subject: A Look At Vehicle Wrap Longevity And How To Get More - Tampa Vehicle Wraps [print this page] Depeding on where you live and where your vehicle is stored, the longevity of your vehicle wrap can last up to 6 years or as little as 3. Most companies won't warrant a vehicle wrap longer than 3 years, and that is for the side, front, and back of the vehicle wrap...not the hood or top. The reason the hood and top don't last as long is because of the direct sunlight and heat that affects it. Window perfs, the material you can see through does not last nearly as long as vehicle wrap material. Even though it's laminated, the longevity of window perfs, since printed on a different material doesn't last nearly as long.
One thing to look out for is the quality of material your vehicle wrap company uses. If they use subpar materials to save some money then it won't last nearly as long as quality laminated 3M or Avery wrap materials. When you are shopping for a wrap company, be sure to ask them what material they will be using. If they don't say 3M or Avery...find another company that does. Materials developed speficially for auto wraps are more conformable and the overall look will be much more pleasing. Added the extra longevity and there's no reason to settle for inferior materials.
Another think is to be sure the material is being applied by a certified or preferred installer. There are only four 3M preferred installers in the entire state of Florida. You can visit their website to find a preferred installer in your area. This is important because you want a highly trained and certified installer wrapping your vehicle. Would you hire a handyman to do your plumbing or would you hire a professional plumber? The same goes for car and truck wraps. Be sure to find a professional preferred installer in your area.
Tampa is the the home to a company with not only one of the four 3M preferred insallters, but also two Avery Certified installers. They are one of the only companies in Florida where most of their staff are 3M Preferred and Avery Certified. By speaking with them, you'll get a better understanding as to what the proper materials to use, care for your vehicle wrap, and suggestions on the application process. If you're going to do it, do it right. This is a direct representation of your company that will be seen thousands of times a day. When you cut corners on your image, it shows and can be interpreted as the care and quality you put into the work you're advertising.
Like anything else, vehicle wrapping is a craft and you'll have the good, the bad, and the ugly. Be sure to ask questions before making any type of long term mobile advertising investment. If a company is aprehenisve about answering your questions, move on to another company that is more willing to assist. At all costs, avoid the fly-by-night companies that order the materials from another company and only do the installations. And the same goes for the companies that print the materials but bring in non-payrolled installers. If they are not doing everything under one roof then there's a good chance of errors and long term problems. That will put you into a position of going back and forth with the fulfillment company and installer to isolote blame.
