Durability of vehicle graphics is often a grey area.

Durability of vehicle graphics is dependent upon a variety of variables. Some seem to last forever, while others may deteriorate quickly. Clients spending big money on vehicle wraps are often concerned about this issue. There are four factors which typically determine the durability of vehicle graphics:

• The quality of the mounting surface where the graphic is being applied.
• The quality of the materials used to produce the vinyl graphics products. 
• The installation methods utilized and the proficiencies of the installation technician(s).
• The maintenance of the vinyl graphic during its lifetime.

WHAT’S UNDERNEATH?

The type of surface that the graphics will be mounted to plays a major (but often overlooked) role with respect to the long-term durability of vehicle graphics. For example, if the vehicle no longer has its factory paint job, the quality of the repaint has a major effect on the adhesion of the graphics. The graphics might stick well to the paint, but if the paint doesn’t stick to the vehicle, all is lost.

Some unpainted vehicle surfaces, such as aluminum truck boxes, stainless steel tanker bodies or fiberglass box walls, may interfere with proper adhesion as well. Some graphic films specifically void any warranties on such substrates, while others recommend various surface preparation techniques before application. Check with the manufacturer and proceed with caution.

The quality of the installation will also have a significant effect on the long-term success and durability of the item wrapped. Careful attention to detail, making sure not to over-stretch the vinyl over curved surfaces, and minimizing the number of cuts and pinholes will lead to a more durable graphic installation and life span.

Proper preparation of the mounting surface prior to installation will have a huge effect on any graphic’s durability. The vehicle’s surface must be squeaky clean, and all surface waxes and / or remnants of polish compounds should be removed as well. This can be done using a clean soft cloth and rubbing alcohol. A poorly prepared mounting surface will virtually guarantee early failure of an otherwise perfect wrap.

WHAT’S ON TOP?

The single most important factor in graphic durability is the graphic itself. This is a complex mix of print media, ink and over-laminate. All three items have to be carefully matched for maximum compatibility. Fortunately, manufacturers usually offer recommendations on which combinations work the best for their products. Naturally, those with warranties offer the best guarantees on specialized materials which have been 'tried & trued'.

In the 1980's, 3M helped to popularize the vehicle wrap phenomenon with its ScotchPrint process, and they have kept their momentum strong. 3M’s Controltac Graphic Film with Comply V3 Adhesive (IJ180C-V3) is among the best selling products in the industry. Tim Boxeth, 3M Marketing Manager, states that this 3M product offers an expected life of eight years (outdoors & unprinted). Warranties on this product range from three to five years, depending on the inks and 3M over- laminates which are used. At the other end of their portfolio, they offer 3M ScotchCal Graphic Film with Comply Adhesive (IJ40C) for promotional vehicle graphics which is designed for use on flat or simple curves. Film IJ40C comes with a seven year exterior life expectancy (unprinted).

Vinyl film maker Avery Dennison, another strong contender in the vehicle wraps market, offers its Integrated Component System (ICS) warranty program, which warrants Avery’s media and over laminate while allowing the shop to choose the printer and ink combination.

In addition, Avery has partnered with Roland to produce a combination of warranted wrap solutions. Fernando Catania, Product Manager for printer maker Roland DGA Corporation, says that Roland provides a premium wrap solution including vinyl and over-laminate film that features advanced adhesive technology. The complete Roland solution, which includes Roland’s ECO-SOL MAX ink, has a performance guarantee of five years.

Failures generally first occur along areas where the vinyl was stretched to conform to dramatic surface features.

Similarly, vinyl film maker Arlon offers its Arlon DPF 6000XRP film, which is a 2mm gloss white cast film featuring X-scape Technology for re-positionable mounting. It has a bubble release, tinted, re-positionable, and permanent pressure-sensitive adhesion properties which allows for speedy installations while maintaining high enough adhesiveness for long-term bonds. It is rated for outdoor durability up to seven years (unprinted), depending on inks and over-laminates used.

Oracal Series 970RA Wrapping Cast with RapidAir Technology offers a way to fully wrap vehicles in solid, opaque colors. Oracal states that this durable film is ideal for long-term fleet and motorsport marketing applications, and provides a lightweight and economical alternative to paint. It offers long-term removability from painted surfaces and does not require an over-laminate. Their warranty is based on use and conditions.

Jason Yard of MACtac recommends its JT5529 BFD Pro series with Rayzor over-laminate. These products provide a five to seven year durability rating (warranted for that time frame, except in extreme climates). The vinyl is also warranted for two years on watercraft.

LG Hausys offers its LD823TG cast sign and graphic material, with a durability rating of up to seven years when matched with its LP80990G laminate.

Hexis offers its S5000 Series, with an eight to 10 year outdoor durability rating and warranty (depending on use and conditions).

Premium Wrap Solutions generally specify a cast over laminate on cast film. Neschen Americas, however, has a budget-priced liquid laminate which coincides with the Avery ICS warranty. Liquid laminates can save a lot of money, but many people are intimidated by the extra equipment, mess and expertise involved. Still, new coating machines and processes have streamlined a lot of the coating processes and are worth looking at.

WHO’S BEHIND THE SQUEEGEE?

Installation proficiencies and techniques are critical ingredients which affect the long-term durability of all wraps. Manufacturers provide directions for each type of graphic material, and these installation instructions should be carefully followed. Special care must be taken when conforming the graphic film around complex surface shapes. These are the most likely areas to fail or falter. The more complex the surface, the more chances there are for "tenting", which is a lifting of the vinyl surface in the center of the vinyl patch. The more cuts that are made in the graphic panel (to allow it to fit to the shape at hand), the more chances of "edge failure", which is a lifting of the vinyl surface along the edge of the vinyl patch. The more stretching that has to be done over convex shapes, the greater the possibility that the film may crack in the future. Here's the bottom line: Anything that you have to do to the graphic to alter its factory shape will affect long-term durability.

Wrapping over a non-painted surface can also be tricky. Some surfaces, such as aluminum truck boxes, stainless steel tanker bodies or fiberglass box walls, may interfere with proper adhesion. Check with the vinyl film manufacturer and proceed with caution.

WHAT’S THE PLAN?

Maintenance after installation is the most overlooked aspect of durability for vehicle graphics. Keeping the vehicle clean and free from dirt, grease, salt, acid and condensation build-up will help tremendously in extending the life of the wrap. The non-vertical or horizontal areas of a vehicle graphic can be the most challenging areas in which to maintain longevity and durability. Here are some post-installation precautions that can improve long-term performance:

• Cleaning the vehicle with a liquid, nonabrasive cleaner that has a pH value between 3 and 11 (void of solvents).
• If using a pressure washer, must be less than 2,000psi and hold nozzle than 12" from the graphic surface.
• Wash the vehicle with a soft cloth or sponge, not a hard brush, and avoid excessive scrubbing.
• Inspecting the graphic regularly will prolong its life (promptly repair loose edges with an edge seal product).

THE LONG HAUL

Vehicle graphics and wraps can last a long time or a short time. The life expectancy (or longevity) and durability of a wrap is dependent upon the quality of materials used to produce the wrap, professional level installation expertise, and post-installation maintenance.  The leadership and staff at Unitech Applications is committed to "above & beyond" customer service, stellar professionalism, and top-shelf workmanship and installation techniques.