Brand Ink experts answer your questions
If you’re considering getting your vehicle wrapped for the first time, you probably have some questions. Before you make this important investment, you should have all the information you’ll need.
As the Twin Cities’ foremost vehicle wrap design and installation team, we’ve been approached with countless questions over the years. Read on for our most commonly asked vehicle wrap questions with answers from Brand Ink experts.
Also known as vehicle graphics or vinyl wraps, vehicle wraps are large graphics or decals applied over the top of the paint and/or windows. Vehicle wraps can be any size, color, or finish, such as gloss, matte, pearlescent or transparent.
Compared to a custom paint job, vehicle wraps are a much faster and more cost-effective method of partially or completely changing the look of the vehicle. They also can be removed at any time to restore the original look of the vehicle.
Almost all vehicle wraps are made from thin vinyl film. With that said, not all vehicle wraps are created equal. At Brand Ink, we only use 3M™ Commercial Vehicle Wrap products given their unmatched quality, reliability and industry-best warranty. We are a 3M MCS warranted manufacturer and certified installation company.
3M products look especially good on 3M vehicles.
Vehicle wraps are unique to each application, and costs can vary greatly from vehicle to vehicle. This can depend on any or all of the following:
A basic decal package can start as low as $425, while a fully wrapped vehicle with a custom design and imagery can approach $10,000. The industry average for a full vehicle wrap is between $4,800 and $7,500. Please give us a call and tell us about your project so we can recommend the most cost-effective ways to complete your wrap without compromising your goals.
Vehicle wraps are an important part of building credibility and uniform branding for your business. It’s also one of the most cost-effective methods of brand advertising, with an unbelievably low average cost per impression (CPI) of just 15¢ over the lifespan of the wrap. Compare that to the average CPI of more traditional advertising media across the United States, such as TV ($27), radio ($11), print ($25), and billboards ($9), and you’ll see just how much of a value vehicle wraps can be to your business.
Vehicle wraps are classified in four categories:
Because vinyl wraps are a thin film on the surface of your vehicle, they are susceptible to scratches, nicks and scrapes. Light surface scratches will disappear when exposed to the sunlight on warm days; they can also be removed by heating the film with a heat gun or hairdryer. Deeper scratches will not come out, but damage rarely makes it all the way through the films, so you’re still protecting the painted surface below.
The quality of the vinyl wrap you purchase will determine how well it holds up to normal wear and tear. While most vehicle wraps are durable enough to sustain light surface damage, if you want a truly blemish-free look you can request that your installer apply additional graphic protection.
The average professionally installed vehicle wrap lasts around seven years, depending on the quality of the material. Brand Ink only uses industry-leading 3M products that are designed to last seven years or longer without any fading. 3M guarantees that our work will stand the test of time through their MCS™ Warranty program.
We are proud to be certified by 3M to offer the 3M MCS Warranty on finished graphics that meet their exacting requirements. This program covers finished graphics using products designed and tested for optimal compatibility and performance for jobs that demand the very best.
No, wrapping your vehicle does not void the manufacturer’s warranty. It is only voided if the manufacturer’s labels are removed, the maintenance schedule is neglected or the wrap is installed improperly by nonprofessionals.
It doesn’t matter how many car wrap guides you read or tutorial videos you watch, if you plan on wrapping your vehicle yourself, there’s a very good chance you’ll run into at least one of the following problems:
The only way to guarantee these mistakes don’t happen is to hire a vehicle wrap expert in your area.
In short, no. Factory paint in good condition will have absolutely no issues when a vehicle wrap is professionally removed. If there is pre-existing chipped paint or rust, those will likely come off upon removal, so it’s recommended that you fix those issues before your wrap is installed.
3M Commercial Vehicle Wrap adheres well to almost any vehicle surface. If you have questions about a particular material, we can schedule a time to test the surface in question before installation.
Even if you’re paying for your vehicle through financing, you can still have it vinyl wrapped. Because you’re actually protecting the value of your vehicle, it rarely concerns the banks at all.
When it comes to wrapping a leased or rented vehicle, you should always obtain permission from the owner before making any alterations. However, this is a fairly common practice, as many of the minor scratches and damage incurred during normal use will come off with the wrap when it’s time to trade in the vehicle.
You can wash your wrapped vehicle the same way you would a non-wrapped one. A professionally installed vehicle wrap is designed to withstand routine cleaning and inclement weather.
While we here at Brand Ink are huge proponents of vehicle wraps, there are a few instances where we DO NOT recommend this service. These include:
Our turnaround time from receiving final artwork approval to installation is generally seven business days. If you have a tighter timeline, let us know and we’ll do our best to accommodate your needs.
Wraps are designed to be removed without damaging the vehicle’s paint finish. When you are ready to have the wrap removed, a member of our team can come to your location to remove the wrap. Alternatively, with the proper tools, you should be able to remove the wrap yourself. Wraps will remove cleanly within the first 8 years of service. After 8 years, the wrap can still be removed, but removal should be done by professionals.
We are happy to manufacture and install your design for you. We can install at our facility, send a team to you or work with someone within our install network to complete your project.
Yes, Brand Ink offers in-house graphic design services. From logo creation to full wrap designs, our team can assist you with your creative projects. Contact us today to discuss your project.
Brand Ink has the answers. If you didn’t see the answer you were looking for, give us a call or send us a message and we’d be more than happy to provide you with that information.
Brand Ink has the answers. If you didn’t see the answer you were looking for, give us a call or send us a message and we’d be more than happy to provide you with that information.
