Will a Wrap or PPF Damage My Paint?

This is probably one of the most common questions we receive.

When installed over good-quality, factory-finished paint, premium wrap vinyl and PPF are designed to be removable and should not damage the underlying finish when professionally removed. In fact, one of the benefits of covering a vehicle is that the material can help protect the paint underneath from many of the environmental conditions it otherwise would have been exposed to.

The important part of that statement, however, is good-quality paint.

Vehicles with previous bodywork, repainted panels, failing clear coat, rust, peeling paint, rock chips or other existing paint problems present a different situation. Vinyl and PPF adhere to the surface they are installed over, and if that surface does not have a strong bond to the vehicle, there is always a possibility that paint can lift during installation or future removal.

That is why it is important to tell your installer about any previous paint or body repairs you are aware of before the project begins.

Will a Wrap Hide Scratches, Dents or Other Imperfections?

Not necessarily.

Wrap vinyl changes the color and appearance of a vehicle, but it does not work like body filler. Scratches, dents, chips, rust, uneven paint and other surface imperfections may still be visible through the material. In some cases, wrapping a vehicle can actually make certain imperfections more noticeable.

PPF is somewhat different because of its thickness and characteristics, but it should not be viewed as a way of repairing damaged paint either. The better the surface is before installation, the better the finished result is going to look.

If there are areas of concern, we would much rather discuss them with you before the installation than have you surprised afterward.

What Should I Expect From a Professional Installation?

A professionally installed wrap or PPF should look clean, consistent and intentional. At the same time, it is important to understand that these materials are being hand-installed onto an extremely complicated three-dimensional object.

Vehicles have compound curves, body seams, sensors, cameras, trim, emblems, door handles and dozens of other obstacles. Depending on the vehicle and the material being installed, some areas may require seams, relief cuts, separate pieces or other installation techniques to achieve a durable result.

The objective isn't simply to make the vehicle look great when it leaves the shop. A good installer also has to consider how the material is going to perform after months and years of driving, washing, weather and temperature changes.

PPF presents its own considerations. Because it is a transparent protective film, small amounts of moisture, slight haze or tiny installation-related imperfections may be visible immediately after installation. Many of these will diminish as the film cures and the remaining installation moisture evaporates.

Your installer should explain what is normal, what should improve during the curing period and when something should be brought back for inspection.

How Long Will My Wrap or PPF Last?

There isn't one answer that applies to every vehicle.

The lifespan of a wrap or PPF depends on the material, how the vehicle is used, where it is stored, how much sun exposure it receives, how it is washed and maintained, and even which surfaces of the vehicle receive the most direct exposure.

A vehicle that spends most of its life garaged is going to experience very different conditions than a vehicle parked outdoors every day. Horizontal surfaces such as hoods and roofs also generally experience more UV exposure than vertical surfaces.

Using quality materials is important, but taking care of them afterward is equally important. Your installer should provide information about proper washing, maintenance and warranty coverage when your project is completed.

How Do I Need to Prepare My Vehicle?

This is one of the easiest ways a customer can help us produce a better result.

Please bring your vehicle to your appointment clean and free of excessive dirt, mud, road grime, bugs, tree sap and other contamination. A normal exterior wash before your appointment is greatly appreciated, but avoid applying waxes, ceramic sprays, tire dressings or other detailing products immediately beforehand unless you have discussed them with your installer.

We will perform the final surface preparation necessary for installation, but there is a difference between installation preparation and having to clean a vehicle that arrives excessively dirty.

At WrapJax, vehicles requiring additional cleaning may be subject to a $99 cleaning fee, so bringing the vehicle in reasonably clean is an easy way to avoid an unnecessary charge.

We also recommend removing personal belongings and anything that may interfere with the areas being worked on. If the project involves doors, door jambs, a rear hatch, trunk area or other locations where we need access, those areas should be accessible to the installer.

If you have aftermarket accessories, unusual electronics, dash cameras, antennas or anything else you think we should know about, mention it when you drop off the vehicle.

What About Existing Ceramic Coatings?

This is especially important to discuss before your appointment.

Ceramic coatings and other paint treatments are specifically designed to prevent contaminants from bonding strongly to the paint—which can also make it more difficult for vinyl or PPF adhesive to bond properly.

If your vehicle has previously been ceramic coated, even if the coating was applied some time ago, tell your installer. Additional preparation may be required before the vehicle can be wrapped or protected.

When Can I Wash the Vehicle Again?

Your installer will provide specific instructions based on the material used, but generally you should allow the film adequate time to cure before washing the vehicle.

Once that initial curing period has passed, hand washing is usually the preferred method. High-pressure water should not be directed aggressively at film edges, and harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaning methods should be avoided.

Automatic car washes—particularly those using brushes—can also be harder on wraps and PPF over time.

Think of your wrap or PPF much like you would the original finish of the vehicle: the better you take care of it, the better it will look and the longer it is likely to last.

Plan on Leaving the Vehicle With Us

Installing wrap vinyl or PPF correctly takes time, and occasionally a vehicle may need additional time for inspection, curing or finishing work before it is ready.

We recommend planning your transportation accordingly rather than assuming the vehicle will be available at a particular hour unless that has been specifically arranged with your project manager.

Once you are notified that your vehicle is complete, it is also important to pick it up promptly. At WrapJax, completed vehicles should be picked up within 24 hours of notification unless other arrangements have been made. Vehicles left beyond that period may be subject to a $49-per-day storage fee.

Inspect Your Vehicle With Us

When you pick up your vehicle, take a few minutes to look it over with us.

This is the best time for us to explain seams or installation details, discuss care instructions, review warranty information and answer questions. If something doesn't look the way you expected it to, ask about it. We would much rather explain something while you are standing with us looking at the vehicle than have you wondering about it later.

At WrapJax, our installations are backed by the applicable manufacturer's material warranty as well as our own installation warranty. The exact coverage varies depending on whether we installed a printed vehicle wrap, color-change film, PPF, perforated window film or another product, so make sure you understand the warranty that applies specifically to your project.

A Little Preparation Goes a Long Way

Most wrap and PPF projects go exactly the way they should. The best experiences tend to happen when the customer and installer communicate clearly before the vehicle ever arrives.

Tell us about previous paintwork. Let us know about ceramic coatings. Bring the vehicle reasonably clean and remove personal belongings that could interfere with the installation. Make arrangements to leave the vehicle with us for the time necessary to do the job properly, and take a few minutes to review the finished project when you pick it up.

A vehicle wrap can completely change the personality of your vehicle. Paint Protection Film can help preserve the finish you already love. Either way, understanding the process and knowing what to expect before your appointment makes the entire experience easier—and helps us give you the best finished product possible.

Promote. Personalize. Protect.