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First of all, we agree with the strategy of diversifying the range of supply by proposing a wrapping application service in addition to decoration and advertising graphics. Prior to embarking on this new endeavour, we also suggest a thorough analysis of the local demand in order to better understand the true potential of this new market activity. Once the market strengths and opportunities have been grasped, we advise you to ensure the presence of a skilled workforce in your company, specialised in the application of wrapping films. In order to meet such requirements, we also advise taking a dedicated training course on the subject.

A space wholly reserved for film wrapping operations is also imperative, not only to guarantee a high-quality job for your customers, but also to convey your know-how and professionalism in performing a similar type of operation. Vehicle wrapping is undoubtedly a field experiencing remarkable growth worldwide. Therefore, it represents an opportunity not to be missed. As a result, an in-depth knowledge of the application techniques is vital, alongside the characteristics of the various types of materials, in order to always accomplish excellent results.

Vehicle wrapping is undoubtedly a field experiencing remarkable growth worldwide”

When we speak of wrapping, we mean customisation and change of colour. So the end client must always be reminded that wrapping does not just mean a mere painting camouflage, but rather a fully-fledged tailoring process.

Regarding those fields undergoing expansion, car/boat wrapping and interior design are surely in the forefront. As a result, 2016 has seen APA release a range of new colours and effects. Indeed, four new film lines were also launched, devised specifically for interior decorations.

Lucrative market

Georgie Winston-Bray, marketing executive, 3M Commercial Graphics

For sign manufacturers and wide-format print specialists wishing to enter the potentially lucrative vehicle wrapping market, a number of key requirements need to be met if long-term success is to be achieved. Perhaps the most important of these is the setting up of a business relationship with a recognised and reliable supplier of vehicle wrapping products, especially one that can offer intensive training, periodic assessment, ongoing technical support, and performance warranties that collectively will avoid the high cost of vehicle graphics failure.

Graphics failure is invariably due to the use of inferior and/or non-branded materials and to poor or unqualified methods of application. Vinyl is by nature a subjective material, the true quality of which will not become apparent until it has been applied to a substrate and tested in use over a period of time. This is the primary reason for using established and proven branded products for applications like vehicle wrapping where graphics failure could prove costly to customers and damage relationships irreparably.

The success of vehicle wrapping and therefore that of the attendant vehicle graphics used primarily in the commercial fleet sector depends ultimately on the right combination of all of the necessary components. These include the film, adhesive, liner, ink, and protective over-laminate which must all work cohesively together. Finding a reputable supplier offering known quality-tested and approved solutions is the first step to achieving this.

The success of vehicle wrapping and therefore that of the attendant vehicle graphics used primarily in the commercial fleet sector depends ultimately on the right combination of all of the necessary components”

3M has been a pioneering force in the vehicle wrapping sector from the very beginning, having developed and brought to market a raft of specially engineered products that are backed by what are recognised as among the most comprehensive and powerful performance warranties available.

These warranties ensure that each vehicle graphic, including all of its components, will perform to the required standard for the predicted life expectancy. They are based on proprietary test methods developed by 3M over decades and include real world outdoor weathering assessment. It is this level of proficiency that sustains 3M’s position in the vehicle wrapping sector.

Growing opportunities

Ian Simister, sales director, Metamark

I think you would first consider what the motivation for entering the full vehicle wrapping sector might be. In many cases, it must be down to a persistently ringing phone with potential customers at its other end that are having to be turned away if you are not into wrapping.

Another motivation for entering the full vehicle wrap market might be as simple as what you see on the streets. Wraps are among the most impressive of all vehicle livery works and they are exerting a lot of influence on demand—lots of people out there want one. That is surely pointing the way to the future.

Obstacles to entry? Not as many as you might think these days. If you have an inkjet printer and, preferably, a means to laminate its output, you can consider yourself equipped to wrap. Somewhere dry and warm to do the job, that helps as well.

Then there is the skills element. I have seen wrapping referred to as a sign-maker’s Everest and I would not argue that this used to be the case. These days though, the market’s experience has grown and it is no longer necessary to do battle with materials that are not suited to the purpose.

I have seen wrapping referred to as a sign-maker’s Everest and I would not argue that this used to be the case”

Metamark entered the wrapping market with its MetaWrap MD-X product. That is manufactured in a novel way and that is among the reasons it handles very easily. Being an MD-Class product, it prints beautifully and it is a game changer in terms of the economics of wrapping. You can get some ‘hands-on’ samples from Metamark if you fancy having a go.

Opportunities are still growing. More and more people want wraps, for colour changes, for commercial promotion, for reasons they choose. Get the service on your website and you are off. We love wrapping. It produces sensational results and, importantly, it gives you something to sell up to.

Getting momentum

Leon Watson, general manager, Spandex UK

Spandex has been supplying products to the vehicle graphics markets for over a decade and during this time our portfolio has continuously evolved. Today, we have the largest range of vehicle wrapping products from leading
manufacturers including 3M, Avery Dennison, Orafol, and Arlon. There are 5 ‘tips for success’ we would share so that they can be successful when getting into the wrapping market:

Training, training, training
Essential for anyone wanting to start or improve in this growth market. It will save you time and prevent return visits to fix any application errors.

Do not use cheap materials
Look for features such as air-egress as standard and materials that are easy to remove without damage to paintwork. Slideability is also important when wrapping large areas such as doors, bonnets, and roofs. A?low initial outlay is a false economy, if your labour costs
go up.

Accessorise
There are a number of fantastic tools and accessories designed to make the wrapper’s job easier. Choosing the right products such as surface preparation tools, knifeless tapes, magnetic squeegees, vinyl removers, heat guns, and many others can save you time and money.

Keep up-to-date with the latest products
Leading manufacturers are launching new materials, features, colours, and effects all the time. Wrappers should make sure they are kept informed of new launches so that they can offer their customer the latest innovations.

Choose the right supplier
Look for a supplier to partner with which can provide all of the above and support you in case of any challenges especially in the early days.

The vehicle wrapping market continues to grow at a fast pace so there is always room for skilled professionals to enter the market. Special films such as Avery Dennison’s Conform Chrome and Orafol’s ‘Colour Shift’ films are gaining in popularity among wrappers as these are really unique and innovative films, and clear paint protection films such as Orafol’s Stoneguard are also gaining momentum. Wrappers may not think to offer such services but there are customers out there looking for these types of solutions.

The vehicle wrapping market continues to grow at a fast pace so there is always room for skilled professionals to enter the market”

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The Full Vehicle Wrap Sector

For a sign-maker thinking about breaking into the full vehicle wrap sector, Brendan Perring asks: “What obstacles would you advise to look out for and where are the sector’s growth areas?”