Vehicle wraps are a versatile, eye-catching way to market your business. They can also protect your car’s paint from scratches and fading. Opting for a car wrap over traditional paint jobs comes with a number of advantages, and car owners and other vehicle owners can benefit from vinyl wrapping in many ways. 

Vinyl wrapping is highly customizable; you can design your vinyl wrap to feature any number of graphics and calls-to-action. Not all vehicle wraps are equal, however, and the key to getting the most out of your vinyl wrap is to choose the right one for your vehicle and your needs.

This guide is designed to help you do exactly that. Let’s dive in: 

Understanding The Different Types Of Vehicle Wraps

Vinyl wraps can be categorized into three broad types: Vehicle graphics, partial wraps, and full wraps.

Vehicle Graphics

Vehicle graphics are the smallest type of vinyl wrap—technically, they’re not wraps, but small vinyl decals that can be placed on your vehicle. They’re an affordable way of promoting your business; they’re frequently placed on doors and may feature your logo or a simple image.

Partial Wrap

Partial vinyl wraps generally extend from the back of your vehicle to the sides; they come in a variety of different colours and may feature logos, calls-to-actions, and other images. The contrast between your vehicle’s colour and the colour of the partial vinyl wrap can create an eye-catching visual effect.

Full Wraps

Full vinyl wraps maximize the real estate you have for graphics and calls-to-action. They come in a variety of different colours and offer your vehicle the most complete protection from UV rays and scratches. 

Vinyl Wrap Options

There are two common options for vinyl wrap materials: Cast vinyl and calendered vinyl. We always recommend cast vinyl; it is stretchy, better at maintaining its shape when temperatures change, and more durable. 

Appearance & Finish Options For Your Vehicle Wrap

When it comes to appearance, the sky’s the limit with vinyl wraps; you can find vinyl wraps in almost any colour you can imagine, a variety of different textures, and several different finishes. Some finishes include:

• Glossy
• Matte
• Carbon fibre
• Satin
• Metal
• Colour-shift

Vinyl wraps are typically designed in-house by graphic designers; they’ll incorporate any logos, images, and calls-to-action you want into your vinyl wrap. Your graphic designer should take a holistic approach to the design of your vinyl wrap, considering how the finish, texture, and colour or colours will interact with the layout and images.

Glossy, Matte, & Specialty Finishes: What To Consider

The vinyl wrap finish you choose can have a tremendous impact on the end result. Matte vinyl wraps, for example, can impart a more classic look to your vehicle, while metallic wraps like chrome wraps can help your vehicle stand out. A bank might not want to use a metallic wrap (too flashy), but that same metallic finish might work perfectly for someone advertising a bar or an events centre.

Different specialty finishes may have different care instructions; it’s important to talk to us for instructions on how to maintain the vinyl wrap material it installs. 

Customization: How Colours & Textures Will Make Your Brand Stand Out

Whether you opt for a glossy or matte wrap, the colours and textures you choose will have a profound influence on how you advertise your brand. We recommend choosing colours that are complementary to your logo for your vinyl wrap. You can also opt for contrasting colours to make your logo stand out.

Textures are another option for vinyl car wraps; they’re not the most common option for car wrapping, but they can be useful in the entertainment industry or as an off-beat choice for companies in fashion, furniture, or other fabrics. 

Durability & Lifespan Of Vehicle Wraps

Factors That Affect Longevity: UV Exposure, Maintenance, & More

You can get the most out of your vehicle wrap by following a few maintenance tips:

• Avoid automated car washes; always hand wash if possible.
• Spot-clean any sap or bird droppings that land on your vehicle.
• Don’t wax your vehicle.
• Avoid parking your vehicle in direct sunlight.
• Keep your vehicle parked indoors in extreme weather or extreme temperatures.

Expected Lifespan Of Vinyl Wraps For Business Use

With proper maintenance, a vehicle wrap can last for 5 to 7 years. Vehicle wraps are also easy to remove, so if you want to change wraps before the end of your wrap’s lifetime, the process is fairly simple.

Cost Considerations For A Vehicle Wrap

Understanding The Price Range For Different Wrap Options

The cost of a full vinyl wrap typically ranges from about $3000-$6000; the price varies based on the finishes you choose, the size of your vehicle, and other factors. Partial wraps cost less (from about $2000-$3500), and vinyl decal vehicle graphics may cost as little as $500.

When you work with SpeedPro Ottawa, we can help you create a car wrap design within your budget. We’ll ask you what features you want, tell you about the cost of each feature, and then help you determine the right vinyl wrap material, colour, finish, and texture for your needs and price point. 

Balancing Quality With Budget For Maximum ROI

No matter which finish or texture you pick, the most important thing when selecting a vinyl wrap is choosing the right material. As we mentioned above, you should always opt for cast vinyl car wraps. The value of cast vinyl may be the most important piece of information in this guide on how to choose vehicle wrap material. 

Conclusion

With the sheer variety of different finishes, textures, and graphics available, it’s important to consult with an experienced team to create the perfect vehicle wrap for your needs. Here at SpeedPro Ottawa, we have an in-house graphic design team that can help bring your dream wrap to life; contact us!