What is our cancellation policy?

We require 72 hours notice prior to your scheduled installation date to avoid a cancellation fee of $250.

What is our drop-off policy?

We ask that any vehicles being dropped off are washed within 24-48 hours prior to drop off. This ensures our ability to complete your job in a timely manner. Any vehicle that arrives in a condition that we deem should be cleaned will have a cleaning fee assessed ($85/hour). Drop-off dates are discussed during scheduling and we ask that you do your best to arrive on the discussed date.

How long does it take to wrap a vehicle?

On average the design process can take 7-14 business days. Once the design is completed production will begin and can take up to 48 hours to fulfill the order. After production is complete your wrap will be scheduled for installation which can take 3-5 days to complete (on average). The entire process can vary depending on the exact type of wrap product being purchased. For more detailed information on your specific needs please reach out to your Sales Representative.

What if I get into an accident or the wrap needs to be replaced?

All wrap products are created digitally which allows us to reprint and install any section of the graphics that may be damaged on your vehicle. We save all client artwork in the event that it ever needs to be reprinted. Oftentimes this is even covered by your insurance should you get into an accident. Please reach out to your insurance provider to learn more on coverage.

Could a wrap hurt the paint of my vehicle?

If all manufacturer procedures are followed the answer is no. The paint under the wrap is protected from the harsh UV rays of the sun exposure to the elements and minor scratches. Think of it as driving around with the world’s tightest car cover. Rest assured knowing that with Wraps Direct we will only select the best-of-the-best installation professionals that are certified by the product manufacturers that we use to ensure best practices and complete customer satisfaction 100% of the time.

Yes. We recommend that you bring your vehicle to us or a wrap shop that is knowledgeable about the wrap removal process. Removing a wrap requires a large amount of heat and various tools such as torches and heat guns. To avoid damage to your vehicle and injury to yourself it is recommended that you pay a professional to remove the wrap.

How long do vehicle wraps last?

Generally a wrap will last 5 years depending on the care of the vehicle and environments that it is exposed to. We use industry standard known and trusted films and laminate; the manufacturer of the material estimates the durability of the wrap to last 5 years on vertical surfaces. We recommend that you re-wrap your vehicle in 3 years to allow the wrap to be removed with ease. Washing the vehicle on a regular basis will prolong the life of the wrap. We recommend that vehicle wraps be hand washed as some pressure washers and automatic car wash machines can damage the wrap.

Why should I get a vehicle wrap instead of cut vinyl or paint?

A vehicle wrap provides maximum exposure for your business and brings it to life with eye-catching crystal clear graphics. With a vehicle wrap the amount of color or creativity you want is never limited. We do provide cut vinyl; however a vehicle wrap lasts much longer than cut vinyl and protects your paint from the harsh rays of the sun. Often when you remove cut vinyl the lines from it will still be visible on the vehicle due to fading of the paint. A vehicle wrap is better than paint because it is more cost effective and can be changed if your company’s details change. It can also be easily removed should you decide to sell your vehicle.

What else can you wrap?

Wraps Direct can wrap cars trucks boats helmets 18 wheelers car haulers race cars concept cars tour buses trailers cargo vans box trucks SUVs shipping containers walls windows store-fronts golf carts vending machines even buildings! You name it and we can wrap it. If you have something you need wrapped and we have NOT wrapped it before we are thrilled to have the opportunity to pioneer new wrap styles.

How much does it cost to wrap a vehicle?

Wraps are priced by the square foot. A full wrap on a vehicle can range from $1000 to $5000. That’s much less than the cost of having a billboard that you must rent every month or a tv/radio ad that you pay for monthly. You buy a wrap one time and it pays for itself over the span of three years or more. To get an accurate price on your vehicle click to Request a Quote. We are not always the cheapest wrap provider; in this industry you definitely get what you pay for. We invite you to stop by our shop to see for yourself what we can do for you.

Everything You Need To Know About Vinyl Boat Wraps | Wraps Direct

April 7, 2023

I had a peculiar dream last night where I found myself confined in a small plastic Tupperware. It left me feeling disoriented and suffocated, reminiscent of a leftover piece of pizza of some sort. Although I woke up the next morning feeling rejuvenated and refreshed, thanks to the container’s excellent preservation properties, I couldn’t shake off the feeling of being a leftover. This is an unusual sensation for me, especially on a subconscious level.

However, I later realized that it was likely because of my recent research on vinyl wrapping – a type of plastic that comes in a roll with adhesive on the back and is commonly used to revitalize the topsides of boats. Vinyl wrapping has been an alternative to traditional paint for over two decades, but it is currently experiencing a surge in popularity. This leads to the question: What’s wrong with paint, and why is vinyl wrapping becoming more prevalent?

Is Paint Outdated & Old-Fashioned?

Maybe in some situations. Vinyl wrapping may create a mean-looking logo and is quicker and less expensive.

During the past few weeks of investigating this topic for my column, I’ve been immersing myself in a world of plastic – to be precise, vinyl. This material, which comes in rolls with adhesive backing and can effectively revive surfaces, has been on my mind as I read, write, and explore its uses. While vinyl wrapping has been a substitute for traditional painting for over 20 years, it is currently gaining even more popularity. This leads me to question: what are the drawbacks of using paint that is driving people towards vinyl as a preferred option?

Boat and yacht owners are increasingly opting for vinyl as a replacement for traditional finishes such as linear polyurethane for hulls, decks, interiors, and cabin furniture, as it is often a more affordable and faster alternative. Although, I must admit that I am somewhat uneasy about this trend. Fiberglass boats, which are actually reinforced with plastic, are coated in a gel coat, another form of plastic, and then painted with linear polyurethane, yet another plastic.

With all of this plastic involved, would it really make a difference to cover the boat in stretchy, colorful vinyl? Furthermore, the term “plastic” is rather ambiguous, isn’t it? What exactly is my problem with this situation? Perhaps I simply need to broaden my horizons.

The Pros & Cons of Plastic

Vinyl-wrapping a hull has become increasingly popular due to its cost-effectiveness compared to linear polyurethane. According to some recent expert reports, wrapping megayachts, including the 223-foot yacht, the cost of wrapping is approximately two-thirds less than a top-quality paint job. This is mainly due to the reduced labor hours required for vinyl wrapping.

However, it is important to note that both procedures necessitate a thoroughly prepared surface, as even minor scratches and dings will be noticeable through both the thin skin of vinyl and a coat of paint. Once the yacht is ready for top coating, the vinyl can be rolled on in one go, without the need for a primer before the color (except with bare metal hulls) or a gloss topcoat after. While skilled wrappers are required for a first-class job, the process is relatively straightforward, making vinyl wrapping a popular choice for cost-conscious yacht owners.

There is a multitude of benefits to choosing to wrap a yacht hull in vinyl over traditional linear polyurethane. While cost savings are certainly one of the biggest advantages, yacht owners are also discovering that time is money. With vinyl wrapping, yachts can be back in the water and ready for use much faster than with a lengthy topside paint job.

This is especially crucial for those in the charter industry, where minimizing downtime is essential. Additionally, vinyl is much easier to repair than linear polyurethane if any damage does occur, and is also said to be more resistant to ultraviolet rays. All in all, it’s easy to see why vinyl wrapping is becoming an increasingly popular choice among yacht owners looking to maximize both their time and their budgets.

Vinyl wrap enthusiasts claim that it is a more eco-friendly option than LP due to the absence of chemicals or solvents during the application, meaning no fumes are emitted. In contrast, painting releases toxic vapors during the drying process. However, environmentalists consider PVC manufacturing one of the world’s worst hazardous byproduct producers, creating dioxins, PCBs, carcinogenic phthalates, and other dangerously harmful toxins.

Once its service life is over, PVC can be recycled or broken down in waste-treatment plants through controlled incineration. Nevertheless, disposal in a landfill is not recommended, as the toxins can seep into the environment. Disposal of scrapings and blasting debris from LP paint removal must also be collected and safely disposed of, as with leftover solvents and other components. Thus, it is important to do your research before selecting a topside coating if you prioritize environmentally friendly options.

Not All of It Is Vinyl

If vinyl wrapping is your preferred method of boat customization, you might be surprised to learn that not all wraps are made of PVC. Polyolefins, which include polyethylene and polypropylene, are also commonly used for wrapping. While there may not be a noticeable difference in performance for the end user, it’s important to match the wrap with its intended use. For example, some wraps may be suitable for interior use but not suitable for exterior use. Others are even designed specifically for swimming pools and Jacuzzis.

Two popular manufacturers of wrapping vinyl are 3M and Avery Dennison. 3M’s Wrap Film Series 1080 comes in an array of colors and finishes, including metallic options, and is a popular choice for marine use. Avery Dennison’s Supreme Wrapping Film SW900 also offers over 100 colors and effects, including metallic films.

In order to keep your protective surface layer looking newer for longer, vinyl wraps should be stored in a garage or covered area to prevent damage from the sun’s harsh ultraviolet rays, abrasion, and impact. Fishermen, wakeboarders, and waterskiers should make an effort to be careful when using their equipment near vinyl-wrapped surfaces.

For interior use, 3M’s Di-Noc architectural finishes offer over 500 designs, including 94 woodgrain patterns, which are perfect for rejuvenating joinery or cabin furniture. However, vinyl-wrapped joinery may not be to everyone’s taste, as it can give off a plastic-like appearance. Properly finished joinery, on the other hand, will not require frequent refinishing if given proper care. Ultimately, the choice between vinyl-wrapped or traditionally finished joinery comes down to personal preference.

Aging & Application

Heat guns and squeegees are the only equipment really needed to apply the vinyl wrap, along with the adhesive to keep it from shifting until it can be nailed down. Vinyl may be applied outdoors by a team working from staging, unlike LP, which needs a paint shop for spraying.

The essential issue is maintaining a dust-free surface after it has been meticulously cleaned—wrap manufacturers would refer to this as “like new” condition. It takes true professionals to install vinyl, as it is difficult to corral due to the long pieces of material used to reduce joints and maneuver it around complex contours, spray railings, hull ports, architectural elements, and other obstructions while keeping a glass-like surface, requires patience and lots of experience. However, because the adhesive has a low tack, the team can stretch the vinyl as needed before using heat to lay it into shape around tight contours and corners and reposition it as necessary.

After the covering is precisely positioned, the glue is activated by squeegeeing out the air. It’s much simpler to do this because of the channels in the vinyl; it’s not like trying to remove air bubbles from a windshield sticker, which I couldn’t possibly do. Vinyl wrap technicians apply a primer to the edges to increase adhesion before applying the vinyl and then sealing the edges with transparent tape. When applied correctly, the wrapping adheres to the surface like a starfish until it is time to remove it, in which case the surface is unharmed. Fresh vinyl can be applied after a thorough cleaning to get rid of any old glue that may be leftover post-removal.

How long, though, will vinyl last? The vinyl, glue, and climate all play a role. The majority of yacht wrappers employ permanent adhesive, which is expected to last seven years or more. (Some adhesives are designed for temporary wrappings, such as when a sponsor’s logo is on board for a season or when the yacht owner prefers to switch up the colors periodically.)

With UV protection, vinyl could last as long as seven years, and certain manufacturers even up to twelve years. Any vinyl applied to an external horizontal plane has a lower lifespan than the same vinyl applied to an exterior vertical surface. Different colors, metallics, and pearlescent tones also don’t last as long in the warm sun, and keeping your wrap in a covered area such as a garage or carport will always make your vinyl look newer for longer.

Look closely at the websites of Avery Dennison and 3M to get the official statement regarding how long vinyl will survive in various settings. The manufacturer’s and wrapper’s promises about longevity should, in general, be taken with a grain of salt. Yet, isn’t that applicable to everything?

Graphic Design

Whether you like the notion of wrapping your boat or not, vinyl excels in graphics when there is no other logical option. If you can actually find someone skilled enough to accomplish it, painting logos and elaborate artwork on a hull can be expensive. Yet, many artists are available that can create your computer-generated designs for vinyl printing. Only the artist’s keyboard or drawing pad skills can constrain the design. After that, attaching it is as simple as sticking it.

Although it’s not nearly as simple as it seems, the majority of boat owners—or at the very least, one of their friends—have the necessary skills. The first place to look is your neighborhood sign business. Every promising sign and wrap company can work with vinyl, and many of them wrap vehicles, including vehicles, vans, buses, and occasionally boats. You can locate a local business that can complete the task by searching for “boat vinyl” or “boat lettering.”

Your best chance for elaborate work is a qualified sign shop experienced with boats when it comes to fancy work. The store will use a huge inkjet printer to print your personalized graphics on the wrap after designing them on a computer. The sign company adds a protective laminate after printing because the vinyl used for graphic designs doesn’t come with one. Make sure the store you deal with can accomplish this since without it, the ink in the images won’t stay very long in mother nature’s environmental elements.

On offshore racing sailboats, tournament fishing vessels, competitive speed boats, bass boats, etc., fancy vinyl graphics are employed to showcase the names of sponsors. When a sponsor withdraws, it is simple to peel off the name and add a new one. For artwork and text on the transom, vinyl is a good option.

Located in Jacksonville, FL, Wraps Direct provides nationwide shipping and installation services for vinyl wrap across the continental United States! So, if you’re looking to transform the overall appearance of your boat, or are graciously wanting to promote the names of your sponsors, call Wraps Direct at (904)-579-3452 or fill out our form today to get your free consultation scheduled! Our expert designers and installers are here to help you get the most value out of your custom-made vinyl wrap!