I walked out of a meeting this morning and noticed the Mini Cooper (pictured) in the parking lot on my way to my car. My first thought was, “ouch” that’s going to be expensive. Then, I looked around to see if the owner was anywhere near me ready to quiz me on why the heck I was taking pictures of his/her car! In a way, I really do wish I would have met the owner. It would have been a good teaching moment.
Vehicle “accessories”, such as stripes, are fun to add to vehicles. In this same parking lot, I saw a red VW Beetle with black dots all over it and eye lashes above the lights. Ahh, I get it, a ladybug! Clearly, these owners love their cars and enjoy driving them with these creatively placed graphics.
Vehicle graphics, decals and lettering are an excellent way to advertise a product, service, company, cause, hobby, or just for fun, like the red ladybug or the sporty Mini Cooper. However, like most things, if you want them to last, they need to be maintained and used according to the directions. In Colorado, we have very dry weather and very hot sun. This combination, over time, wreaks havoc on many things; vinyl and plastics included.
Unfortunately, the striping on this Mini Cooper may need to be removed by a body shop instead of a sign company. If the vinyl has been baked onto the paint, it is highly likely that the base paint will be removed with the vinyl. I guarantee if this owner would have replaced the stripes after about a year or so, the cost of simple stripes would have been significantly less than the stripping, buffing and new paint job this Mini Cooper may require.
Wrap vinyls are rated for 6 months, 1, 3, 5, 7 and even 10 years. NONE of the manufacturers will warrant a vinyl for 10 years. As a matter of fact, on horizontal surfaces, you will be hard pressed to find a manufacturer that will warrant the vinyl for longer than 1 year. Different wrap vinyls, and even brands, have specific uses. Before considering a wrap, striping, decals or lettering, always discuss your particular project with a reputable, experienced sign company. At Reflection Signs and Graphics, we will present options that meet your needs and budget.
Written by: Reflection Signs & Graphics – Westminster, CO
