Car wrapping is a recent trend in the automobile sector. This vinyl film is one option to transform your automobiles into something more unique. You can have full or partial vehicle wraps, and with either, you’ll find many benefits, such as paint protection.
A wrapped vehicle offers an eye-catching display every time you see one, making it a popular form of commercial advertising. How long does it take to get a car wrapped? and other questions like that are likely on your mind if you consider having a vehicle wrap.
While you may not have a precise time to wrap your car as small vehicles can take less than larger vehicles. However, you can break down the process of how long each step can take to estimate how long your vehicle will be in the wrap shop. Typically, applying full vinyl wraps takes, on average, three days. In this, you’ll find enough time for the adhesive to cure and long enough to cut and apply the vinyl film.
In our guide, you can find out more about how long does wrapping a car take along with each process it goes through. By the end, you’ll see the time it takes depends on vehicle size, the complexity of installation, and a chunk of time of how long to wrap a car can be taken up by the rest period. (Learn How To Deactivate Toyota Immobilizer)
Steps to Have A Car Wrapped
It doesn’t matter if you have lettering, partial wraps, or full wrap; the process is the same, even if how long a car wrap takes varies in time.
Wrap Design Process
You will create a unique design for your vehicle with the art department of your wrap company before beginning any prep or wrap work. A wrap company can upload a model of your vehicle using specialist design software to offer the best options for a custom design and what will go where and why.
To create a great-looking wrap that suits your budget, you and your vehicle graphics company will meet your budget, realistic design guidelines, and even your images.
The design process can take anywhere from one to two hours for a straightforward one- or two-color wrap to several hours for a sophisticated and customized design, depending on the complexity of the wrap.
Before wrapping starts, the design idea needs approval from both you and the wrap company.
Vehicle Wrapping Preparation
It’s time to get your vehicle ready for the vinyl wrap after you’ve created the wrap’s design.
A two-step cleaning procedure, including an initial cleaning provided by the vehicle owner and a follow-up cleaning by the wrap company, should be performed on your vehicle before wrapping.
Giving your car a complete hand wash before wrapping it is a good idea.
You’ll need to clean and work on every area, including the wheel wells, to wash as much road grime, dirt, and grime from the vehicle as possible. Before moving on to the next phase, the vehicle must completely dry, which could add a few extra hours, so it pays to leave it out in the sun to dry thoroughly.
The wrap company will clean chemicals for a secondary cleaning following the wash you gave previously. Depending on the size of your vehicle, it could take 30 minutes to a couple of hours to fully prepare the vehicle. (Read What Color Is Gas)
How Long Does A Car Wrap Take to Install
With the aid of heat, plastic razors, and the skill of vehicle wrappers, you can see the large vinyl stickers applied to vehicles.
The size, scale, type of wrap, and vehicle they are applying it to are two primary factors of how long the vehicle wrap takes.
1. Partial Wraps:
For a seasoned wrap company, partial wraps like hoods and customized lettering don’t take very long. However, you can expect partial wraps and lettering to take 30 minutes to 2 hours as the job takes longer the more lettering and graphics there are.
However, you can expect the rest period to be the same for such a partial wrap as it is for a full one.
2. Full Wraps:
To apply full wraps flawlessly, there’s no doubt it takes time and talent. A full wrap can take a half day to two days in the shop, depending on your vehicle.
When leaving your vehicle, ensure you ask the installer when you can expect your full wrap to be completed, as it will need to fully adhere to it before you drive it.
Full Wrap Or Custom Paint Job?
Custom paint jobs can take days or even weeks to complete, taking significantly longer than a vehicle wrap. It can take at least one week for a custom paint job, yet with wraps, you can get more detail and customization cheaper.
Both car wraps and custom paint jobs have advantages and disadvantages. The best option for you will depend on how much money you have and how long you can live without a car.
A car wrap is the best choice if you’re looking for a less expensive option, and also, car wraps are less permanent than a custom paint job.
How Long Does It Take To Wrap A Car In The Shop?
For a smaller or medium-sized car without other types of unique
body features, a two- or three-person team of car wrap installers can finish car wraps in two days.
For larger vehicles like a truck or SUV, or specialty cars with multiple air intakes, wings, retractable hardtops, and other features, in most cases, add a day to the wrapping process.
Sometimes, like with luxury vehicles with multiple materials like metal and carbon fiber, vinyl installation of car wraps takes up to a week. Larger vehicles take longer to wrap because there are more.
Wrapping a sports car with intakes, a wing, and other elements takes longer, even if the car is not large, because many wrap pieces must be cut out, applied, and trimmed to fit. From planning to application to finishing, every step of your car wraps takes longer for such cars.
Once car wrap is applied, most companies want to hold onto the
vehicle for at least a day. This allows the wrap adhesive to fully set and prevents airflow from pulling back film while driving.
It also allows for thorough, close inspection to catch any errors, such as bubbling, scratches, or imperfect fits (unlikely with great vinyl wrap installers).
Different Car Wraps
Glossy
If you want a shiny car, wrap a car in a glossy car wrap. This wrapping is smooth and looks like your car’s body finish. Shininess makes it stand out, making it ideal for decoration.
It comes in assorted colors, including metal flakes, and you pick the one that matches your car’s paintwork best.
Matte
A matte wrap is duller than glossy. Since it’s not a popular car pick, it’s long. However, car enthusiasts appreciate its uniqueness, which makes it ideal for a custom design.
Due to its nature, matte wraps won’t reflect light. It’s suitable if you want a classic or auto-sport look. If done professionally, it can boost your car’s aesthetic value.
Satin
Satin car wrap combines glossy and matte hues. Shinier than matte but not like a complete glossy wrap.
The wrap doesn’t scream much, so it’s suitable for executive car applications.
Carbon Print Wrap
The carbon wrap is typical in racing circuits, which adds to the tough appearance of the vehicles designed for circuit use.
It comes in two different forms, one of which has the surface imprinted with carbon and the other of which has the texture of carbon. (Read My Brake Pedal Is Stiff And Car Won’t Start)
Custom Installation
When you look at how long it takes to wrap a car, this vinyl wrap type takes the longest to cover your car.
The printed image will be printed in sections, and the car wrap’s edges need to match, or the print looks out of line.
Pros and Cons Of Car Wrapping
Advantages
- When comparing a vinyl wrap to paint, the former is cheaper than a high-quality paint job. Note: You can obtain the same finish and look with a wrap as you can with paint.
- Wrapping can be completed in three days since wrapping is a quick process.
- The modification also guards against physical damage like scratches to your car’s surface.
- The vinyl wrappings have a longer lifespan, with some having a ten-year lifeline.
- Many colors are available, and you can choose from matte or gloss.
- When you want to change the look of something, the vinyl wrap is easily removable and easier to afford.
Disadvantages
- Car wrapping has some drawbacks that you should know despite its many disadvantages, some of which are highlighted below.
- Setting the vinyl can be a challenging and challenging task if you are not a professional.
- Low-quality wrappings are more likely to do so when removed from the car.
- Cars with hard bodywork might be challenging to wrap.
Conclusion
You must prepare the vehicle, prepare the wrap, and apply graphics application to have your vehicle wrapped.
The wrapping process comprises several steps, but it can be completed in its entirety in just a few hours or a week at most.
You may not need to wait too long for partial wraps as the application process only takes a few hours, and for full wraps, it usually takes a couple of days. (Read Can I Sleep In My Car With The AC Running)
The assurance that you won’t be without your vehicle for more than a few days is a great place to start if you’re ready to turn your vehicle into something unique.
