All about the install
Solid-colour wraps represent savings over not only custom paint jobs, but also digitally printed graphic wraps. While both types of wraps are installed similarly, advertising graphics require more time for design, printing, outgassing and lamination—and high-quality equipment, including a computer, design software, printer, printing software, inks and laminator.
For restyling, sign shops can skip that entire list and just stick to what they need for wrap installation, as solid-colour films are ready for application right out of the box. Depending on the individual circumstances, the overall process can be days or even weeks shorter than for a commercial wrap.
“In the personalized wrap market, it’s all about the install,” says Halpin. “The clients are very particular and rightfully so. For the most part, their cars are luxury vehicles. If you screw up one personalized wrap, that person could post on an online bulletin board and cost you all future business!”
Despite that need for careful attention to detail, solid-colour film installations are typically easier than with graphic wraps, as installers do not have to worry about where the seams fall or make sure the panels all line up.
In the growing market for solid-colour graphics to customize personal vehicles, matte black vinyl wraps are particularly popular.
“Solid-colour wraps are great to train new installers on,” says Culverhouse. “They can really work on their installation techniques without having to worry about distorting an image or ruining a print. And if they mess up a panel on a solid-colour wrap, they can just cut off a new piece of the material.”
Personal vs. commercial
While restyling may seem like a slam dunk over commercial wraps when it comes to startup costs, time and equipment required, digitally printed graphics still represent the bulk of vWrapz’s business—including ‘surface wraps’ at special events and venues—and the equipment pays for itself over time. There are endless graphic design possibilities, but if clients operate a full fleet of vehicles, they only need to go through that design process once.
So, while restyling may cost less, the potential to stand out in the market on the basis of design is more limited. And it means a sign shop is relying on individual customers, rather than larger client orders.
That said, the benefits of solid-colour wraps extend beyond the consumer market to businesses, as well. Even the simplest wrap is helpful in protecting a vehicle’s original paint job, preventing scratches, damage and fading in the sun. And if it is time to sell a vehicle or simply return it to its original colour, the wrap can be removed, with no need for repainting.
“The best customers for solid-colour wraps are companies that lease or purchase fleets of vehicles,” says Culverhouse. “Wrapping their vehicles with a solid colour—and perhaps accentuating it with plotter-cut striping or text—is a clean and simple way to boost their image. They’re protecting their paint finish and making a statement at the same time.”
Reaching this market is, in part, an issue of increasing awareness of how the films can be used besides graphic wraps.
