3M is a premier manufacturer of high-quality vinyl wrap materials that are commonly used for signage and to change the look and appeal of vehicles of all sorts. When installed and maintained properly, 3M warranties its vinyl wraps for up to eight years.
How Vinyl Wrap Is Used
Vinyl wraps are a cost-effective way to add color or graphics to buses, cars, motorcycles, boats, trucks, and other vehicles. They are also used for architectural signage, decals, accents, trim, and multiple other purposes.
The popularization of this flexible wrapping contributed to the growth of vehicle advertising. At first, it was used only by well-funded advertising campaigns but, in the 1980s, innovations made it more affordable and accessible for smaller businesses and individuals. Today, vinyl wraps are still used for commercial purposes, but also by people who want to update the look of their vehicles with a bright, distinctive finish without spending a fortune.
How to Make Your 3M Wrap Last Longer
There are ways to make the dynamic and unique elements of your vinyl wrap last longer and look its best. Most importantly, only buy high-quality materials such as the 3M premium vinyl products sold by AirMark.
There may be less expensive options on the market, but sometimes, you get what you pay for. It would be extremely disappointing to spend the time and money to customize your vehicle with an eye-catching design only to have it immediately start to peel and crack.
Find the Right Installer
It is also important to find a reputable vinyl wrap installer. As wrapping has become more popular, numerous fly-by-night installers have popped up, too. Before committing to an installer, ask them about their years of experience and for names of some references. Online reviews are also often a good way to check on the reputation of an installer.
Keep It Clean
Before you bring your vehicle to be wrapped, clean it with a non-scratch sponge or towel to remove any dirt or grime from the exterior of the vehicle (including places that aren’t going to be wrapped). The installer should also give the vehicle a deep clean and wipe it down with alcohol or another cleaning agent as part of the preparation process for wrapping.
Similarly, it’s a good idea to always keep all signage and other vinyl-covered surfaces clean in the same manner.
Ongoing Maintenance
To make the wrap last longer, you need to take care of it. Here are some more suggestions for extending its lifespan:
- When cleaning, avoid harsh chemicals. Wipe and polish the surface gently so it doesn’t tear.
- Avoid exposure to intense sunlight. This can damage the material and cause the color to fade.
- Limit exposure to extreme temperatures. Extreme heat can soften the vinyl and make it prone to damage; extreme cold can cause it to crack.
- Wash frequently by hand. Only use vinyl-appropriate cleaning solutions, and avoid car wax and polishes meant for metal.
- Keep your wrapped car in a garage when you’re not using it to protect it from the sun and other elements.
After five to seven years, a vinyl wrap may start to crack, fade, and peel. This is an indication that it may be time to remove the old wrap and have some fun designing a new one.
Investing in High Quality
3M vinyl wraps are a cost-effective way of creating captivating signage and jazzing up your vehicle with a custom finish. They are also longer lasting and more durable than many competitor products.
If a wrap is properly installed and maintained, 3M will warranty its product for up to eight years for vertical applications and three years for horizontal or non-vertical applications. For custom-printed wraps, the warranty could be for as long as eight years–depending on the printers and inks used in the production of the design.
A properly installed wrap not only offers a new look but can also help protect the surface underneath. Reach out to AirMark–a top supplier of 3M vinyl and the printers and cutters you need to bring your vinyl concepts to life–today!