How do I do… a custom design car wrap? Advice from: Impression Signs & Graphics in Oakdale, MN

Vehicle wrap for Impression Signs and Graphics

You’ve decided you’re going for it. Your car is about to look like a beast among sheep. It is getting its own custom paint job but without the paint. But first of all, How do you prepare? How does it even work? What do you need to do to get ready? Also, how can you find out how much this will cost?

Let’s help you break it down.

-Determine an idea or intended purpose of the vehicle wrap.
Before contacting a company make sure you have an idea or even a print-ready file. Having a concept and knowing how you want to accomplish it will help direct the conversation if you do not already have a design.

– Gather year, make, model. (Take a photo of the vehicle if possible)
This will help us or the company you find to help print and install the graphics determine the sizes of things and get you a price. This will also help decide what size to create artwork if you are not wrapping the whole vehicle. The photos will help the company determine if the vehicle templates they have on file match your car exactly along with provide a superimposed proof so you can check out what it might look like before you go to print.

– Do your research.
We encourage you to look between 2-3 companies if you have the time and patience. All companies price things differently according to their in-house abilities. It might be worth the time to at least look at 2 companies to compare quality and price, to get a good feel for who you would rather work with and trust your vehicle with.

-Make sure your car is freshly washed and free of dents or flaws if possible.
Once you have made a decision and are ready to proceed it is important that your vehicle is free of excess debris or rust as this will affect the adhesion of the vinyl to the vehicle. Your provider will do a final cleaning with alcohol to clean areas to make sure you get the best possible results but you should run it through the car wash first. Most companies do not want to begin a wrap with a truck that has just been mudding and you might find yourself with additional cleaning charges.

-Let the magic transformation begin!
Try not to get sticker shock. Vehicle graphics can range anywhere from $200 to $10,000. There are lots of variables, such as how much material is being used, is it quality material that will hold up to sunlight and wear and tear? How many man hours will it take to finish? Along with variables shops often have to think ahead for, such as how much material is wasted in the project, the run-time of the printers and laminators, along with the cost of overhead and employees. We aren’t trying to talk you out of it but we do want you to know it is an investment. But vehicle or car wraps often get the most attention much quicker and faster than any other traditional ways of marketing.  

Written by: Apryl Cave