Car wraps

So just what is car wrap? As a savvy business owner, you’re always on the lookout for innovative ways to magnify your brand’s presence and reach a wider audience. While traditional advertising mediums have their place, car wrapping offers a unique, mobile, and highly effective avenue to elevate your brand visibility. But what exactly is car wrapping, and how can it compliment your business’s marketing strategy?

What is car wrapping?
Car wrapping involves the application of custom-designed graphics, logos, and messages on the exterior of a car. This is normally done using vinyl that is adhesive and can be stuck to the body parts of a car. It transforms your car into a mobile billboard, advertising your brand wherever it goes. This powerful marketing tool not only enhances your brand’s visibility but also imparts a professional appearance to your business car wherever it is taken. A wrap can cover part or all of the car.

Why Invest in car wrapping?

• Enhanced Visibility: Your branded car becomes a mobile advertisement, capturing the attention of pedestrians and fellow motorists wherever it travels, thus extending your reach beyond traditional boundaries.
• Cost-Effective: Unlike recurring costs associated with digital and print advertising, car signage is a one-time investment that continues to yield returns as long as the graphics remain on the car.
• Professionalism: A well-designed car signage not only advertises but also legitimises your business. It conveys a sense of professionalism and commitment, instilling confidence in prospective clients.
• Customisation: With a plethora of design, material, and application options, you can tailor the car signage to mirror your brand’s ethos and message accurately.
• Local Marketing: For businesses targeting local markets, branded vans effectively create brand awareness and establish a recognisable presence within specific locales.

Car wrapping is more than an advertising tool—it’s a mobile canvas that artfully communicates your brand’s identity, values, and offerings to the world. As you navigate through the city’s veins, your branded van does more than transport goods; it carries your brand’s essence, weaving through the collective consciousness of the community. 

Investing in car wrapping is not an expense but a strategic move to weave your brand into the daily lives of potential customers, unobtrusively yet impactfully. Every journey your van embarks upon is an opportunity to imprint your brand in the minds of the masses, making van signage an indispensable tool in the arsenal of a visionary business owner. 

The businesses that typically use car wraps include

1. Construction and Home Improvement Services:

• Why: car wraps can be beneficial for construction and home improvement businesses, as it showcases their services, helps in brand recognition, and instills a sense of professionalism. The car travels to various job sites, exposing the brand to diverse neighbourhoods and potential clients.

2. Cleaning Services:

• Why: Companies offering residential or commercial cleaning can benefit from car signage by communicating their offerings and contact information visually. It serves as a moving testament to their professionalism and availability.

3. Landscaping and Garden Services:

• Why: These businesses can use car wraps to display their creative designs and past projects. It acts as a mobile portfolio, inspiring potential clients and showcasing the quality of their work.

4. Catering and Food Delivery Services:

• Why: car wraps effectively advertises the business’s offerings, tempting visuals, and contact details. It reaches a wide audience, especially during events or deliveries, amplifying brand exposure.

5. Mobile Pet Grooming Services:

• Why: Such businesses can benefit immensely from car wraps by showcasing their services, displaying charming visuals of pets, and providing contact information, thus reaching pet owners in various locations.

6. Florists:

• Why: Florists can utilise car signage to display their beautiful arrangements and advertise special offers. It captures attention and helps in creating a memorable brand image whenever deliveries are made.

7. Local Artisans and Craftsmen:

• Why: Artists and craftsmen can turn their vehicles into a mobile art gallery, showcasing their artwork, designs, and craftsmanship, which not only advertises but also expresses the quality and uniqueness of their work.

8. Real Estate Agents:

• Why: car signage can be a moving billboard displaying properties for sale or rent, agent’s contact information, and testimonials. It helps in reaching potential buyers and sellers effectively.

9. Plumbing, Electrical, and HVAC Services:

• Why: Such essential services benefit from van signage by instilling trust and ensuring that local communities are aware of their presence and offerings. The van acts as a contact point and advertisement, especially during service calls.

Yes car wrapping can be removed.

Whether your business has one or a fleet of vehicles when you are thinking about ways to grow awareness in your local area then one of the simplest marketing strategies is to put some type of signage on the doors, windows, boot or bonnet of your car/s. It doesn’t matter if you have a van, car, SUV, truck or electric car – all these types can have either a partial or full car wrap applied to them.

Why is car wrapping a good idea for business owners?

• Your car or fleet can become mobile billboards that have advertising that people can see 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. No other form of advertising can really achieve that in the same way without spending money every day.

• Each car, van, or truck you own can be transformed into a vibrant, eye-catching advertisement for your business that can help grow brand awareness for the products or services that you sell. Every commute, delivery, or errand becomes a mini marketing campaign, reaching hundreds or thousands of potential customers with no additional effort on your part. They will see, read and eventually remember your business if the car has been wrapped professionally. You can get exposure all around the Central Coast.

• Traditional advertising can be pricey and fleeting, especially digital advertising. Wraps deliver continuous brand impressions throughout the day, wherever your vehicles travel. Think city streets, highways, and local neighbourhoods – all transformed into your personal advertising canvas.

• Compared to other forms of advertising, wraps offer exceptional value for money. The initial investment is recouped through the sheer volume of impressions you generate. Plus, they act as a protective layer for your car’s paint, saving you money on repainting in the future or my maximising the resale value.

• Wraps aren’t just billboards; they’re extensions of your brand identity. Bold colors, catchy slogans, and your logo prominently displayed instantly create brand recognition and build trust with potential customers.

• Need to reach a specific audience? Wraps allow you to tailor your message to your target demographic. Whether it’s playful designs for families or sleek visuals for professionals, you can customize your wrap to resonate with the right people. This could even be specific messages or promotions that are changed quarterly or yearly.

• Branded vehicles project professionalism and legitimacy. It tells potential customers you’re a well-established business, building trust and confidence in your services. A wrap on a car looks more comprehensive that just a few letters and a logo in vinyl.

• Your vehicles are already assets; wraps can also turn them into powerful marketing tools that work 24/7. You’re essentially paying once to advertise for as long as the wrap lasts which is potentially years.

• It’s a strategic investment that can yield significant returns for your small business, propelling you towards sustained growth and brand recognition.

• In today’s competitive landscape, every edge counts so you can make all the space on a car become a useful tool. You can show customer reviews, contact details, examples of your work and much more. Basically anything can be printed & designed to be displayed on a car wrap using the latest digital printing technologies.

• Car wrapping can be removed if needed, so if you change your brand identity, sell the car, change services or expand the things that you offer then all of this can be easily updated on your vehicles by removing the old car wrap. Within a few hours you can have completely new looking vehicles with different information displayed on a partial or full car wrap.

The typical car wrap lifespan can vary quite a bit, depending on several factors, but typically you can expect it to last between 3 and 5 years with proper care. 

Things that can shorten a wrap’s lifespan:

• Sun exposure: Harsh sunlight and UV rays can cause fading, cracking, and brittleness in the vinyl. Parking your car in a garage or shaded area will significantly extend its life.
• Climate: Extreme temperatures, both hot and cold, can put stress on the vinyl and make it more susceptible to damage.
• Cleaning methods: Using harsh chemicals, pressure washers, or abrasive brushes can damage the wrap. Sticking to hand washing with gentle car wash soap is best.
• Wear and tear: Everyday driving can lead to minor scratches, scrapes, and chips in the wrap, especially on high-traffic areas like bumpers and door handles.
• Quality of vinyl: Higher-quality vinyls from reputable brands like 3M and Avery Dennison will generally last longer than cheaper materials so you should ask your car wrapping company what they are about to use.
• Installation skill: A professional and meticulous installation ensures proper adhesion and avoids potential areas for peeling or lifting.
• Salt water: Living and driving on the Central Coast means you are nearly always in proximity to the ocean, salt water and even sea spray. If this isn’t washed off with fresh water it can lead to deterioration of the vinyl over time.
• Bird poo: Yes, while bird droppings won’t instantly melt your car wrap or cause catastrophic damage, they can definitely leave their mark if not dealt with promptly.  Bird droppings are acidic and can cause discolouration or etching on the vinyl if left on for too long. The acidic nature can break down the protective coating of the wrap over time, making it more susceptible to fading and weathering. Dried droppings can be stubborn to remove and may require additional effort and cleaning products, potentially increasing the risk of accidental scratches or damage to the vinyl surface.

How you can extend the lifespan of a car wrap

• Park in the shade whenever possible.
• Wash your car by hand using gentle car wash soap and a soft sponge.
• Avoid using pressure washers, harsh chemicals, or abrasive brushes.
• Touch up minor scratches and scuffs promptly with a vinyl repair kit.
• Consider a protective laminate coating for extra durability which could be;
• Polyurethane Paint Protection Film (PPF) which is a transparent film provides the ultimate protection against scratches, chips, UV rays, and even bird droppings. It self-heals from minor scratches and adds a layer of gloss or matte finish. PPF is highly durable and can last up to 10 years with proper care.
• Ceramic Coating which is a liquid coating forms a strong, hydrophobic barrier that repels water, dirt, and contaminants, making it easier to clean your car. It also enhances gloss, protects against UV rays, and provides some scratch resistance. Ceramic coatings typically last 2-5 years.
• Vinyl Sealant that is a more affordable option compared to PPF and ceramic coatings. It provides UV protection, adds a layer of shine, and helps prevent dirt and grime from sticking to the wrap. Vinyl sealants typically last around 1-2 years.

Some manufacturers like may offer limited warranties on their vinyl wraps, but these usually cover only material defects, not fading or wear and tear. If you see any signs of peeling, cracking, or lifting, it’s best to remove the wrap and have it reapplied to prevent further damage to the underlying paint. Car wraps can be a great way to change the look of your vehicle and protect its paint job, but understanding the factors that affect their lifespan is key to maximising its value for your business.

Getting a car wrap quote can be really easy

How to get a quote:

• Visit a car wrap shop: This is the best option if you want personalised attention and can ask questions directly. Be sure to choose a reputable shop with experience in wrapping your specific type of vehicle. By visiting the location you can quickly see how they handle other vehicles, how busy they are and how organised or tidy they are.
• Call or email a car wrap shop: This is a convenient option if you don’t live near a shop or prefer phone/email communication so that you can get some quick ideas on pricing.
• Use online quoting tools: Some car wrap shops offer online forms where you can enter your vehicle information and desired design to get an estimate. While convenient, these may not be as accurate as personalised quotes.

Information needed for a quote:

• Your vehicle make, model, and year: This helps the shop calculate the amount of vinyl needed and any potential challenges specific to your car.
• Desired wrap type: Do you want a full wrap, partial wrap, or just graphics?
• Design details: Describe the color, pattern, or image you want on the wrap. If you have a specific design file, you can provide it as well or whether you need help coming up with the design.
• Installation location: Some shops may charge a travel fee or require your car to be dropped off for a certain period.

• Cost breakdown: Get a detailed breakdown of the cost, including materials, labor, design fees, and any additional charges.
• Vinyl quality: Ask about the brands of vinyl they use and their durability warranties.
• Installation process: Understand how long the installation will take and what preparation is required on your end.
• Guarantees and warranties: Make sure you understand the shop’s policies on workmanship and material defects.
• Portfolio: Ask to see examples of their previous work on similar vehicles and designs.
• References: See if the shop can provide references from satisfied customers.

You should get multiple quotes of course so that you can compare prices and services from different shops before making a decision. Don’t be afraid to negotiate if you have a budget in mind, let the shop know and see if they can offer any discounts or flexibility. Trust your gut because you need to choose a shop that you feel comfortable with and that answers your questions clearly and honestly.

Yes, car wraps can be printed and installed just to change the colour of the vehicle. This is a more cost effective option compared to spray painting the vehicle and it also means you could change it every year if you like. You can get gloss, matt and even multi-coloured wraps to create a unique look.

The term “car wrap coverage” can have different meanings depending on the context, so for example;

Extent of the vinyl covering:

• Full Wrap: This covers the entire car, including bumpers, mirrors, and other trim pieces.
• Partial Wrap: This covers specific areas of the car, such as the hood, roof, or doors.
• Accent Wrap: This uses small pieces of vinyl to add highlights or graphic elements to the car.

Protection level:

• Paint Protection Film (PPF): This transparent film provides the highest level of protection against scratches, chips, and UV rays.
• Ceramic Coating: This liquid coating enhances gloss, protects against UV rays, and provides some scratch resistance.
• Vinyl Sealant: This offers UV protection and a layer of shine, but less scratch resistance than PPF or ceramic coatings.