How do I figure out how much wrap I need for my car?

Figuring out how much wrap you need for your car can seem daunting, but it’s actually pretty straightforward once you know what to measure. The key factors that determine how much wrap you’ll need are the make, model, and year of your car, along with the type of wrap you want to use. By following some simple steps and measurements, you can get an accurate estimate of the square footage needed to completely wrap your car.

What is Car Wrapping?

Car wrapping refers to applying a thin, adhesive-backed vinyl film over the painted exterior surfaces of a vehicle. The vinyl wrap acts as a protective cover while also allowing for creative customization with colors, finishes, and designs. Full wraps cover the entire car, while partial wraps may just be applied to certain sections like the hood, roof, or trunk.

Car wrapping has become an increasingly popular alternative to repainting for both aesthetic and functional reasons. Wraps protect the original factory paint from scrapes, UV rays, and damage. They are also removable, so you can change the look of your car as often as you want. Full wraps typically cost $2,000-$5,000 professionally installed, making them an affordable way to transform the appearance of your ride.

Getting Accurate Measurements

When figuring out how much vinyl car wrap you need, taking detailed measurements of your vehicle’s exterior surfaces is crucial. Even small miscalculations can result in ordering the wrong amount of material. Follow these steps to get the right measurements:

1. Record the make, model, year, and trim level of your car. This info is needed to find specific measurement guides online for your vehicle.
2. Use a clean, dry measuring tape to measure the full perimeter length, width, and height of your car. Note the different dimensions of the front, rear, sides, bumpers, etc.
3. For curved or contoured sections, carefully follow the curves with the tape to get an accurate measurement.
4. Measure and calculate the square footage of each exterior section – doors, hood, roof, trunk, fenders, bumpers, mirrors, spoiler, etc.
5. For windows and windshields, only measure the exposed frame surfaces to be wrapped.
6. Write down all measurements in a notebook, spreadsheet, or template form to reference later.

Taking the time to thoroughly measure your car ensures you know exactly how much material will be required. Rushing through this step or guesstimating is likely to produce incorrect totals.

Factors That Impact Amount of Vinyl Needed

Along with the size and shape of your car, there are a few other factors that influence how much wrap you’ll need to order:

• Type of Wrap – Cast vinyl wraps require more material compared to calendered due to thickness. Cast wraps are also optimal for complex curves and vehicle detailing.
• Full vs. Partial Wrap – Doing just a partial wrap like on the hood or roof requires less vinyl than a covering the whole exterior.
• Overlap Allowance – An extra 5-10% should be added for overlaps in the material as it goes around contours and edges.
• Waste Allowance – Experts recommend adding at least 10% more vinyl than your measurements to account for mistakes, cutting errors, and unusable scraps.
• Textured Finishes – Unique wraps like carbon fiber, brushed metals, and chromes use more material to cover uniformly.

Factor these elements into your square footage estimate to ensure you order enough wrap the first time around. Having to buy more mid-project can delay completing the job.

Ordering the Right Amount of Wrap Material

Once you’ve carefully measured the entire exterior of your car and accounted for other variables, you can calculate how much wrap you need to purchase. Here are some tips for ordering:

• Add up the total square footage measurements from each section of your car.
• Multiply the total by 1.1 to add a 10% material waste allowance.
• Multiply the total again by 1.05 to add a 5% overlap allowance.
• Round up the final number to the nearest whole increment.
• Order that amount of wrap vinyl in either standard 60″ wide rolls or pre-cut sheets.
• Stick to the same brand and material type for the entire project.

Online wrap vinyl calculators can also help determine the right square footage. Input your measurements and car year/make to get an estimate. Ordering too little wrap will require purchasing more, while ordering too much will leave you with unused, likely non-returnable, material.

Do You Need an Installer?

While the materials make up a major portion of your car wrapping budget, professional installation is often necessary to get perfect results. Car wrap application requires special training and experience working with vinyl. Here are some benefits of hiring a professional installer:

• They have the tools and workspace needed to apply large vinyl sheets.
• Experts properly prepare the vehicle surface for maximum adhesion.
• The wrap is installed without bubbles, wrinkles, or misaligned seams.
• Professionals have techniques for making tricky wrapped edges look seamless.
• Your wrap is guaranteed to last long without peeling or lifting.

Trying to wrap your car in your garage with limited supplies rarely produces the flawless look you probably want. While DIY wraps are tempting for the cost savings, the results are rarely smooth enough for driving around town. Invest in professional application to get your money’s worth from quality vinyl and a perfect end result.

Maintaining Your Vinyl Wrap

Once your car is wrapped, taking proper care of the vinyl will keep it looking pristine. Here are some vinyl wrap care tips:

• Hand wash only using mild soap and microfiber towels to prevent scratching.
• Avoid automatic car washes where brushes can damage the wrap.
• Use a rubber, non-abrasive edge dressing on trim to prevent fading.
• Apply a sealant/wax specifically formulated for vinyl wraps to protect the finish.
• Inspect the wrap once a year and reapply any loose edges as needed.
• Garage park your car to minimize exposure to elements that degrade vinyl.

Following the manufacturer’s care instructions can extend the life of your car wrap for 5-10 years. Proper maintenance keeps it looking as vibrant as the day it was installed.

Conclusion

Figuring out how much wrap your car needs comes down to careful measurement, factoring in key variables, and ordering with a material surplus. While the measuring process is tedious, accurate totals ensure you buy the right amount on your first try. Don’t cut corners or rush this step! Investing in professional installation also gives your custom wrap the best chance of coming out perfectly. Use the guide above and enjoy the satisfaction of a flawlessly wrapped vehicle.