Frequently Asked Questions For 3M™ Wrap Films
Tell Me About Wraps
1. What are the advantages of wrapping my vehicle?
Wraps can almost instantly give your vehicle a new and fresh look without the need for repainting. Click here to see all the colors and finishes (matte, satin, gloss, and textured) of film series 1080 to find the one that reflects your personality. Maybe it’s time to take a new color for a drive.
2. How much does a wrap cost?
Cost is determined by several factors: how much of the vehicle is being wrapped, the film you select, the complexity of the processing, cutting, and installation. Costs range from a few hundred dollars for stripes to a few thousand for a complete full wrap. Talk to the vehicle wrap shop to work with to discuss your options and get a quote.
3. Can I get a wrap film sample?
You can request a sample here: www.3Mgraphics.com/RequestSamples
4. How does a wrap compare to paint?
Wrap film is not permanent, making it fast and easy to change your mind or your color. In many cases, film can be a less expensive option.
5. How long does it take to wrap a vehicle?
Simple designs take just a few hours, while a full wrap on a large, complex vehicle may take two or more days.
6. Where can I see photos of wraps?
To see some of the many creative ways 3M customers are using film series 1080 to wrap cars, motorcycles, boats, drum sets and more, please click on these social media sites and follow along!
The Process of Wrapping a Vehicle
1. What are my wrap options?
Your options range from a small emblem to a full wrap and everything in between. Signs, stripes, accents, swooshes and flares, body panels or the entire vehicle. Where will your imagination take you?
2. Can I get a really cool design, and even help design the wrap?
Yes! Design options are almost limitless. A great place to start is by trying out the 3M Customizer for a large dose of inspiration! Go to www.3Mwraps.com/Customizer. Whether your design is colored and textured film or you choose to have it and help you refine your designs to get just the right look.
3. Can a wrap have more than one color?
Yes! Multiple colors are possible and add a special dash of personality to the design you choose. 3M™ Wrap Overlaminate Series 8900 can help to add a different texture to multiple colors as well. Ask one of the certified installers for additional details.
4. Can wraps be installed over paint scratches, dents, or rust?
Wrap film is very thin and flexible to allow it to conform beautifully to the contours of your vehicle, but that means it also conforms to any imperfection such as a scratch or dent, and that will show through.
Rust is another matter. Wrap film will stick to the solid surface and finish of an undamaged vehicle, if there is rust present, the film will stick to the rust instead.This will cause the film to fall off when and where the rust does. Before spending the time and money to wrap a damaged or rusted vehicle, we recommend repairing it with auto repair filler and finish with an epoxy primer/sealer, OEM vehicle paint and/or clear coat. The finish on the repairs must be allowed to cure for the period of time specified by the manufacturer before applying film.
5. Does the wrap film stick to body filler?
No, the film will not adhere to auto repair fillers. An epoxy primer/sealer, OEM vehicle paint and/or clear coat must be applied over the auto repair filler and the finish must be allowed to cure for the period of time specified by the manufacturer before applying film.
6. Can I buy just the film and wrap the vehicle myself?
3M does not sell directly to consumers. A professional vehicle wrapper will have access to the films. If you did wrap a vehicle yourself, you probably won’t be pleased with the process or the results. While it may look easy, most vehicle wrappers spend several days in professional training and many hours perfecting their techniques. So we recommend trusting your vehicle wrap only to a skilled professional such as one of 3M’s professionally accredited installers.
7. How do I find an installer I can trust?
When you select an installer who is a 3M Endorsed or 3M Preferred Graphics Installer, or a 3M Certified Graphics Installation Company, you know they have been tested and accredited by 3M to meet very stringent installation criteria. In addition, 3M Select Graphic Specialists are full-service graphics companies verified by 3M to be leaders in their field and qualified to offer the 3M™ MCS™ Warranty. There are other highly qualified installers around the country, but they have not been tested by 3M. For the best looking graphics and a good experience, please check out our website www.3Mgraphics.com/toolsandsupport/installers for a list of 3M accredited installers.
Durability and Maintenance of Wraps
1. How long does a wrap last?
The expected performance life—that is, the length of time the 3M wrap should look good and stay adhered—is up to 7 years if properly maintained. Get more details by asking one of our preferred installers or click here.
2. Will my vehicle retain its value if I wrap it?
There is no reason to expect a wrap to negatively affect the value of your vehicle. If you are selling it with a wrap on it, it may add appeal to some potential buyers. But if a buyer does not like it, it’s easily removed.
3. Does wrap film protect the vehicle’s paint from damage?
Wrap film will protect the paint underneath if from some sun damage and mild abrasions. It is not designed as a paint protection film, but the wrap does provide some protection between light abuse and the car finish.
4. Can the wrap withstand environmental conditions?
Wrap films (just like paint) are degraded by prolonged exposure to sun and atmospheric pollutants, particularly on horizontal surfaces such as the hood, trunk lid, and roof. Whenever possible, store the vehicle in a garage or at least in a shaded area during the day. At night, protect the car from dew or rain, which may contain acidic pollutants (a common problem in many large metropolitan areas). When a garage is not available, consider using a cloth car cover at night. If your wrap film starts to discolor or turn brown (which is caused by acidic pollution), immediately have a professional remove the wrap film from the vehicle to avoid staining the underlying paint.
5. How do I take care of a wrap?
Keeping your wrap clean will help preserve its appearance. You can take the vehicle through a brushless car wash, and within certain guidelines, you can power wash the wrapped vehicle. For more car care tips, please see 3M FAQ Vehicle Care.
6. Can a damaged wrap be repaired?
We do not recommend replacing just one part of a wrap as you may not be satisfied with the visual differences that may be apparent, including color shifts due to using film from a different lot or printing done at a later date, and the slight fading or change in gloss that may have occurred on the installed film.
7. Is there a way to refresh the wrap if it starts looking dull?
Contact your wrap installer, who is an expert in vehicle wraps, for the best options and results.
8. Will my vehicle insurance cover damage to the wrap?
Insurance policies vary greatly. Be sure to check with your provider for details. Please also see Question 6. above.
Removing a Wrap
1. Can I remove the wrap myself?
You can, although we recommend having a professional vehicle wrapper do the removal for the best results. Film series 1080 is designed to be removable for up to 3 years after installation, providing the film has not been printed and no overlaminate has been applied. Heat and/or chemicals may be required. Some adhesive residue may be left on the vehicle, which can be cleaned off with a product such as 3M™ Citrus Base Cleaner. Refer to 3M Product Bulletin 1080 and 3M Instruction Bulletin 6.5 for more details.
2. What if the wrap remains on for longer than 3 years?
Exposure to sun, heat and other environmental factors will eventually cause the film’s adhesive to degrade. As that happens, removal becomes more difficult and time-consuming.
3. Will removing the wrap damage the paint?
When used, applied, maintained and removed according to 3M’s instructions and within the product’s 3M Warranty Period, film series 1080 should not damage an OEM paint finish upon removal. More Information More information on the web! To see the newest additions to this exciting product offering and to learn more product details, go to: www.3Mgraphics.com/1080 For 3M warranty information, go to www.3Mgraphics.com/warranties
Disclaimer: The information contained and techniques described herein are believed to be reliable, but 3M makes no warranties, express or implied,
including but not limited to any implied warranty of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.