How much vinyl does it take to wrap a car? Whether you drive a compact sedan or a large SUV, the right amount of wrap material matters. Vinyl wraps protect your vehicle while giving it a sleek, custom finish. This guide answers all your questions about sizing, protection, and style.
How to Measure for a Car Vinyl Wrap: A Simple Formula
In order to fully wrap your car, taking accurate measurements is a crucial step. Your skill level matters in taking correct measurements. Follow the steps below to correctly measure the length of your vehicle.
- Measure the length of your vehicle by placing the measuring tape on the ground from the front bumper to the rear bumper.
- Start by dividing your car into sections you want to wrap. Measure the height and width of all vehicle parts individually, such as fenders, doors, bumpers, and the top of the vehicle. Write down the measurements on a piece of paper for reference.
- Don’t measure exactly from edge to edge; instead, add an extra 3 inches bleed to all sides to avoid any mistakes.
- Use this formula: Length of your vehicle x 3 (for the two sides & the top of the vehicle from front to back) + extra for bumpers and mistakes.
- After measuring all parts, roll out the film and use a snitty to cut into portions. Roll the cut portions and place them in a safe place.
Use a vinyl wrap calculator to determine the exact amount of vinyl you would need to wrap.
How Much Vinyl Do I Need to Wrap My Car Fully?
The amount of vinyl you need to wrap depends on the different vehicle sizes and models. Below are estimates for different vehicle sizes that will help you determine how much vinyl your vehicle needs.
Small Cars
Cars like the Hyundai Elantra, VW Golf, VW Passat, Subaru Impreza, and Nissan Sentra are categorized as small cars. A roll of 15.24m to 16.76m would be ideal for these cars. As these vehicles have compact bodies so vinyl wrap is not needed in excess. However, a little extra material can help with accuracy.
Mid-size Cars
Midsize vehicles are designed with larger panels, so they require more vinyl than smaller vehicles to guarantee full coverage. The Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, Hyundai Sonata, and other midsize vehicles can be fully wrapped using 18.3m to 19.81m of vinyl.
Full-size Cars
A 19.81m to 22.86m wrap is sufficient to fully wrap full-size cars like Mercedes E-Class, S-Class, Chevrolet Camaro, and Ford Mustang. Due to the wider exterior and the big bodies, having extra vinyl can help for a seamless application process.
Small Vans and SUVs
Small SUVs like Land Rover require 22.86m to 24.38m of wrap for full coverage, including the hood, roof, and bumpers. Accounting for extra bleed for small vans is always a better option because they require slightly more material due to their additional surface area.
Always opt for 10 to 15% extra vinyl to account for any potential mistakes during the application process.
Choosing the Best Vinyl Roll For your Vehicle
Vinyl rolls come in a wide range of sizes. It is necessary to select the film that best suits your auto. Whether you are looking for full wraps or partial wraps, selecting the appropriate size is an important step.
Always buy after checking your car size, buyers’ recommendations, quality, and the best color. Because these can help you make a more confident wrapping decision.
1.52m x 5m (5ft x 16.4ft)
This size is ideal if you are trying to give a new look to any specific part of your vehicle. It is perfect for partial wrapping of fenders, bumpers, rooftops, mirrors, etc. Additionally, you can use it for motorcycle wrapping.
1.52m x 10m (5ft x 32.8ft)
Made for small vehicles such as the VW Golf, a vinyl roll of this size provides enough covering for the entire vehicle. It is the closest roll size, which can provide maximum wrapping without unnecessary wastage.
1.52m x 15m (5ft x 49.2ft)
The optimal dimension for mid-size and full-size cars. This size will helpfully wrap your vehicle and provide extra material for curved surfaces.
1.52m x 25m (5ft x 82ft)
Ideal size for your vans and small SUVs. This is the best size option if you need to wrap your Ford Mustang or any other similar vehicle. It will provide you with enough wrap, ensuring smooth coverage of all the parts.
Tips for Successful DIY Vinyl Wrapping
Whether you are a DIY enthusiast or a professional wrap installer, proper installation is an essential step in the overall process. To achieve a flawless and aesthetically appealing finish, you have to take care of minor details. Follow the steps below to wrap your vehicle without common issues.
Prepare the Surface
Start by getting the surface ready for the wrap. It is a three-step, simple formula. First, pressure wash your car to get all the dirt off. Second, clay bar it to remove all the contaminants. And lastly, decrease it by using 70% isopropyl alcohol.
Use Quality Tools
Always choose high-quality tools for the wrapping process. Use sharp blades for clean cuts, clean squeegee for a seamless look. Do not try to use a credit card as your squeegee because that’s how you are going to mess up.
Trim Carefully
Take your time, feel at ease, and trim the edges carefully. Car Wrapping is a time-consuming process and requires patience. So, rushing it would result in unwanted stress and a poorly finished wrap. Moving faster doesn’t mean moving better.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Wrapping
Professionally, wrapping your vehicle depends on the car and your skill. Learn from a professional and then try to wrap at home. Otherwise, leaving car personalization in the hands of an expert is always the best option. Below are the mistakes that you can avoid while preparing your vehicle for wrapping.
Incorrect Measurements
A critical mistake to avoid is not knowing how much vinyl you need to wrap and taking the measurements incorrectly. If you cut the car wrap vinyl too small, it can lead to exposed paint areas and give a poor finish. Also, cutting too much vinyl sheet will result in the wrap being wasted.
Do not Overstretch
Another mistake most people make is overstretching the vinyl film. This can cause lines to appear on the vinyl sheet, disturb the film finish, cause the glossy wrap to turn matte, or even distort the overall color of the vinyl sheet.
Choosing the Wrong Vinyl Wrap
Not all vinyl films are the same. There are different vinyl wraps, such as satin, matte, gloss, chrome, or carbon fiber wraps. You should know which finish will be the best for your vehicle. Always choose high-quality material to get a perfect look according to your taste. And premium vinyl wrap with a longer lifespan is undoubtedly a worthwhile investment.
Avoiding these mistakes firsthand is the best way to save the wrap from going to waste. Additionally, always buy some extra wrap from your required size to avoid future mishaps.
FAQs
Q1. Is wrapping a car cheaper than painting?
Wrapping is a wallet-friendly process than painting. Painting requires additional processes such as sanding and priming, which add to the overall cost. On the contrary, wrapping requires just a sheet of vinyl.
Q2. Do wraps scratch easily?
High-quality wraps are designed to be durable and can withstand normal scratches. However, the overall result depends on how you care for your car.
Q3. What is the average lifespan of vinyl wrap?
On average, a vinyl sheet lasts up to 7 years if maintained well. Factors like exposure to the sun, moisture, and frequency of washing can affect the life of the wrap.
Q4. Can you provide free samples of your car wrap?
Yes, we can provide free samples before you place your order. Just tell us what color you need and your shipping address.
Conclusion
Protect your car’s paint and transform its look with a custom vinyl wrap! This guide provides a simple formula to calculate material needs, recommends premium vinyl types for different surfaces, and shares pro tips for flawless application. Avoiding common DIY mistakes can ensure long-lasting results. Proper wrapping can preserve your car’s value while upgrading the look!
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