A professionally installed vehicle wrap typically lasts between 5 to 7 years, depending on factors like exposure to sun, weather conditions, and how well it’s maintained. Regular cleaning and proper care can extend its lifespan.
Frequently Asked Questions and Care
General Questions
The things customers ask us most often, from how long a wrap lasts to what it does to your paint.
No—when applied and removed correctly, wraps actually help protect your original paint from minor scratches, UV exposure, and general wear. It’s important that the paint is in good condition before installation.
Yes, wraps are fully removable. Professional removal ensures no adhesive residue or damage is left behind, returning your vehicle to its original appearance.
Most standard wraps take between 1 to 3 days, depending on the size of the vehicle and the complexity of the design. Larger fleet jobs may take longer but are scheduled to minimise downtime.
Hand washing with mild detergent is recommended. Avoid harsh chemicals, high-pressure washing near edges, and automatic car washes with brushes, as these can damage the wrap. See Caring for Your Wrap below for the full routine.
Wraps are often more cost-effective than a full respray and offer greater flexibility. They can be removed or updated easily, making them ideal for branding or temporary design changes.
Absolutely. Partial wraps, decals, and graphics are popular options for businesses wanting a professional look without the cost of a full wrap.
High-quality wraps are UV-resistant, but some fading can occur over time, especially in harsh sun conditions. Proper care and parking in shaded areas can help reduce this.
Caring for Your Wrap
By following these cleaning and maintenance tips you can ensure your vehicle wrap maintains its premium appearance and longevity. Improper or infrequent maintenance can lead to premature degradation of the graphics and shorten the expected lifespan.
- Pre-rinse: Using a hose, rinse the whole vehicle with clean water. This helps remove dirt particles and helps avoid scratching the graphics.
- Wash: Use mild soapy water to gently wash the vehicle with a soft cloth or natural sponge. Work from the top of the vehicle down. Avoid unnecessary scrubbing.
- Rinse: Rinse thoroughly with clean water.
- Dry: Let the wrap dry naturally. To avoid water spotting, use a silicone squeegee to remove excess water, then finish drying with a micro-fibre or soft towel.
Note: Excess spraying at the wrong angle may cause failure points, which result in the wrap lifting at the edges. An automatic car wash that uses brushes is not recommended, as the brushes may scratch the wrap or catch any edges and create a failure point.
Use a mild car cleaning detergent and water mix that does not contain any strong soluble substances, alcohol, or abrasive components.
You should not clean your vehicle within the first 48 hours of the wrap being applied.
Yes, as long as the wax does not contain petroleum distillates, which are found in many paste waxes. Products that combine a waterless wash and wax are great options, as long as the vehicle doesn’t have a matte finish. Test the wax on an inconspicuous part of the vehicle first.
Spot clean contaminants such as bird droppings and bug splatter as soon as possible to avoid film damage. Start by soaking with hot soapy water, then rinse thoroughly. You can use isopropyl alcohol and a clean non-abrasive rag.
Use a waterless wash that is recommended for matte finishes. Do not use waterless products that contain wax, as the wax may fill in the texture and cause shiny spots. Use a 50/50 mix of isopropyl alcohol and water to spot clean matte finish films.