Vinyl wrapping?

[robert16]

Does anyone have any idea on how to vinyl wrap a car? I Can't find anything on the Internet on how to. I would like to wrap it in a black wrap but I don't know the process. It's alot cheaper and better than paining because it never fades and lasts about 5 years.

[Redhotftw!]

Originally Posted by robert16

Does anyone have any idea on how to vinyl wrap a car? I Can't find anything on the Internet on how to. I would like to wrap it in a black wrap but I don't know the process. It's alot cheaper and better than paining because it never fades and lasts about 5 years.

riddle me this, if it never fades then how does it last only 5 years?


Furthermore, it will be more expensive to do this then it would to get a Macco paint job. Vinyl is really easy though, thoroughly clean the surface and aply with a squeegee.

[robert16]

Originally Posted by Redhotftw!

riddle me this, if it never fades then how does it last only 5 years?


Furthermore, it will be more expensive to do this then it would to get a Macco paint job. Vinyl is really easy though, thoroughly clean the surface and aply with a squeegee.

Oh I read that it's lasts 5 years and that it has a special uv coating to keep it from fading?

[Sidneyaks]

My guess (assuming the second statement is true, which is highly questionable, sunlight is nasty stuff) is that the adhesive is rated to last five years. Don't forget, any rock chips on the hood or anything like that will leave long tears in the vinyl.

I've never even heard of this myself, but I assume there is a peice of vinyl for each panel on the vehicle? If it were me I would make sure of that before I start applying. Also, since pretty much every panel on saturns are removable, I'd take them off of the vehicle, and find myself a dedicated dirt free work space.

Finally, if you are planning on keeping the car that long, you might look into what the adhesive will do to the paint underneath it. Not that I assume (given that you want to cover the car) it's in great shape, but when you do go to remove it, or you going to be taking off paint flakes from the few metal parts of the vehicle?

[S3aturnR]

Originally Posted by robert16

It's alot cheaper and better than paining because it never fades and lasts about 5 years.

i don't think that either of those statements are true. vinyl wrapping costs almost as much as a decent paint job, needs to be applied by a trained professional and will crack, peel & fade.

but, go ahead, show us how it's done...


s3aturnr

[robert16]

Originally Posted by S3aturnR

i don't think that either of those statements are true. vinyl wrapping costs almost as much as a decent paint job, needs to be applied by a trained professional and will crack, peel & fade.

but, go ahead, show us how it's done...


s3aturnr

sorry i am just trying to get people opinion on the vinyl wrapping I am just stating what i've read about the wrapping. please dont think i am trying to be a know it all Im merely just stating what Ive read and heard about, and was just looking for some honest opinions.

[gyrlspeedrt]

It can be done...having said that think about the following: Cost: how much will all that vinyl really cost you in the end? Time: I've done vinyl jobs BUT I've never done a whole car. Even pinstriping takes a while. Do you feel comfortable completing a whole car vinyl job? Upkeep: Like S3aturnR said, it will definitely get damaged...after 1 week of putting my new graphics on, I had a couple noticeable rock chips... So all in all, it can be done. It will be a big b*tch tho when it comes time to remove it. Oh, it will dry out too...I don't care how good quality it is. Soooo, go for it!

[fetchitfido]

Search & Rescue on SpikeTV used the guys at http://www.apewraps.com for the F350 & tri-axle trailer they're planning on driving all over the country to haul junkers out of places to restore 'em. They might even have the episode on TrucksTV.com so you can see how they did it.

[Signmaster]

Wrapping a vehicle is not easy or cheap. And yes, there is a reason for my user name.

The majority of vinyl actually intended for wraps is specialty stuff, with release patterns in the adhesive. This allows for easier application but at a cost. "Easier" in this sense is a relative term at that. In the overall scheme of things it's not something you want to do without some background and training on, unless you want to waste a lot of material. And when you're dealing with panels 3 to 4 feet wide you need a nice clean enclosed space to work in as well, otherwise a gust of wind lofts dirt and crap all over the adhesive side of a panel that might cost $10 a square foot or more.

Overall paint is tougher than vinyl. In applications without rocks and such scuffing it, vinyl can look good for much longer than 5 years if taken care of properly. And there are vinyls tougher made for on the front ends, etc. But for the average person that hasn't done it... probably a wasted thought.

[madpogue]

Is the goal to change the color of the car? If so, just buy and install panels from a black salvage yard car (or a whole donor car, if possible) and paint the roof.

[robert16]

Okay looks like you have brought me to painting my car instead. Any idea on what color paint will look best on a saturn? I was thinking black. Any other ideas? Thanks for all your opinions highly appreciate it.

[Sidneyaks]

As far as painting goes, it usually IS cheaper to get panels from a junker saturn (or a few junker saturns of the same color) and a lot easier than painting. It's been done before. You might get weird looks from your neighbors though, and possibly a visit from the popo about changing the color of your car.

As far as color goes, I've always liked silver, it's nice and non attention grabbing.

[OldNuc]

Keeping a black car clean is impossible. Likewise dark green. Pick a color the more or less matches the local dirt color or buy an automatic car wash to erect in front of your garage so the car gets washed every day when you pullout of the garage.

[swansong]

Take a look at this thread. I think the result is quite nice considering the budget. Rustoleum paint job project on 01 SC-2 (NGKTECH)

[blue92]

If you do go the Rustoleum route, keep in mind that the paint is not metallic. So, I would say your options are limited to black or white. If I were to do Rustoleum, I would do white. Also, keep in mind what color your interior is. Going the JY panel method is good for all but the roof panel as it is not easily removed, but doable from what I have read. I personally like some of the unique Saturn colors like the early bright greens. Black is difficult to keep clean, although I do like the old BlueBlack from Gen1. Gold is boring, and Silver is too safe and boring.

[Redhotftw!]

Originally Posted by blue92

If you do go the Rustoleum route, keep in mind that the paint is not metallic. So, I would say your options are limited to black or white. If I were to do Rustoleum, I would do white. Also, keep in mind what color your interior is. Going the JY panel method is good for all but the roof panel as it is not easily removed, but doable from what I have read. I personally like some of the unique Saturn colors like the early bright greens. Black is difficult to keep clean, although I do like the old BlueBlack from Gen1. Gold is boring, and Silver is too safe and boring.

you can get Rustoleum in SOO many finishes, metallic, flake, matte, eggshell, flat, gloss, etc.

Satin Olive Green with a tan interior would be sweet.
So would an eggshell or stain burnt orange

[alordofchaos]

I'm tempted to go white. In the event of a future mishap, it is probably the easiest color to match

[gyrlspeedrt]

Maybe I missed something but how is replacing all the panels easier than painting? Anywhooo, how jacked up is the overall car's exterior? Is it past replacing the panel(s) that are damaged and a good clay bar, polish, wax, etc. won't take care of the finish? Sidenote: how many rattlecans would it take to paint the car?

[Redhotftw!]

Originally Posted by gyrlspeedrt

Maybe I missed something but how is replacing all the panels easier than painting? Anywhooo, how jacked up is the overall car's exterior? Is it past replacing the panel(s) that are damaged and a good clay bar, polish, wax, etc. won't take care of the finish? Sidenote: how many rattlecans would it take to paint the car?

Answer.
12

[S3aturnR]

Originally Posted by robert16

Okay looks like you have brought me to painting my car instead. Any idea on what color paint will look best on a saturn? I was thinking black. Any other ideas? Thanks for all your opinions highly appreciate it.

not just black; rattle-can flat black. go road warrior...


s3aturnr