Photos courtesy Wraptors Inc
Elevating a Ferrari’s look with custom fade wrap
By Matthew Lavery
It is not uncommon for a Ferrari to capture attention as it cruises down the streets. However, a client recently wanted to give his supercar an extra touch of distinction. Wraptors Toronto, a company established in Mississauga, Ont., took on the challenge. The team designed and executed a custom project adding a unique flair to a vehicle owned by Ryan of Toronto Tires. The result was a striking enhancement that ensured his Ferrari stood out even more.
The relationship
One of the project’s critical phases involved achieving a seamless transition in the vinyl’s colour gradient, ensuring the final look was both cohesive and eye-catching.
Toronto Tires and the Wraptors team share a longstanding professional relationship, built over years of successful collaborations. With this history in mind, Wraptors was eager to do something special. The objective was to elevate the car’s esthetic through a carefully designed vinyl wrap, ensuring the enhancement complemented the vehicle’s elegance and performance. By blending innovative design with high-quality materials, Wraptors aimed to create a unique look to enhance the Ferrari while preserving its refined character and driving capabilities.
The task was to innovate without straying from the Ferrari’s classic appeal, utilizing a blend of red and black vinyl to create a striking yet tasteful exterior.
Ryan gave Wraptors creative control over the project and the company leveraged its eight years of industry experience. The only pointer Ryan had was “to do something either with red or black,” using one of the various films Wraptors offers. The company’s in-house graphics team wanted to go a step further for the client and came up with a custom fade printed vinyl for the wrap—i.e., blend gloss red into gloss black.
The process involved meticulous planning and execution.
The team used their HP 700 latex printer for the gradient colours, which were Avery Dennison carmine red and printed black. They then used Avery Dennison 1360 laminate on top, to protect the film and give it a glossy look.
The challenges
One of the project’s critical phases involved achieving a seamless transition in the vinyl’s colour gradient, ensuring the final look was both cohesive and eye-catching. So, Wraptors performed several rounds of testing, where sample pieces of vinyl were printed to ensure the transition. This process not only reduces a waste of material if there is an error, but also saves on unnecessary expenses.
Another challenge was handling the Ferrari’s components during the vinyl application, which required precision and care to maintain the vehicle’s integrity. Parts often need to be removed to install the film in the correct manner, which the Wraptors team is well-trained in.
The installation
- Cleaning and preparation: Once the vehicle arrives at Wraptors’ facility, the team begins by cleaning and prepping the car’s surfaces for vinyl application. This involves using a clay bar to remove any paint imperfections that could affect the final appearance.
- Disassembly: Any body parts that need to be removed are disassembled to ensure a seamless application. This typically includes rubber trims, weather stripping, bumpers, badges, and other components that may obstruct the vinyl installation.
- Vinyl printing: The vinyl is printed and laminated according to the approved shop drawings and renderings, ensuring design specifications are met.
- Vinyl application: The team then carefully applies the vinyl to the vehicle, adhering to the precise layout and design requirements.
- Reassembly: After applying the vinyl, the car is reassembled, with all previously removed body parts and components carefully put back in place.
- Detailing: The vehicle undergoes a thorough inspection and is detailed inside and out using N.9 detailing products. This final touch enhances the overall presentation of the car.
- Media shoot: The car is then handed over to the in-house media team for a professional photo-shoot and video. This extra step provides clients with high-quality visuals to showcase their enhanced vehicle.
- Customer satisfaction: The process concludes with a satisfied client, pleased with both the work and the lifestyle branding provided by Wraptors.
The team used their HP 700 latex printer for the gradient colours, which were Avery Dennison carmine red and printed black.
This comprehensive approach highlights the craftsmanship involved and enriches the client’s experience by capturing the Ferrari’s new look in detail. Further, clients love the lifestyle branding services Wraptors provides just as much as the work done to their cars. Ryan says Wraptors “transformed it into a work of art” and that the design surpassed his expectations.
Wraptors, founded by wife-and-husband duo Staz Kravchuk and Christel Barbie, has grown from humble beginnings into a brand with 16 locations spanning Canada, the U.S., and South Africa. Its headquarters are in Mississauga, Ont.
Matthew Lavery, a brand representative at Wraptors Inc. Toronto, brings 19 years of experience to the sign industry. His extensive expertise and influential presence have made him a respected authority in the field.
