How Long Does a Car Wrap Last?

Car wraps are an increasingly popular way of transforming your car or commercial vehicle’s appearance, whilst also shielding the original paint from minor scratches and UV damage. Given the investment involved, you’ll naturally want your wrap to last as long as possible!

Through proper maintenance, a wrapped vehicle - using high quality vinyl from manufacturers such as 3M - can typically last from 5 to 7 years. However, this figure depends on a number of factors such as the type of wrap finish chosen, the type of weather it is exposed to, and how well you’ve looked after the wrap during its lifetime. 

This article will explore the key steps you can take to protect your vehicle wrapping, ensuring it stays in top condition for years to come!

Contents:

• What Is a Car Wrap?
• How Long Does a Vinyl Car Wrap Last?
• How to Extend the Lifespan of a Car Wrap
• When to Replace vs Repair a Car Wrap
• Contact Us

What Is a Car Wrap?

A car wrap involves the application of an adhesive vinyl film onto your vehicle’s body, either partially or completely (known as a “full wrap”). Wraps are a popular choice for changing the colour of a car. For example, some cars - such as Teslas - only come in certain “standard” colours, meaning you may need a vinyl wrap if you want it in, say, khaki green.

Vehicle wraps are also a popular advertising method, enabling you to promote your business through strong branding, particularly on vans and lorries or company cars.

How Long Does a Wrap Last on a Car?

Although the industry average lifespan of a vehicle wrap is 5 to 7 years, longer is possible with the right combination of several factors, including: 

Material Quality 

High-quality wraps from the most notable brands such as 3M will last the longest, offering greater UV resistance, flexibility, and adhesive strength. In comparison, cheaper alternatives may crack, peel, or fade within just 2 to 3 years, requiring more frequent replacements. 

Installation Quality

There are generally two options available - professional installation or DIY wrap application.

Applying a vinyl wrap requires precise measuring, cutting, and shaping for seamless coverage. Professionals installers use specialised tools such as precision cutting knives, heat guns, and wrap gloves for the most smooth, bubble-free application. These tools help stretch and conform the vinyl properly, preventing premature peeling or lifting. The work can also be performed in temperature-controlled, dust-free workshops, thus ensuring that the risk of contaminants (such as dust, dirt, and moisture) getting trapped under the vinyl’s surface is minimised.

DIY wraps ultimately need to be applied with the same level of detail and care. However, as getting a professional level of finish isn’t easy, the DIY route can often lead to creases, weak edges, and a shorter lifespan.

Printed or Single Colour?

Commonly, commercial vehicles will utilise a printed wrap in order to highlight branding or advertising messages. Single colour wraps (also referred to as "Self-coloured" material) typically have a 5-7 year lifespan. This is slightly less for printed, and matte metallic finishes.

Environmental Conditions

Prolonged exposure to UV rays, extreme heat, and freezing temperatures can cause the fading, cracking, or shrinking of your wrap over time. Vehicles which are frequently exposed to direct sunlight or harsh weather conditions may experience a shorter wrap lifespan compared to those parked in shaded areas. 

Maintenance Habits

Regular washing by hand using PH-neutral car wash soap preserves the wrap’s integrity, while abrasive chemicals, high-pressure washing, and rough scrubbing can cause damage to the wrap’s surface. 

Adding a ceramic coating - a liquid polymer that creates a hydrophobic layer to protect the surface from damage - can further extend the durability of your vinyl wrap. This is best applied at the time of wrap application, although aftermarket ceramic sprays are available.

Mileage & Usage

It goes without saying that a vehicle which is on the road daily, and has higher per annum mileage is going to be exposed to the elements and risk of stone chips etc than a vehicle which is lovingly kept tucked up at night in a garage.

Material Finish

• Gloss,  Matte, and Satin Wrapping: Gloss wraps provide a shiny look but show imperfections more easily, while matte wraps offer a non-reflective finish that can highlight dirt and stains. Satin wraps balance both, hiding minor flaws better. With proper care, all three finishes typically last 5 to 7 years.
• Chrome Wrapping: Although chrome wrapping is a favourite for sports cars, it is more delicate and therefore more prone to scratching and fading. Chrome wraps require extra care to maintain their reflective finish, lasting between 2 to 3 years. 
• Carbon Fibre Wrapping: High-quality carbon fibre wraps are durable, but textured finishes can trap dirt, requiring more maintenance. They still have a strong lifespan of around 5 to 7 years, however. 

How to Extend the Lifespan of a Car Wrap

To keep your car wrap looking fresh for longer, follow these maintenance best practices:

• Regular Cleaning: Wash the vehicle by hand using PH-neutral soap at least once a week. Avoid automatic car washes with harsh brushes, as these may damage the surface.
• Apply Coatings or Sealants: Vinyl-safe sealants or ceramic coatings add an extra layer of protection against common issues such as dirt, UV rays, and moisture, helping to extend the lifespan of your wrap. 
• Avoid High-Pressure Washing: We do not advise using a pressure washer, however, if using a pressure washer, keep the water pressure below 2,000 PSI, hold the nozzle a few feet away, avoid spraying directly at the edge of the wrap, and spray at an angle. 
• Protect from UV Exposure: Where possible, park in the shade or use a car cover to prevent fading and premature wrap wear. As mentioned earlier, ceramic coating will also help reduce UV damage!
• Keep Away from Extreme Weather: Cold temperatures can cause vinyl to become brittle, while excessive heat can lead to warping. Where possible, store the vehicle in a garage or covered area.
• Remove Contaminants Promptly: Contaminants such as tree sap, bird droppings, or bug splatter can damage your wrap if left for too long. Clean these off as soon as you notice them, using a soft microfibre cloth and warm water. 

When to Replace vs Repair a Car Wrap

Over time, you may notice several signs of wear and tear on your car wrap; however, this isn’t always a big cause for concern, as a total replacement isn’t always necessary. Instead, certain techniques can address the core issue at a fraction of the time and cost of a new wrap. We have touched on some of the most common below, but please do contact us if you need further guidance. 

What Can You Repair?

• Small scratches or lifting edges can often be fixed by reheating and reapplying the vinyl or using edge sealants.
• If only a small section is damaged, such as a door, a partial rewrap may be possible. However, matching colours exactly can be challenging, especially on printed wraps or if the wrap has faded.
• If stains or dirt won’t come off with regular cleaning, try using a vinyl-safe cleaner before considering replacement. 

When to Replace An Existing Wrap:

• If the wrap has significantly faded due to UV exposure, a full replacement is usually the best option for a fresher feel. 
• Wraps naturally degrade over time. If yours is between 5 to 7 years old, it may no longer be as effective or visually appealing, making a full replacement the better choice.
• Older wraps can become brittle and harder to remove. If your wrap is difficult to peel off in large sections, it’s a sign it’s overdue for replacement.

The good news is that, if you have your vehicle wrapped by the team at Complete Graphics, this is something you will not have to worry about for a long time!

Contact Us for High-Quality, Long-Lasting Car Wraps!

If you want a wrap that helps protect your car’s existing paintwork plus looks great and lasts for the longest amount of time, you’ll need this to be applied by a reputable, professional team. Fortunately, you’re in the right place - at Complete Graphics, Oxfordshire, we pride ourselves on offering the highest quality vehicle wrapping for a whole host of different vehicles; from cars to tractors, lorries to light aeroplanes, we’ve done it all! 

It all starts with a free, no-obligation consultation. Simply get in touch with us today, and we’ll discuss the type of vehicle you’d like wrapped, your design ideas, and how we can bring these to life!