CAR WRAPPING GOT RAPPERS WRAPPED

If you are like Nicki Minaj or Justin Beiber you may be into car wrapping. Nicki pulled up to the scene of a K-Mart store, where her clothing line was debuted, in her 400,000 Lamborghini. Not only was she killing um with the hot rod but she killed the game even more because her Lambo was hot pink. Justin also was pulled over earlier this month wheeling his silver Fisker Karme wrapped car in Beverly Hills. Why would someone wrap their vehicle, and where did they get the idea from?

Big company names like Monster Energy, Coca-Cola, and Budweiser is credited for starting the wrapping game, by displaying driving advertisements for their brand. In 1993, Super Graphics wrapped a bus in computer-generated vinyl. The Crystal Pepsi ad became the first rolling advertising in this form.  Following suite, Volkswagen Beetles were the 1^st small car vehicle to offer car wrapping.

Car wrapping is easy. It is done with vinyl and the removal process is very easy.  All is needed is a heat source, preferably a heat gun, some experience and a lot of patience. High-quality films made by Avery and 3M are designed to leave no adhesive residue when removed.  However, it is important to keep in mind that both of these brands manufacture much different vinyl where some have very strong adhesive and are not designed for vehicle wraps, so choosing the right wrap vinyl is very important.
The removal process of a vehicle wrap is also important.  The wrap needs to be heated to reach a certain degree and pulled back slowly in a 45 degree angle. If the car wrap has been on the vehicle for more than 3 years then there is a chance that the adhesion is pretty strong, and yanking the film may cause separation from the vinyl and laminate.  A car wrap without a laminate is very difficult to remove.
Also, it is very important to make sure that when the wrap is installed that you request NO Primer, There is an old school of thought that using the 3M Primer 94 on the edges is necessary to seal the vinyl to avoid separation and water getting under the film.  This is not true, if the installer takes his/her time and the necessary steps to prepare the surface, install the vinyl properly, and perform the post installation requirements, then there is absolutely no need to use a primer.
The cost can range anywhere from $1500-$3000, a small price to pay when you are winning. Also when you are done styling it can be removed so everyone and their momma won’t know the next time you want to be low key. So the next time you want to advertise your next mix tape or simply paint your car your favorite color for a couple months, try car wrapping.
Written by Heather Henry