RolArt – Cars That You Can’t Wrap

Most people often turn to us when they want to add style to their vehicle. Of course, we understand why, and we also know how. However, there are instances that a vehicle can just be wrapped, or a wrap isn’t the answer to the problem. In this blog, we will go over different issues that can’t be possibly corrected with a car wrap.

Most cast vinyl used for vehicle wraps will only adhere well to paint that is in original (OEM) or like new or very good quality condition. Even if the problem area is small, installing a wrap over the damaged paint has the potential of creating more problems. In fact, most colors and finishes of the wrapping material will amplify the problem area. Since the vinyl is an extremely thin film, it just doesn’t hide flaws. Even if the vinyl will adhere to (or around) the problem area, the removal of the vinyl may cause the damaged and/or surrounding paint to pull off.

Remember, vinyl wraps don’t last forever, and they need to be removed at some point. Taking the vinyl off and bringing the paint with it is not good. If you are looking at your vehicle, wondering if a wrap is a right choice for you, here are images of some paint conditions that just won’t work.

Deep Paint Scratches
Scratches, chips and other defects in the paint will be magnified when the vinyl is installed. What’s worse, removal of the vinyl also may cause the paint surrounding the damaged area to pull off.

Aftermarket Paint Jobs with Orange Peel Textures
Bad paint jobs with an excess paint can cause an ‘orange peel’ effect that will not be hidden by a vinyl wrap. We recommend professional paint repair and proper cure time before a wrap should be applied to a vehicle. Even then, we cannot guarantee the condition of the paint once the wrap is removed. Still, if you’re a brave soul then films like Brushed Metallic, Camouflage, Carbon Fibers may hide the orange peel texture upon which they are applied.

Cars with Rusted Sheet Metal
Wraps won’t stick to rust. We wish there was something else we could say but if your car or truck has exposed rust or oxidation the bubble-free adhesives simply will not bond. In essence, a rusty surface is no different than a dirty one and the rust particles will adhere to the film resulting in delamination.

Vehicles with Peeling Clear Coat
Some people will tell you that a car wrap is not an option if the clear coat or paint is peeling. In general, it’s recommended to install wraps only on factory painted vehicles for wrapping. However, if you do decide that a wrap is the only option that’s going to work for you we strongly recommend having areas of paint that are chipping or peeling “feathered” or “sanded” by a body shop prior to wrapping to ensure a smooth installation and prevent any future paint flaking. If you have a car with flaking paint or peeling clear coat we don’t recommend Gloss, Flip or Chameleon films for these types of jobs although Carbon Fiber, Camouflage, and Sticker Bomb films completely disguise any peeling below.

Call RolArt today for your entire car wrap needs in Irving, Texas. We are the #1 car wrap company in Irving, Texas with years of experience at our hands. Call us 1-972-590-659.

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