Over the last few years, car wrapping has become increasingly popular among Pakistani car owners, particularly among Gen Z drivers. They want their vehicles to look different from others on the road, and the easiest (and cheapest) way to do so is definitely getting the car wrapped. Car wrapping comes with its own specifications, and if you have also decided to give your vehicle a new look, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we shall talk about the major mistakes you need to avoid while getting a car wrap. Learn more about car wrapping mistakes in Pakistan in this blog.
Mistake #1: Wrong Choice of Material
Getting the car wrapped is a big decision, and you need to conduct proper research regarding the material you choose to cover your vehicle.
The vinyl wraps are the most popular choice amongst cost owners, and there are three tiers of vinyl available in Pakistan. The car wrapping price in Lahore varies depending on the material you choose.
Premium vinyl is 3M, the gold standard. Costs Rs. 7,000 to Rs. 10,000 per running meter or more for specialty finishes. Best adhesive formulation, superior UV resistance so colors stay true for years, excellent stretch properties, perfect finish consistency, and comes with manufacturer warranties. Shops using genuine 3M charge Rs. 150,000 to Rs. 200,000+ for full wraps.
Installer Skill Level
Car wrapping is genuinely complicated, skilled work. It’s not like tinting windows, where average skill produces okay results. Wrapping requires years of practice to do well. The cheap wrap from an inexperienced installer looks noticeably worse up close. You’ll see bubbles; they couldn’t work out.
Mistake #2: Wrapping Over Damaged Paint
You need to remember that a vehicle wrap will surely give your car a new look, but wrapping it over damaged paint can make things worse.
Surface scratches aren’t usually a massive problem if they’re shallow. The wrap will cover them, and you won’t notice much. But deep scratches that go through the clear coat or down to primer create edges and texture that the vinyl catches on. These areas are stress points where wraps fail first – the edges lift and peel.
Paint chips are worse. Any area where paint has flaked off, leaving exposed metal or primer, won’t properly accept vinyl adhesive. The wrap won’t stick well and will peel within weeks or months at those spots.
Mistake #3: Not Comprehending Maintenance Needs
People think once the wrap is applied, that’s it – no more work required. Just drive the car normally like you always did. This is a fast way to destroy your expensive wrap and void any warranty coverage.
In fact, once your car is wrapped, you’ll need to be extra careful to ensure it lasts longer than expected. At times, you’ll also have to go an extra mile to find the perfect parking spot for your car to avoid it burning under the sun.
Vinyl wraps require specific care and maintenance. Ignore these requirements, and your Rs. 120,000 wrap will start looking bad within months and fail within a year or two, rather than lasting 4+ years.
Hand Washing Method To Get Pro At:
- Use pH-neutral car wash soap – not dish soap or household cleaners, which are too harsh. Mix according to directions.
- Wash in shade, not direct sun. Heat causes soap to dry too quickly, creating spots.
- Use a soft microfiber wash mitt – not sponges or brushes, which are too abrasive.
- Wash from top to bottom, rinsing mitt frequently to avoid grinding dirt into vinyl.
- Dry with soft microfiber towels or with forced air (a leaf blower works great). Don’t let it air-dry, as this can cause water spots.
Park in covered areas when available – under a roof, in a garage, in shaded parking spots.
If the car sits unused for days or weeks, cover it with a quality car cover. Covered parking, even outside under a basic shelter, is much better than completely open parking.
Mistake #4: Hoping The Wrap to Mend Body Damage
This ties into the earlier point about paint condition, but goes further. People think wrapping will somehow repair or hide dents, body damage, uneven panels, or structural issues. It absolutely will not.
Wrapping CAN:
- Change paint color without permanently altering factory paint
- Protect existing good paint from UV, minor scratches, and stone chips
- Create custom finishes (matte, glossy, satin, chrome, color-shift)
- Add graphics, patterns, or designs
- Provide a temporary color change (removable)
Wrapping CANNOT:
- Fill in dents or uneven body panels
- Hide previous accident damage or poor repair work
- Strengthen weak or damaged body structure
- Fix rust or corrosion
- Smooth out the orange peel or rough texture
- Make body panels straight if they’re bent
- Repair cracked or damaged bumpers or trim
If you are looking for a reliable place from where you can get a top-notch, long-lasting, and within-budget car wrap, head towards Autostore.pk, and you won’t be disappointed.