Free Sample
The Complete Handbook of Vehicle Wraps
A practical reference for professionals, businesses, and serious hobbyists covering materials, specification, installation, maintenance, and the business of vehicle wraps
by Alumigogo Books
Chapter 1: Understanding Vehicle Wraps
What a Vehicle Wrap Actually Is
A vehicle wrap is a large-format graphic film, typically made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or a similar polymeric material, that is applied to the painted exterior surfaces of a vehicle. The film is manufactured with a pressure-sensitive adhesive on one side and a durable, printable or colored surface on the other. When applied, it completely or partially covers the original paint, creating a new visual finish that can be a solid color, a complex graphic, a textured surface, or a promotional advertisement.
Wraps are not stickers in the common sense of the word. A wrap is a system of engineered materials. The base film, usually 2 to 3.5 mils thick (0.05 to 0.09 mm), provides the color or printable surface and the structural integrity. The adhesive layer is formulated to bond aggressively to automotive clearcoat while remaining removable for up to several years. And an optional top layer, called a laminate, is applied over the printed film to protect it from UV radiation, abrasion, and chemical exposure. Each of these components is chosen based on the specific application: a delivery van parked outdoors all day needs a different material stack than a show car stored in a garage.
The application process itself is a dry install. The film is positioned over the panel, with the adhesive side down, and then pressed into place. Unlike a vinyl decal that is applied as a single flat piece, a wrap is a