I’m sure you’ve heard the term, “You get what you pay for.” Its implications are very clear when it comes to vehicle wraps and graphics. Over the years we have seen many bad wraps where cheap materials and poor workmanship were very visible in every bubble, misaligned seam, crease, etc. You name it, we’ve seen it!
I once wrote about a wrap that went wrong and I’m still haunted by the pictures of the BMW whose matte black wrap did not extend to the white door handles underneath! When you are evaluating where to have your vehicle and fleet graphics done, even if they are not full or partial wraps, understand that the lowest possible price may not be your best option. Here are three simple tips that will help ensure you get a quality car wrap:
- Ask about the materials that will be used and make sure that the vinyl being used is a cast vinyl and suitable for vehicle graphics. Beware of knock-off imported vinyl. If you haven’t heard of the manufacturer before you should be wary.
- Make sure that if graphics are being applied that the vinyl is being over laminated with the manufacturers recommended laminate. It is best to match 3M vinyl with 3M laminate. The same is true for Avery and Oracal. The vinyl and its laminate mate have been fabricated and tested in a way that will optimize their performance when they are used together so follow that simple rule.
- Ask whether the shop uses a master certified installer and if they don’t, or look puzzled, run don’t walk away from the facility. Improper workmanship such as overheating and stretching the vinyl, not trimming or sealing edges properly, will show in the finished result.
We could add several others but we think the ones highlighted above will help you avoid the major pitfalls. If you need more advice just call SignWorks at (510) 357-2000. We are happy to help.