There are roughly 275 million vehicles on American roads, from commercial automobiles to personal daily drivers. With so many cars, many companies invest in custom vehicle wraps to serve as moving advertisements for their businesses.
Vehicle advertising is intriguing, but how many types of custom vehicle wraps are there? If you're curious about vehicle wrap design, we're happy to help.
Read on to learn more about common wrapping techniques and the materials used to make branding on wheels possible.
Vehicle Wrap Design Methods
To start, let's look at some of the many ways companies will install these wraps. From full car decals and vinyl graphics to simple fleet branding on trucks, there are many different ways to use wraps. Here are the three most common types of wraps.
Full Wrap
One of the most common ways to see mobile advertising is as a full wrap. While driving, you may pass a car that's covered from the wheels to the roof in an advertising wrap.
There's no limit to what these wraps may advertise. From restaurants and clubs to pest control services, these vehicles are eye-grabbing mobile advertising.
However, these are also the most expensive. If you're looking into fleet branding, covering your vehicles with a full wrap will be pricey. Consider looking into ways to keep costs down.
Partial Wrap
One way to keep the cost down during your graphics installation is to use a partial wrap. As the name suggests, a partial wrap is a wrap that only covers part of the vehicle.
Partial wraps come in different sizes and designs that you can customize. Some partial wraps will cover one half of the vehicle or just the door.
This is great for identifying vehicles. If you've driven on a college campus, you've likely seen official vehicles with partial wraps. These wraps are less expensive than full wraps and still serve as great advertising and brand awareness.
Color Change Wraps
A color change wrap is the most eye-catching of all wraps. These wraps are often iridescent and will change colors from different angles or exposure to UV rays. Many companies will include vinyl graphics, car decals, or other decorations with these wraps.
Color change wrap designs are often full wraps as well. Depending on what company is servicing your vehicle, a color change wrap is typically the most expensive. Consider how color change wraps can improve your marketing and weigh this against the cost.
Materials for Custom Vehicle Wraps
Now that we know more about wrapping techniques, we can look at the materials used. Many people will pick the material based off of aesthetic benefits and the cost.
All wraps have their pros and cons. Here are the most common materials used for vehicle advertising and wraps.
Carbon Fiber Wraps
Carbon fiber is frequently used for vehicle wraps. The material is used as an alternative to most metal materials, which are more expensive and sometimes not fit for use on a vehicle. Carbon fiber is durable and strong while also remaining lightweight.
As a material, carbon fiber is mixed with epoxy or an alternative resin. From there, it turns into a durable, metal-like material.
These wraps give your vehicle a carbon fiber or metal look. For some companies, like handymen or mechanic companies, this is ideal. Construction companies often use the material as well.
Additionally, carbon fiber is great at protecting a vehicle's body. The vehicle is easier to clean as a result of the slick surface. Both of these factors are great money-savers, especially for full fleet branding.
However, air bubbles can appear underneath the wrap. Carbon fiber wraps are also difficult to apply and may require a professional.
Matte Wraps
Matte wraps are rarely used for advertising but are common and low-cost. These are great for changing the color of a vehicle to match a business.
These can absorb more light, which hides dents or imperfections on the body. They also cover scratches, so they're a wonderful choice if your work vehicles aren't the most up-to-date.
However, they can give a chalky appearance if not done correctly. Smudges and oil will also appear easier if they aren't properly maintained.
Satin Wraps
Satin wraps are a good middle ground between matte and carbon fiber. Many companies use these for advertising for the gloss of carbon fiber but the cost of the matte wraps.
These wraps give a unique aesthetic and stand out with their glossy textures. However, they're also difficult to maintain due to the matte layer's sensitivity.
Chrome and Reflective Wraps
Chrome wraps are wonderfully eye-catching, making them great for vehicle advertising. Chrome has a unique and flashy look that no one will miss, particularly on bright days.
Chrome wraps also protect the car's paint reliably, as a carbon fiber wrap does. The lamination will help protect the vehicle from scratches and chips. Additionally, the wrap can last up to five years, with proper maintenance improving the lifespan.
That said, chrome wraps are also more sensitive to being damaged. A break in the chrome is more noticeable, as it'll be the only spot that isn't shining.
Chrome is also the most difficult to apply, with many finding it inconvenient. Chrome wraps are heavy and don't stretch as much as other types do. With a poorly done wrap job, stress lines and air bubbles are easily spotted.
Chrome wraps are great for a vehicle wrap design with a few vinyl graphics as advertised. Ensure that you're taking good care of your vehicles to keep your chrome wrap effective.
Making the Most Of Your Vehicle Advertising Wraps
Custom vehicle wraps are a great way to accomplish mobile advertising and improve your branding on wheels. An effective vehicle wrap design is useful for using a single vehicle or for fleet branding. Consider your needs and what design you'd like before picking a material.
For more information on vehicle advertising, be sure to contact us. You can also browse our site to learn more about vehicle signage and designs.