At Image Authentics, we welcome any questions you may have about vehicle wraps, us, or our process.

We get asked a lot of questions and here are some of the most common questions. If there are any other questions that you may have feel free to contact us here, calling us at 810.989.9554, or stop by the shop 5412 Lapeer Rd. Kimball, MI 48074.

What is a Vehicle Wrap?

A Wrap is a large vinyl graphic or decal. It is applied directly over the original paint of the vehicle. The application of the Wrap allows you to change the vehicle's appearance in a very short period of time and in turn allows you to remove the Wrap, returning the vehicle back to its original condition if necessary.

What's involved in a Vehicle Wrap?

Vehicle wraps, including bus wraps and fleet wraps, are comprised of three phases. The first is the design phase which includes getting accurate measurements for the vehicle and actual design of the graphics to be applied. The second is the production phase where the graphic is printed and then laminated to protect the vinyl from abrasions and UV rays that can cause graphics to fade over time. The third phase is installation where the vinyl is actually applied to your vehicle.

What's the difference between a partial and full wrap?

Anything less than a full wrap is normally called a partial wrap. a half partial wrap normally includes the entire rear of the vehicle and halfway up the vehicle, and includes a hood logo. a three-quarters partial wrap normally includes the entire rear of the vehicle and most of the way up the vehicle, and includes a hood logo. Typically, a full wrap includes the entire surface of the vehicle.

How long will the wrap stay on my vehicle?

Normally, between 4-7 years.

Will a Vehicle Wrap damage my paint?

Vehicle wraps will not damage factory paint jobs. Paint in poor condition may peel when vinyl is removed. Paint must be fully set before the Wrap can be applied.

Do I have to wash my vehicle before installation?

Yes. All vehicles have to be free of dust, mud, wax, oil, armor-all type products, and other agents that may prevent the vinyl from adhering to the vehicle surface during the installation process. Even if you clean the vehicle yourself your installer will still do some prep work to the vehicle to ensure it is ready for the vehicle wrap.

How long will it take to wrap my vehicle?

Time to do wraps vary widely from project to project and installer to installer. However, in general vehicle wraps can be done in significantly less time than painting. Paint jobs normally require curing and drying time and much more preparation than a vehicle wrap. Typically 3-5 days.

If my vinyl vehicle wrap graphics are damaged, can they be fixed?

Yes. You can normally have the damaged pieces or panels of your vehicle wrap replaced after your vehicle is repaired. You normally do not need to redo the entire wrap if the damage is limited to certain areas of the vehicle. Talk to your supplier.

Can you wrap a leased vehicle?

Yes

How do I care for my Wrap?

Hand washing is best. Try to avoid high pressure washes and be careful never to use an ice scraper on window graphics.

What is considered when calculating the cost of a Vehicle Wrap?

There are several things to consider: design time, materials (including vinyl and lamination), print, and installation. The size of the vehicle, amount of the vehicle to be wrapped and type of vehicle also play a part in cost. Partial wraps are a great way to minimize cost as opposed to a full wrap.

How can I justify the cost of a vehicle wrap?

If you are using your vehicle wrap as signage, there is no more cost-effective advertising method available. It has been proven that the cost per impression (CPI) of vehicle wraps is less than other forms of advertising such as billboards, television, radio and yellow pages. If you are using your vehicle wrap to improve the appearance of your vehicle, digitally printed vehicle wraps simply can not be duplicated by more traditional methods like paint or airbrushing. Also, vehicle wraps are only a fraction of the cost of paint.

Can you easily remove vinyl graphics used for wraps?

Yes, in most cases.

Can I see through vinyl on the windows?

You can see through window graphics that are printed on perforated window film. Window perf vinyl is perforated with very small holes that allow you to see out. From inside the vehicle, visibility is similar to regular window tint. From the outside, the graphic is visible. For safety reasons the front windshield and forward driver and passenger windows should not have vinyl graphics. Nornally, the rear windshield and rear windows on passenger- and driver-side doors can have vinyl graphics.

Is it normal to have some wrinkles or bubbles?

A knowledgeable installer will know how to prevent wrinkles and bubbles.

What are the advantages of a Vehicle Wrap as opposed to a new paint job?

With vehicle wraps, a designer's creativity and design possibilities are limitless. For example, it is difficult to paint a photograph, but easy to digitally reproduce a photograph. Paint simply cannot duplicate what is possible with digitally printed vinyl vehicle wraps. Vinyl vehicle wraps are also a great way to protect your original paint underneath. Finally, it is much easier to change your vehicle wrap vinyl graphics than to change a paint job.

Does a vinyl wrap really weigh less than a paint job?

Yes. According to research done by 3M, using vinyl instead of paint on race vehicles can lower the weight of a car by asmuch as 30 pounds!

Can you wrap primered vehicles?

It is critical to test the surface of a primered vehicle. Some paint-primered surfaces do not have an acceptable bond to wrapping vinyls and need to be sanded or painted prior to installation.