life.
- Keep your car clean. This limits the scratches it can receive due to the abrasive nature of dirt.
- Handwash your car instead of exposing it to the harsh bristles of a car wash.
- Park your car in covered parking like a garage as much as possible to limit the bleaching nature of the sun.
Boost Your Car Wrap’s Protective Powers
Although your car’s vinyl wrap is made from durable PVC, adding an additional layer gives it that extra bit of armour it needs to level up its protective powers. Paint Protection Film (PPF) aka clear bra is a popular method of coating your vinyl wrap. PPF is also made from heavy-duty vinyl that also offers protection from UV rays and is thick enough to form your first line of defence against scratches. PPF coatings have been known to last as long as ten years when cared for properly.
Adding a ceramic coating is another popular way to protect your car wrap. As a hydrophobic coating, it keeps water and other liquids away from your car. It also forms a tough protective coat to prevent scratches from damaging your car.
In conclusion, vinyl wraps are highly durable and scratch-resistant if properly installed and maintained. They can last for many years and are a great investment for car owners who want to change the look of their vehicle without having to get a new paint job.
At Vinyl Labs, we make sure that every vehicle wrap job we take on gets our full attention so that it is completed to perfection. Get a quote for a vinyl wrap for your vehicle today or get in touch with us if you have any questions.