FAQs
Graphic Wrap FAQs
What is a graphic wrap?
A vinyl wrap is a large, adhesive-backed film applied directly over the surface of a vehicle (or other object) to change its appearance. It can be used for full color changes, custom designs, business advertising, or protective purposes. Vinyl wraps are made from high-performance materials like those from 3M, Avery Dennison, and Oracal, and are available in finishes such as gloss, matte, satin, metallic, chrome, carbon fiber, and more.
Wraps are a popular alternative to paint because they’re removable, customizable, and often more affordable. They also protect the original paint from UV rays, road debris, and minor abrasions. When installed correctly, a quality wrap can last 5–7 years or more.
Are graphic wraps good for advertising?
Yes—vinyl wraps are one of the most effective forms of advertising on the market today.
Here’s why:
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Mobile Billboards: A wrapped vehicle can generate 30,000–70,000 daily impressions, depending on location and traffic.
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High ROI: Compared to traditional advertising (TV, radio, print), wraps have lower cost per impression and work 24/7 without monthly ad spend.
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Local Targeting: Wraps naturally promote your brand in your service area, reaching real potential customers in your community.
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Professional Image: A well-designed wrap builds brand recognition, boosts trust, and gives your business a clean, professional appearance.
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Customizable & Removable: Easily update your message or branding without repainting your fleet.
Bottom line: If you’re a business with a vehicle, you’re sitting on untapped advertising real estate—a wrap turns that into a rolling billboard that pays for itself.
How effective is a wrap for advertising?
🔢 Key Statistics on Vehicle Wrap Advertising Effectiveness:
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30,000 to 70,000 impressions per day
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According to the Outdoor Advertising Association of America (OAAA), a single vehicle wrap can generate between 30,000 and 70,000 daily impressions, depending on driving routes and traffic.
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98% of people say vehicle wraps create a positive image of the company
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A study by the RYP & Becker Group found that nearly all consumers believe fleet graphics create a strong, professional impression.
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96% of Americans travel in a vehicle each week
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This makes wraps a consistently visible form of advertising across broad demographics.
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74% of motorists say they’ve been positively influenced by a wrapped vehicle
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That includes remembering the brand and being more likely to trust or engage with it.
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15x more impressions per dollar than other forms of advertising
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Compared to radio, print, and even online ads, vinyl wraps have a lower cost-per-impression, offering better long-term ROI.
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Cost per thousand impressions (CPM):
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Vehicle wraps: ~$0.77 per thousand views
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Billboards: ~$2.18 per thousand
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Radio: ~$8.61 per thousand
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TV: ~$23.70 per thousand
🚚 Bottom Line:
Vinyl wraps don’t just look good—they work hard every day for your business. If you’re already out on the road, you might as well be advertising while you do it—for a fraction of the cost of traditional marketing
How long will my graphic wrap last?
A high-quality vinyl wrap typically lasts 5 to 7 years, depending on several key factors:
🕒 Lifespan Breakdown:
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Standard lifespan:
5–7 years with proper care -
Premium materials (3M, Avery, Oracal):
Often last closer to 7 years -
Color change wraps:
Usually last 4–6 years, depending on exposure and film type -
Printed or custom-graphic wraps:
May fade slightly sooner due to UV exposure, usually 4–5 years
✅ Factors That Affect Longevity:
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Quality of Materials – Top brands like 3M, Avery Dennison, and Oracal offer durable, UV-resistant vinyl that holds up better over time.
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Installation – A professional installation ensures edges are sealed and surfaces are clean, which prevents peeling and bubbling.
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Environmental Exposure – Wraps on vehicles parked in harsh sun or extreme climates will degrade faster.
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Maintenance – Regular hand washing (no harsh chemicals or pressure washers) and using ceramic coating or sealants can extend lifespan.
⚠️ Bonus Tip:
A wrap can be safely removed anytime without damaging your vehicle’s paint (as long as the paint was in good condition when wrapped). That makes it ideal for leases, rebranding, or resale.
In short: Take care of it, and your wrap will look sharp for years.
Will a wrap damage my paint?
No—when installed and removed properly, a vinyl wrap will not harm your paint. In fact, it can actually protect it.
✅ How Wraps Protect Your Paint:
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UV Protection: Shields paint from sun damage and fading
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Scratch Barrier: Adds a layer of defense against rock chips, road debris, and minor abrasions
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Preserves Resale Value: Keeps the original paint in better condition for future resale or lease return
⚠️ When a Wrap Can Damage Paint:
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Poor Paint Condition:
If your paint is already chipped, peeling, rusted, or repainted improperly, the wrap may lift that paint during removal. -
Cheap Vinyl or Bad Installers:
Low-quality materials or poor prep work can lead to adhesive failure, residue, or damage when peeling it off. -
Improper Removal:
Trying to rip off a wrap without the right heat tools or technique can tear the paint.
🛡️ Bottom Line:
If your paint is in good condition and you’re using wraplife, coupled with with quality vinyl (like 3M, Avery, or Oracal), a wrap is totally safe—and actually beneficial—for your paint.
Start your vehicle wrap project
Vehicle advertising is by far the most cost effective way of exterior advertising. Contact WrapLife today to start getting more for your advertising dollar.