Protect Your Ride With Vinyl Car Film
Vinyl car film is a great way to protect your car and keep it looking new for longer. It is extremely easy to apply and comes with the added benefits of being waterproof, UV-resistant, and self-healing. In this article, we’ll take a look at the best vinyl films, their application process, cost-effectiveness, and their durability.
Durability
If you’re looking for a durable wrap for your vehicle, you should consider the longevity of vinyl car film. Depending on your environment, the material can last for between 3 and 7 years. However, the lifespan of a vinyl wrap can vary from manufacturer to manufacturer.
Vinyl is a durable material but it can be easily damaged by dirt, water, and other environmental factors. It also has a tendency to peel and crack. For this reason, it’s best to use a protective coating to increase the life of your vinyl wrap.
The ceramic coating on PPF and Vinyl provides a durable shield against scratches and UV rays. This coating comes in liquid form or as a colored coating. When you install a PPF or Vinyl wrap, the ceramic coating bonds with the vinyl wrap.
The paint protection film on the other hand is made of heavy-duty vinyl and offers a thick layer of protection. This prevents swirls and small scratches from appearing on the surface of the wrap. These coatings can also protect your vehicle from everyday contaminants such as dust and water.
One of the biggest concerns with a vinyl wrap is the damage that can happen from dirt and road grime. Washing your vehicle regularly can help extend the lifespan of your wrap. But when washing, the swirls and particles in the water can damage the vinyl.
Aside from protecting your vehicle, a vinyl wrap can also help to add a unique look to your vehicle. You can even apply custom graphics on your vehicle. Whether you want to customize your car or show off your personality, a vinyl wrap is an easy way to make a statement.
Cost-effectiveness
Adding a vinyl car wrap to your ride can be a worthwhile investment. Not only does it improve the aesthetics of your car, but it can also shield it from harsh elements. While it’s not exactly a cure all, the right kind of wrap can be the first line of defense for your venerable chariot.
One of the best ways to protect your investment is to maintain a pristine condition. This means wrapping the vehicle in an airtight container or storing it in a garage. For optimal performance, it’s important to keep the interior and exterior free of dust and grime. In the winter, ice and salt can be particularly damaging.
To maximize the longevity of your new vinyl wrap, make sure vinyl car film it is kept in the garage or in a well ventilated area. Additionally, avoid leaving it in the sun. You don’t want to ruin your flimsy wrapping job by exposing it to the elements.
The cost of wrapping your car in vinyl can vary depending on its complexity and size. The average price range for an average-sized sedan is about $3500. A full-size SUV can cost upwards of $5000. If you’re interested in the ultimate protection for your ride, you’ll need to splurge on a high-end wrap. Keep in mind that you’ll have to shell out for extra insurance as well.
The best way to go about this is to find a professional installer. A reputable company like Complete Film Solutions can help. They’ll also provide a free quotation and a demo of the vinyl solutions. From there, you’ll be on your way to the perfect look. Plus, their 3M products are renowned for their quality and durability.
Application efficiency
It is important to know what type of vinyl car film is best for your needs. The different types of wraps have different attributes, such as adhesion, tearing, and longevity. If you plan on wrapping your vehicle regularly, you may want to opt for one of the more durable materials, such as the Avery Dennison SC 950 Vinyl Film. This high performance vinyl is perfect for customers looking for a name brand without paying top dollar.
One of the biggest hurdles when installing a new vehicle wrap is the material’s adhesive properties. You should avoid installing the film on a surface that is not tightly wound. Doing so can lead to bubbles or even tearing.
Another challenge to overcome is the weather. Although the vinyl will adhere to most surfaces, the elements can cause it to soften or lose texture. Depending on your needs, you may wish to use Ceramic Pro or Kavaca PPFs underneath the film to ensure it remains in tact for the long haul.
For the most part, the most effective way to apply a new vinyl wrap is to roll out the material and drape it over the panel. Before you do this, be sure to remove the backing paper. With a bit of patience and a sharp knife, you should be able to remove the wrap.
It is also important to remember to keep the squeegee moving from the center to the edges. Using the wrong squeegee can cause you to miss an edge, or worse, miss a section of the wrap altogether.
While a squeegee is the obvious choice, you can also use a utility knife. Using the latter option will give you more control over the squeegee and the film you are applying.
Self-healing light scratches
Vinyl car wraps are not immune from scratches, nicks, and scrapes. In fact, these wraps are designed to provide a layer of protection to keep your prized possession looking its best. However, it is not uncommon for your new wrap to be scratched in the blink of an eye. The good news is that you can prevent these dents and scratches from ruining the look of your ride.
One of the easiest and cheapest ways to do this is to install a protective film. This film is made of elastomeric polymers, which are vinyl car film both tough and flexible, as well as self-healing. These compounds will not only protect your wrap from the dreaded scratches and scrapes of life, but will also do a great job of reducing the risk of sun damage.
Another way to protect your vinyl is to install a quality window tint. It is not only a practical and affordable way to ensure your investment is not shattered, but it will also shield your car from harmful UV rays and other harmful components of the sun’s ultraviolet rays.
Another worthy contender is a reputable paint protection film. As mentioned earlier, these products contain elastomeric polymers, which will both protect your paintwork and self-heal. There is a large variety of these products out there, so choosing one that is best suited to your vehicle’s make and model is an important step towards maintaining the beauty of your vehicle.
Aside from protecting your precious automobile from the hazards of the road, a quality vinyl car wrap will also improve your visibility by as much as 50%. If you are interested in finding out how this innovative product can help your car shine, contact the pros at Apex Auto Care for a free estimate.
Cast vinyl vs calendered vinyl
Cast vinyl and calendered vinyl car film are both popular for many applications. However, they have different benefits. Calendered vinyl is a cheaper alternative to cast vinyl. But it is not suitable for exterior vehicle lettering. It also shrinks a bit, and is not ideal for curved surfaces.
In general, cast films are thinner, more flexible, and more durable than calendered. Cast vinyl is also easier to cut. Compared to calendered, they have a higher gloss level, which results in better resolution and a smooth surface.
While both films have a good surface gloss, they are made with different plasticizers and stabilisers. This is important to consider when comparing these two. Polymeric plasticizers are of higher quality and can be used to make more durable vinyl.
Cast films can be made in a variety of colors. The material is usually 50-60 microns thick. Cast vinyl is a good choice for applications that require more durability. They are typically used for interior wall graphics, vehicle wraps, and other projects.
Calendered vinyl is manufactured by a process called calendaring. The materials are heated to a liquid state, then rolled to a thin, flexible sheet. Because of the process, the material is less expensive.
However, the film has limited dimensional stability. Consequently, it is not recommended for curved applications, and is not ideal for exterior vehicle lettering. For these reasons, some PSPs may need to reserve supplies of calendered materials for some applications.
Despite the differences between the two, both are great options for printing applications. Cast films can be more affordable than calendered films, and their conformability makes them ideal for interior applications. Although they are not as strong as cast, they can be used on flat, simple curves.