When we’re talking about quality vinyl vehicle wraps, the amount of time it takes to wrap a vehicle depends on a number of factors, including how good the service provider is.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO WRAP A CAR?
The vehicle wrap process, from start to finish, typically takes 1 to 5 days on average, but this can vary significantly based on the complexity of the design and the vehicle itself.
Full vehicle wraps generally take longer (e.g. 3-7 days) than partial vehicle wraps (e.g. 1-3 days).
WHAT DETERMINES HOW LONG A VEHICLE WRAP WILL TAKE?
Not all vehicle wrap projects are the same, here are the top factors that can impact how long a vehicle wrap takes.
1/ Vehicle Size and Type
It generally takes longer to wrap a truck or van compared to a car (e.g. sedan, coupes) because large vehicles require more time and resources during all stages of the vehicle wrap process.
2/ Surface Complexity
The size and type of a vehicle is one thing, but the differences in body styles within various size categories is another.
Curves, body lines and recesses like bumpers, door handles and mirrors add more time to the process.
Have a textured surface on your vehicle? Expect that to add a bit of time to the process to account for the special materials and prep techniques involved.
3/ Wrap Coverage
As covered in the introduction above, full vehicle wraps (wrapping the entire vehicle) take significantly longer than other forms of vehicle wraps including:
- Partial wrap (e.g. hood, roof, sides)
- Spot graphics (logos or decals)
- Window wraps (perforated film on rear or side windows)
4/ Surface Preparation
How dirty is your vehicle?
Removing wax, grease and other contaminants thoroughly is a critical step in the vehicle wrap process that can take more time depending on what condition we receive your vehicle in.
Are there existing wraps or graphics in place?
Anything currently on your vehicle would need to be removed before the new vinyl wrap can be installed. This can add time to the process, especially if what’s being removed has been in place for a long time.
5/ Design and Printing
Nearly every vehicle wrap job requires some level of custom design work.
How much time is required to create the design depends on your needs, desired style, branding, custom colors etc,.
6/ Material Type
Cast vinyl (which we use here at 1 Hour Signs Niagara) conforms better and is easier to work with for complex shapes, which means it’s also more efficient when it comes to installation time.
Specialty finishes like chrome, matte or carbon fiber can require more skill and time.
7/ Installer Experience
This one is difficult to quantify, but generally speaking the more experienced and skilled the vehicle wrap installer is the more efficiently the wrap can be installed.
The more experience an installer has means the fewer mistakes and setbacks they’re likely to encounter.
8/ Environmental Conditions
Here’s one that is easy to overlook.
Temperature and humidity levels can affect the flexibility of vinyl and the performance of adhesive.
It’s best that vinyl vehicle wraps are installed in an indoor, climate controlled space to reduce variables and speed up the installation process.
9/ Tools and Equipment
This is a close relative to #7 Installer Experience but not quite the same.
Typically a more experienced installer will tend to have access to higher quality tools such as heat guns, squeegees and life tables which helps speed up the installation process.
Like us, experienced installers will also be more likely to have software and templates to help them accelerate the process.
10/ Number of Installers
What’s better than 1 experienced installer? 2-3 experienced installers!
A team of quality vehicle wrap installers can divide and conquer, finishing each wrap faster than a solo installer could.
