Car wrapping has become very popular and is one of the fastest-growing trends among car enthusiasts and those who want to add a personalized touch to their vehicles or advertise their businesses. Wraps also act as a protective layer to your car’s surface as they become the second skin on the original paintwork. For enhancing your vehicle’s appearance with vinyl wraps: DIY or professional installation.
While wrapping a car yourself seems like a fun weekend project. The idea of saving labor costs by taking the project yourself might seem appealing, but it is way more difficult than it may appear. Although there is a sense of achievement when completing a difficult job reserved only for experts. Some jobs, however, should be left to professionals like color shift wrap installation. Wrapping a car can be expensive. Therefore, many people consider DIY to save labor costs, but sometimes it leads to the total wastage of time and money due to the lack of proper equipment and skills.
Is It Hard to Wrap Your Car?
Vinyl wrapping your car with DIY might seem simple, but it is a difficult task. It is not a cup of tea even for experienced personnel. There are many crucial factors to consider before you dive into DIY vehicle wrapping. Vinyl wrapping requires experience, precision, and attention to detail.
The process is much more than just peeling and applying stickers. Careful planning, technical skill, and proper tools are necessary in order to prevent any damage, creasing, or air bubble. In case you're wrapping a small area of your car, such as a bumper, side mirror, or a light, you can wrap it yourself.
Common DIY Car Wrapping Mistakes to Avoid
In DIY car wrap installation, these mistakes, if not taken into account, resultantly spoil the whole wrapping project.
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Selecting low-grade vinyl wrap for cost cutting
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Improper heat also plays a role in project failure
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While in the low heat can also affect the installation
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Improper stretching can tear the wrap
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Using the wrong instruments
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Not avoiding sun exposure
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Applying in extreme cold
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Not removing air bubbles
Why Wrapping a Car Is Not as Easy as It Looks
DIY tutorials are easily available online. They make the whole process look very easy. The person who is watching the tutorial thinks he can do it himself as easily as it looks in those tutorials. A successful wrap requires a proficient level of skills. Professional installers are trained to do wrapping in tricky areas like curves, edges, and seams.
As DIYers lack this training and expertise. DIY Wrapping a car can consume much more time than it looks. A DIY enthusiast may spend a week rapping his whole car with a lot of imperfections and eventually end up creating a mess. Vinyl wraps that are poorly applied with a lot of imperfections tend to last much less than expected. Air bubbles pop up, and wraps start peeling.
Do-It-Yourself Vs. Professional Car Wrapping
Whenever it is about customizing your ride's looks, either of two principal choices can be made based on your finances, color choice, and skillset. Either DIY or professional work, both are good in their own ways but have advantages and disadvantages of their own.
DIY installation
DIY is a more affordable wrap installation option, as you can save labor costs and only pay for the material, making it an attractive option for small businesses or budget-conscious car owners. DIY offers the rewarding experience of learning new skills and techniques. It provides a hands-on learning experience of new vinyl wrap techniques. You have a flexible schedule to complete your wrap job.
Avoid These Mistakes
Apart from these pros, there are some cons of DIY installation. If you are not proficient in wrap installation, many mistakes and imperfections are expected. It will take much more time to complete the job than anticipated. There might be bubbles and creases left behind, which can affect the final look of your wrap job.
Inadequate installation can lead to damage to your vehicle’s paint. Poorly or unprofessionally applied wraps do not last long and peel off after some time.DIYers often use low-quality material, which is another cause of the lower durability of DIY-applied wrap.
Professional installation
Professional wrap installers use high-quality vinyl wraps and are proficient in their job. They have years of experience that allows them to do wrapping jobs professionally and flawlessly. Accuracy, precision, and a smooth, high-quality finish are the fruits of professional installation. Hiring a professional installer is a time-saving option as you do not have to spend hours planning and designing. Vinyl wraps installed professionally are more durable than those of DIY.
Takeaways
Professional installation can be costly due to the labor charges and high-end material, compared to DIY. You have less control over the design and planning process. Professional installation initially costs more, but in the long run, it is a worthwhile investment. Always try to select a professional wrap service provider and save yourself from unnecessary delays.