Best Vehicle Wrap Shops in Chicago

FAQs

• Introduction

  Vehicle wraps are sturdy vinyl sheets that are applied to cars, trucks, SUVs, and vans to change their overall appearance for both aesthetic and advertising purposes. Business owners use vehicle wraps to promote their products and services, as research shows that mobile advertising boosts interest up to 2.5 times more than traditional billboards.

  
  

  Small mobile businesses, such as dog grooming, nutritionists, hairstylists, and personal trainers, can benefit by using vehicle wraps, as potential customers can easily snap a photo of the signage that typically features phone numbers and website addresses, allowing for easy communication to schedule appointments.

  
  

  When used for aesthetics, car wraps are a cost-effective alternative to purchasing new vehicles, as vinyl wraps are available in multiple colors and designs that can completely transform a car's appearance.
  

• What does a car wrap do?

  Car wraps are vinyl coverings that are applied to the painted surface of vehicles. Wraps serve as mobile advertising for businesses, and vehicle owners also utilized them as an alternative to professional paint jobs. Business owners pay drivers fees to use wraps on personal vehicles, and employees drive company cars with wraps that feature company logos.
  

• Is it worth it to wrap your car?

  Most times, drivers wrap their cars to earn money through companies that pay them to serve as mobile advertisements, making it a worthwhile expenditure. It is also worth it to wrap a car for aesthetic reasons, as the vinyl protects the underlying paint from scratches and other damage, and wrapping is more cost-effective than purchasing a new car.
  

• Is a car wrap permanent?

  Car wraps are not permanent. Vinyl wraps can easily be removed with heat guns, which help pull the material away from the car's surface without disturbing the paint. If a car is factory painted, there is generally no risk of damage to the car's paint during a wrap removal.
  

• How are vehicles wrapped?

  During the wrapping process, vinyl sheeting is placed over a vehicle's surface. Heat guns and other tools, such as a squeegee, are utilized to secure the vinyl to the paint and remove air bubbles. Once wrapped, inspections are conducted to ensure the surface is smooth, and excess vinyl is trimmed away.
  

• How much wrap does it take to wrap a car?

  Full vehicle wraps for small or compact cars use approximately 55 feet of vinyl, while mid-size vehicles require around 65 feet. Trucks and SUVs generally need up to 75 feet of vinyl to be fully covered. Specific wrap amounts needed also depend on whether the vehicle owner prefers a full or partial wrap.
  

• How long does vinyl wrap take to cure?

  Following a vehicle wrap application, it takes between 12 and 24 hours for the vinyl and adhesive to cure and attach firmly to the car's surface. Factors that can extend or shorten curing time include external temperatures and humidity.
  

• How do you prep a car for wrapping?

  When preparing a car for wrapping, it should first be checked for scratches and paint chips, then followed up with patching and buffing. Once the surface is smoothed out, a thorough cleaning with non-wax car wash soap and water is recommended.
  

• Do companies really pay to wrap your car?

  There are many companies that pay drivers to wrap their cars and advertise products and services. Each company has its own stipulations, so pay rates can vary. Sometimes, drivers are required to log a certain amount of driving hours prior to payment, while others pay drivers a set amount for one to two months.
  

• Do car wraps affect insurance?

  Car wraps are considered accessories or modifications by most insurance companies, which means they are typically not covered in original insurance plans. It's always best for vehicle owners to consult with their insurance carriers and double-check the specifics of their policies prior to applying a vehicle wrap.
  

• How much does it usually cost to wrap your car?

  On average, car wrapping costs between $2,000 and $10,000 per vehicle. Factors such as car size, make, and model, as well as the specific type of vehicle wrapping requested, contribute to overall costs. For example, coupes and compact cars typically start at around $2,000, while wrapping luxury cars can cost between $5,000 and $10,000.
  

• How long does a wrap last on a car?

  When professionally applied and properly maintained, a vinyl car wrap can last between three and seven years. Unforeseen damage, such as scratches or tears, can shorten the overall longevity of a vehicle wrap, but these issues can usually be repaired.

• Is it better to wrap or paint a car?

  Car wraps are generally used for advertising, so it's up to the vehicle owner to determine what's best for his or her car. Wrapping a car versus painting a car for advertising may be considered a better choice, as vehicle wraps can be removed, and the vinyl protects the underlying car paint.
  

• Should I wrap my car myself?

  Wrapping a car without the assistance of a professional installer can be challenging, but it is possible to do. Vinyl vehicle wrapping kits provide all the supplies needed to complete the job, and the kits come with detailed instructions.
  

• Is it hard to vinyl wrap a car?

  DIY vinyl wrapping can be difficult for those who aren't experienced with the process. However, there are vehicle wrapping kits available that come with full instructions as well as online video tutorials that offer step-by-step installation tips to prevent issues such as bubbling and tearing.
  

• Do vehicle wraps damage your car?

  Vehicle wraps are not known to damage cars. When applied to cars that are factory-painted, a vehicle wrap can extend the life of the paint job by creating a protective layer between the car's surface and external elements, such as rain and snow.

• Does wrapping a car ruin the paint?

  Vehicle wrapping does not ruin underlying paint, and vinyl wraps can actually provide an extra layer of protection to an automobile, as long as it is painted with factory paint. However, if the paint surface is chipped prior to the application of a wrap, the vinyl will cling to the chipped areas.
  

• What happens if you scratch a wrapped car?

  Scratches on car wraps can usually be repaired by applying a vinyl patch to the affected area. It's important to clean the scratched portion thoroughly and make sure all areas are dry before re-applying. Once the vinyl patch is placed, all air bubbles should be smoothed out, and this can be done with the careful use of a heat gun.
  

• Can you wrap a car with paint chips?

  A vinyl wrap is crafted to cling to a car's surface and create an appearance that the wrap is actually part of the car. When wraps are applied to automobiles with paint chips, the material naturally clings to the slightly indented areas, leading to a pitted look, so it's always a good idea to repair chips prior to application.
  

• Can you put a wrapped car through a car wash?

  A car wrapped with signage can safely go through an automated car wash, but the wash must be brushless and only use water spray to prevent scratches or lifting of the film. The safest option is hand washing but most water sprayers are gentle enough for wrapped cars.