Everything You Need to Know Before Getting a Truck Wrap
A truck wrap is an original way to customize your vehicle. It can also create an eye-catching look for a professional vehicle. Truck wraps are a popular alternative to paint jobs because they are affordable, easy to apply, and open up more possibilities when it comes to designs and finishes.
Here is what you need to know about vehicle wraps if you are thinking about changing the appearance of your truck.
What Is a Truck Wrap?
A truck wrap is a vinyl decal or cover that goes over your truck’s paint job. It’s a temporary cover that you can remove if you want to go back to the truck’s original color.
Most manufacturers use polymeric vinyl to create these covers, but you can find other types of vinyl. There is a strong adhesive that causes the vinyl to stick to your truck’s paint without damaging it.
You can transform your truck with a colored vinyl cover, or order a custom printed vinyl wrap if you want to advertise your small business. Vinyl wraps stand out thanks to their bright colors and wide range of designs available.
The Benefits of Vinyl Wraps
Wrapping is a popular alternative to painting a vehicle because it’s usually more affordable. The installation process is quick and easy, and there is no need to remove parts from your truck to paint them.
Painting a truck can take days since you will have to remove body parts, paint them individually, and let them dry. A professional can apply a truck wrap within a few hours since this cover will go over your truck’s paint job.
There is no need to remove or modify the original paint job. The vinyl wrap will completely cover the original paint and stick to it thanks to the adhesive backing.
You can remove the truck wrap if you decide to go back to the vehicle’s original color or want to change the vinyl wrap. It’s a versatile solution if you want to modify your truck’s appearance.
Printing custom graphics on a vinyl cover is much easier than doing a complex paint job on your truck. You can easily order a customized cover with colors, patterns, and texts of your choice. It’s a great way to turn your truck into a professional vehicle for your small business!
Vinyl covers also protect the original paint job of your truck. They prevent scratches and block UV rays. They also insulate the paint job from water damage.
Vinyl wraps require very little maintenance. You can keep your vinyl-wrapped truck clean by wiping the cover with a wet cloth once a week. It’s best to avoid traditional car washes since the chemicals and water pressure could damage the cover. It’s possible to fix the cover if you accidentally scratch or tear it.
You can decide to install a complete cover on your truck or opt for a partial cover to add graphics to the sides or even the hood of your truck.
Vinyl will completely block the original color of your truck. You can also add graphics to the windows of your vehicle thanks to perforated vinyl covers. These two features make vinyl more versatile than paint.
How to Install a Truck Wrap
You need to find a cover that corresponds to your truck’s measurements. You can visit a professional installation business and have them measure your truck so they can create a customized vinyl wrap.
You can also shop for a cover online. You should be able to find some measurements for your truck by checking your owner’s manual. We recommend looking for an online seller who can guarantee that their products fit specific makes and models.
If you want to use a customized vinyl wrap, a professional will print it on special vinyl and apply a laminate layer to protect the colors and vinyl. Adding a laminated layer protects the cover from UV damages and makes it more durable.
The installation process depends on the type of vinyl used for the cover. Some covers have an adhesive side. You can install them by peeling off the backing, placing the cover on the vehicle and applying heat to activate the adhesive.
Some vinyl covers will shrink and create a tight seal over your truck’s paint job when you apply heat.
Depending on the materials of the cover, it might be possible to remove and reposition the cover during the installation process. Some covers come with built-in channels to help you eliminate bubbles and wrinkles.
We recommend getting a professional to install your truck wrap. If you decide to do it yourself, choose a quality product, make sure it corresponds to your truck’s measurements, and read the installation instructions carefully.
How Long Does It Take to Install a Truck Wrap?
Truck wraps are a convenient alternative to painting because it’s possible to install a vinyl wrap within a few hours. It’s much faster than painting, and you won’t have to wait for your truck to drive.
Printing a custom cover and laminating it can take a day or two depending on how busy the business is. Designing a customized truck wrap can take time. You will have to reach out to a business that offers this service and find out what kind of designs they can create for you and how long the process will take.
Choose a business that gives you the possibility to request edits to your design. Requesting edits will cause delays, but it’s best to make sure you can get a customized design you will love.
How Long Will Your Truck Wrap Last?
A vinyl wrap can last anywhere from two to 10 years. Small debris, UV rays, and water can damage a vinyl cover.
The quality of the material used also determines how long your cover will last. Choosing a vinyl wrap with a quality adhesive can extend the lifespan of the cover.
We recommend finding a business that offers a warranty on the vinyl wrap so you can get it fixed at no additional cost.
What to Consider When Choosing a Truck Wrap
There are different types of PVC available. Pricing is usually an accurate reflection of the quality of the material. Avery and 3M are popular brands because of the quality of the adhesive used for their vinyl wraps.
You should consider different finishes. You can find covers with a glossy, matte, or satin finish depending on the effect you want. You can also find textured wraps with a brushed finish. Some wraps mimic the appearance of carbon.
Ask yourself how much you want to spend on your vinyl wrap and whether or not you feel comfortable with applying it yourself.
Additional Considerations
You need to get your truck spotless before you can install a vinyl wrap. Vinyl will stick to your truck’s paint if it’s clean. A detailing product like wax will prevent the cover from sticking.
Vinyl won’t stick to rust spots and other damaged areas. Get these spots fixed and painted before installing a wrap.
You should also keep in mind that a vinyl cover can make dents and other signs of damage more visible. Vinyl won’t stick properly to these areas, and wrinkles will form. A vinyl wrap is not a good option to hide defects.
A wrap isn’t a good option if you drive your truck off-road or use it as a heavy-duty utility vehicle. You will probably scratch and damage the cover. It’s best to invest in a new paint job and use a protective detailing product to prevent scratches.
The price and quality of the vinyl wrap you purchase are also important considerations. You might be tempted to get the most affordable wrap you can find. However, it would be best to spend a little more to get a durable product with quality adhesive.
How Much Does a Vinyl Truck Wrap Cost?
The price of a truck wrap depends on whether you want to get a customized design or purchase a pre-printed vinyl wrap.
The materials should cost between $1,000 and $3,000. Professional installation will cost between $2,000 and $6,000, depending on the size of your vehicle and the brand of the product used.
If you want to get a partial wrap, you should be able to buy the materials and get a professional to install the wrap from $1,000 to $3,000.
Keep in mind that you might have to spend more to get a designer to create customized graphics. The printing and laminating process will also add to the cost of creating a custom wrap.
Truck wraps are a popular alternative to painting because they are more affordable and easier to install. However, you need to install a wrap on a clean surface and can’t install one to hide dents and other signs of damage. We recommend that you find out more about different products and local businesses that offer this service if you want to get a vinyl wrap for your truck.
