Prep for car wrap

[TurboSid]

Planning to get my car wrapped pretty soon after its arrival. Any recommendations on prep work needed or best practices for brand new paint before wrapping the car?

[chicagofan00]

Originally Posted by TurboSid

Planning to get my car wrapped pretty soon after its arrival. Any recommendations on prep work needed or best practices for brand new paint before wrapping the car?

The shop installing the wrap should be doing all the necessary paint prep work. If they aren't, I wouldn't be using them if I were you.

[TurboSid]

Originally Posted by chicagofan00

The shop installing the wrap should be doing all the necessary paint prep work. If they aren't, I wouldn't be using them if I were you.

I guess my question is more on what all I should expect to be done. Just want to know what it takes so I make sure it gets done right

[chicagofan00]

Originally Posted by TurboSid

I guess my question is more on what all I should expect to be done. Just want to know what it takes so I make sure it gets done right

I would expect them to wash it up, decontaminate the paint, then do a round of polishing to properly set it up for success on the wrap job.

[edofloat]

Originally Posted by chicagofan00

I would expect them to wash it up, decontaminate the paint, then do a round of polishing to properly set it up for success on the wrap job.

The only thing I would add is keep the miles down and don't follow gravel trucks. I drove 12 miles from the dealer to get the car wrapped and made sure I didn't follow other traffic closely. Yep rock chip right below the camera in first 12 miles. 'Cause I'm lucky like that.

[NickyC]

I'd prep for the wrap by being prepared to be disappointed by it and wishing I hadn't done it in the first place.

[pnwwagon]

Originally Posted by NickyC

I'd prep for the wrap by being prepared to be disappointed by it and wishing I hadn't done it in the first place.

What makes you say that? Durability? Cost?

I was considering it in the event that I found the right car in a less than desirable color.

[TurboSid]

Originally Posted by pnwwagon

What makes you say that? Durability? Cost?

I was considering it in the event that I found the right car in a less than desirable color.

Been over a year and 0 regrets. Make sure you go to a reputable place and you’ll be good 👍🏽

[pnwwagon]

Originally Posted by TurboSid

Been over a year and 0 regrets. Make sure you go to a reputable place and you’ll be good 👍🏽

That looks great!

If you don't mind me asking, what did it run you and how long do you expect it to last?

[TurboSid]

Originally Posted by pnwwagon

That looks great!

If you don't mind me asking, what did it run you and how long do you expect it to last?

I didn't pay retail but I was quoted around $4-5k from local reputable shops.

The film I used (KPMF) has a lifespan of 7yrs but I'm planning to change it within a year.

I purposely bought a black car because I wanted to change the color every couple of years.

[rmedina]

I would prep it the same way I would prep for a reset. Wash, clay or clay towel using an iron remover as the lube. Strip any coating you may have. To strip it you can either polish it or do a contact wash with dawn. Not the regular dawn, but the "Power spray". The final step should be a good wipe down with some type of IPA. Good luck

[Soylent]

Originally Posted by rmedina

I would prep it the same way I would prep for a reset. Wash, clay or clay towel using an iron remover as the lube. Strip any coating you may have. To strip it you can either polish it or do a contact wash with dawn. Not the regular dawn, but the "Power spray". The final step should be a good wipe down with some type of IPA. Good luck

Beer?

[John in VA]

Originally Posted by Soylent

Beer?

IPA = isopropyl alcohol.

[Westside Guy]

Originally Posted by TurboSid

I didn't pay retail but I was quoted around $4-5k from local reputable shops.

The film I used (KPMF) has a lifespan of 7yrs but I'm planning to change it within a year.

I purposely bought a black car because I wanted to change the color every couple of years.

Out of curiosity, have you decided on your next color yet? Are you sticking with the KPMF brand or are you possibly considering other companies like Inozetek which has a great reputation?

https://inozetekusa.com

[TurboSid]

Originally Posted by Westside Guy

Out of curiosity, have you decided on your next color yet? Are you sticking with the KPMF brand or are you possibly considering other companies like Inozetek which has a great reputation?

https://inozetekusa.com

Like with KPMF my priority is getting the color I want. I looked at a bunch of Yellow swatches before I picked the one i used and it was perfect. I will go with popular brands but it's secondary, could be Avery, 3M, Inoz, KPMF etc

I know Inoz mostly has glossy colors and its generally harder to buy and more expensive to the consumer than it is to authorized installers so while it's on my radar I don't know if I will go with them.

Metro Restyling has been great at looking at different colors and brands I've mostly researched on their website.

[Westside Guy]

Of the different brands you listed do you know which is the thickest?

[rmedina]

I've used both 3m and avery. Both are pretty easy to work with. I got everything from metro if that matters.

[TurboSid]

Originally Posted by Westside Guy

Of the different brands you listed do you know which is the thickest?

All films will have the thickness in the specs. I believe the Inoz has a release liner over the vynil also so you can apply it then remove the vynil for a clean scratch free look.

You do have to be careful the thicker the vynil the harder it will be to contour it around edges and weird angles.

[VR1]

Originally Posted by pnwwagon

What makes you say that? Durability? Cost?

I was considering it in the event that I found the right car in a less than desirable color.

I’ve had mine on for nearly two years now, no issues at all. The benefit of not having to worry about light scratches, bird droppings, hard water spots, etc. on the paint is also a huge time saver to me imo.