Vehicle wraps are used to replace expensive customized paint jobs. Aside from the fact that it is a low-cost option, it can easily be removed once you decide to take on another color for your car, or simply when the advertising campaign is over.
The material you choose for your vehicle wrap determines its durability and performance. As they say, the finished product can only be as good as the material you use for it. Needless to say, it begins with choosing the right material.
Since vehicle wraps are expected to look like car paint, the material used must be able to deliver paint’s characteristics.
Cast Film
Cast film is thin and durable. It is a premium material that stretches easily and conforms to a vehicle’s surface. When applied to a vehicle properly, it can last up to five years. It can be used in cars, buses, trucks, trailers, boats, etc. Cast film is ideal for full vehicle wraps that are intended for long-term use.
Cast film does not shrink much during the manufacturing process. It also maintains its colors better than other types of film. When laminated, it creates an impressive finish—much like paint, but better because it is not permanent.
Calendared Film
If you are concerned about the price and that the wrap will only be used for a few months or weeks, calendared film is a better option. However, you should not expect much from them because they do not deliver the same results as cast film. For instance, you can expect the calendared film to “tent” or lift in areas where there are deep crevasses. Calendared film is ideal for developing high quality graphics that is intended for up to one year of use.
Intermediate Film
This is a mid range type of vinyl whose quality is in between the cast and calendared vinyl. It can last up 3 to 5 years depending on use. After that, it begins it fade and crack. Intermediate film is often used for wraps and decals. Constant exposure to extreme weather can cause bubbles and buckles to appear but other than that, this is a good choice for those who want something better than the calendared film but not as expensive as the cast film.
Vehicle wrap companies often have preferred and recommended wrap materials. In many cases, they are loyal to a single brand of material and may not even consider other brands. It’s good to be familiar with the qualities associated to each brand. With all these in mind, it will be easy for you to choose a material according to its looks, reputation, durability, ease of installation and ease of removal.