Is Car Vinyl Wrap Cork Really Worth the Money? Find Out

So, What's All the Fuss About Wrapping a Car?

Everyone seems to be wrapping their cars lately. You see them on the N40, at the lights in town, outside the shopping centre, matte green, satin black, even that odd chrome purple nobody asked for. So the big question comes up. Is a car vinyl wrap cork drivers keep chatting about actually worth the cash, or is it just a fad that'll be peeling by summer? Truth is, it depends on what you want out of it. Some people want a fresh colour. Some want to protect the paint. Some run a business and need the van working as a moving advert. This post breaks down the real answers, not the sales pitch.

What Exactly Is a Vinyl Wrap Anyway?

First off, vinyl wrap is a peelable, stretchable film with an adhesive backing that goes over the current paintwork. That's it. It isn't paint. And it isn't a giant sticker stuck on as some people think, though plenty of guys call it that too. The film comes in gloss, satin, matte, carbon fibre texture, brushed metal, all sorts of finishes. An experienced fitter will hit it with some heat, stretch it around the corners, trim it flush and then tuck it into the door gaps. If it's done well, you won't be able to tell it from paint. If it's done badly, you'll see bubbles, lifted edges, knife-cut panels and scuffed fins.

How Much Does Car Wrapping Really Cost?

Let's be honest, no one wants to be told the price but everyone wants to ask it first. The cost of a full colour change on a small hatchback is often less than a good quality respray but a large SUV or van will cost more, because there's more of the vehicle to cover. Metallic films are more expensive, difficult or fiddly finishes such as chrome costs more. Partial wraps (roof, bonnet, mirrors) are the cheap option. The short answer is that wrapping isn't always the budget option, it's the intelligent option for many people. You can have the look without the permanent commitment. Get a quote that tells you what brand the film is, what panels will be covered and what warranty comes with it.

How Long Does a Wrap Last in Irish Weather?

Any good car will last 5 or 6 years before its protection starts to wear and some will last longer if its kept in a garage as well. The Irish weather is certainly not the most forgiving for vehicles though. The sheer amount of rain combined with salt on the roads, the occasional snow and even a few rogue days of sunshine can cause havoc to paintwork and trim. Horizontal surfaces such as roof and bonnet are always the first to start to degrade, that's just the way of it.

Can Car Wrapping Cork Actually Protect Your Paint?

Here's something folk forget. Wraps are also protection. Stone chips, tiny scratches, bird poo, tar – they all strike the film not the paint. On removal, the original finish will typically be in decent shape so it improves the car's value when you resell it. That's a major reason where we find customers choosing to wrap a lease vehicle – you've had it for 3 years, changed the colour, and you give it back without a respray invoice. But one little hitch – if the paint is flaking or the clear coat is compromised, the wrap will lift bits of it off. So don't buy a new car without looking at the state of the paint first.

Is a Wrap Worth It for Vans and Business Vehicles?

Now the commercial side. A van wrap is a cost effective message, it works all day. Parking outside a job, queueing at the Dunkettle roundabout or parked up in a traffic jam, people look and read. Join the likes of tradesmen, caterers, delivery companies, gyms, hair dressers, companies with full or partial graphics, with logo, services, number and website. But if you look at these words with all this info and lots of text, the eyes switch off. Big phone numbers, simple graphics, contrast, professionalism, keep it simple but highly visible. Fleet wraps of similar vehicles adds to the visibility, print, cut, window, perforate, wrap is the same process.

What Happens on the Day Your Car Goes In?

Don't expect it back the same day the film is installed. First we do a full wash, decontamination, clay bar and wipe down, because the dirt under the film appears as a lump forever. Once the handles, badges and lights are sometimes removed so the film can wrap behind them, the installation begins panel by panel, heating and stretching as required, trimming and sealing the edges. A small car can take two days, a larger one possibly five or more. Once the film is in place the glue can take a while to fully cure, so most fitters would advise to leave washing for at least a week.

What Should You Check Before Booking a Wrap?

Step 1, get straight with your insurer. Seriously. A major colour change will have an impact on your policy, so give them a call before you get ahead of yourself. Step 2, is it good quality? Do they use actual photos of work they've done, not just stock shots from a manufacturer website? Ask about the window film, the warranty and if they'll cut the film on your car or a bench. Cheap prices, opaque quotations and numbers that don't add up are generally warning signs. Step 3, check out the workshop, if possible. A tidy bay tells you a lot about the quality of the result.

So, In the End, Is It Worth It?

The short answer is yes, for the majority, assuming the job is done correctly. A wrap transforms the appearance of your car, safeguards the paint beneath and can be stripped and replaced with something else if you get bored. Not for everyone and a wrong application can be worse than no wrap at all. But if you choose a reputable fitter, maintain it well and have realistic expectations then car wrapping cork is an excellent solution for both your private vehicle and your company's fleet of vans. Make sure you do your research, get several quotes and ask the awkward questions. Then sit back and enjoy your new colour. Usually.