Justin Pate, founder of the Wrap Institute, outlines the brief but progressive history of vehicle wrapping.

Car wrapping has gone from being an underground niche to a well-used technique to spruce up a vehicle without the long-term commitment. Until the late 2000s, car wrapping was associated with commercial use, the sole purpose being to advertise. But then, around 2008 to 2011, there was boom of colour change wraps for personal use.

This technique is not just resigned to advertising or customising, with paint protection film (PPF), a clear film which protects from chipping and scratches, seeing a surge of popularity in the past few years.

While paint jobs have been the staple, traditional method of decorating cars, the past few years have seen a huge growth in car wrapping. Both techniques have their pros and cons, and it is undeniable that there needs to be a good paint base to wrap. However, wrapping, with the release of new technologies, materials, and tools, opens almost unlimited possibilities.

Printers like Mimaki’s UCJV300 series can quickly produce an infinite number of vibrant designs on film in a wide range of colours and then, seamlessly, laminate them for longevity – and it is all done so cost-effectively.

These days there are an array of different inks on offer, when initially solvent was the only go-to option. UV inks originally cracked in recessed areas, but new developments have meant that they now can withstand over stretching and extreme recessed areas, without sacrificing consistent colour.

These inks instantly dry, allowing for a quick turnaround time from printing to laminating without the need for gassing time. Unlike solvent inks, UV creates a slight texture on the film, which can be removed if desired.

Certainly, for a big fleet or for when the job needs to be done swiftly, UV or latex are stand-out picks. But extreme 3D shapes, i.e., bumpers, mirrors, and other recessed areas, may be better served by eco-solvent or other inks.

There are also a lot of options to choose from when it comes to film, the main three being cast, poly and mono. Cast has remained the most popular choice for car wrapping, renowned for a high-quality finish, but polymer has become more common, with its more conformable qualities.

The car wrapping industry seemed to be on the verge of exploding back in January 2020, and that growth has only been amplified over the course of the pandemic. Many customers, unable to go away on holiday, turned to redecorating and customising their homes and vehicles as they spent more time in them.

The practical benefits of car wrapping, primarily the protective layer it creates around the car, have also boosted its popularity. While it requires a lot of physical skill, this changing and rapidly growing industry certainly makes for an exciting venture.

Brightly colored, attractive vehicle wraps make your company vehicles stand out from all the other cars on the road. Passing drivers won’t pay much attention to a plain white van on the road, but they will notice a well-designed vehicle wrap. Colorful vehicle wraps are so engaging that peoples’ eyes naturally gravitate towards them.

Depending on how many vehicles you own, how often they are on the road and how far they travel; you can reach tens of thousands to over a hundred thousand viewers per month. You can reach a larger audience with a vehicle wrap than almost any other form of advertising. Many businesses gain more customers from their vehicle wraps than their websites.

Vehicle wrap advertising is targeted because you are advertising to your local market. The people who will see your vehicle wrap the most are the people in your area. Local marketing produces outstanding results because people like to deal with nearby businesses.

Vinyl vehicle wraps help protect your vehicle’s body from scratches and small dents from road debris. Specialists can also easily remove vinyl vehicle wraps without damaging the vehicle’s paint. Vinyl vehicle wraps help keep your vehicles in better condition for when you need to trade them in or sell them. Outside of being an additional advertising expense, there are practically no downsides to using a vehicle wrap for advertising. Most business owners feel that they recoup the expensive of having vehicle wraps in the added exposure their business receives. If you want to stand out from your competition, a vehicle wrap is a wise investment.