Car wraps have become the ultimate canvas for self-expression. From sleek, minimalist designs to bold, eye-catching patterns, vehicles are no longer just transportation—they’re rolling billboards of personality. Be it an aesthetic preference or for promoting businesses, there are quite a number of people who believe that wrapping offers a head-turning alternative to traditional paint jobs.
According to Transparency Market Research, the global vehicle wrapping market registered the volume of 7.181 Million Units in 2020, and is estimated to expand at a compound annual growth rate of 12.65% from 2021 to 2031. The report also said that the global vehicle wrapping market is expected to surpass the volume of $26.992 Million Units by the end of 2031.
But how did this trend take off? In this blog, we’ll peel back the layers (pun intended!) and explore the fascinating history of vehicle wrapping. Join us as we unravel the importance of vehicle wrapping and how it can help vehicle enthusiasts take care of their favorite rides.
When Did Vehicle Wrapping Start?
You might get surprised, but the idea of putting brands, logos and posters on automotive vehicles is quite older than you think. In 1900’s, American chocolatier Milton Snavely Hershey was the first to paint his chocolate brand on the side of a vehicle. Later on, many followed the trend, introducing different types of faces and imagery. These advertisements were originally made by paint, but soon enough, more durable and flexible materials were discovered—revolutionizing the concept of stylizing automobile vehicles: vinyl and paint protection film (PPF) wraps.
The Invention of Vinyl
While polyvinyl chloride or PVC was first discovered by German chemist Eugen Baumann in 1872, Baumann never applied for a patent. Later in 1913, Friedrich Klatte, another German chemist, was able to invent a new method of polymerization of vinyl using sunlight, receiving a patent for PVC. Unfortunately, there was no useful purpose for PVC back then. It was no more than a waste. Well, until Waldo Semon slid into the scene years later.
Working for the B.F. Goodrich Company in 1926, Semon claimed that he “accidentally” invented plasticized polyvinyl chloride, or what we commonly call as ‘vinyl’, in his attempt to create a substance that could bond metal to rubber. His first breakthrough made PVC elastic, while his second made it moldable into any desired shape. For this invention, Semon received a patent for the “Synthetic Rubber-like Composition and Method of Making Same; Method of Preparing Polyvinyl Halide Products.”
The Beginning of Vinyl Wraps
With Semon’s innovative discovery, vinyl became a popular material of choice for automotive advertising. However, given its expense at that time, it was only available to larger and wealthier clients. Full wraps were not yet available as well, and most of the advertisements were done by applying individual vinyl graphics on vehicle surfaces.
As manufacturing innovations brought vinyl technology within reach in the 1980s, vinyl graphics hit the road – literally. Back then, it was mostly about lettering, adding a personalized touch to vehicles. But the 90s saw vinyl take a giant leap, with Pepsi spearheading the first vinyl vehicle advertisement. This sparked a full-blown trend. Buses, cars, and all sorts of vehicles became rolling billboards thanks to the versatility and affordability of vinyl graphics.
The Paint Protection Film (PPF) Story
Aside from vinyl, there is another material used when it comes to giving rides a makeover. This is what is commonly known as paint protection film (PPF). PPF is rooted in the harsh realities of battlefield. During the Vietnam War in the 1960s, the U.S. military desperately needed something to protect helicopter rotor blades from the brutal combination of dust, debris, and extreme weather. Thus, they asked 3M to come up with a solution that was both inconspicuous and lightweight.
Over the next few years, 3M dedicated themselves to developing the technology, finally releasing the product for commercial use by the 1970s. The first PPF was a transparent urethane film with a unique adhesive designed to shield car paint from scratches, chips, and various types of damage. In the 1980s, PPF became widely used on various vehicles, including cars, boats, motorcycles, and aircraft. It gained particular popularity among car enthusiasts seeking to safeguard the paint jobs of their vehicles.
The Beginning of PPF Wraps
PPF’s resilience in harsh environments showcased its potential beyond the battlefield. As advancements made by the military spilled over into the automotive industry, carmakers and car enthusiasts alike finally recognized the incredible protective capabilities of PPF. This paved the way for PPF to become a valuable tool for keeping automobile vehicles at their best conditions for years to come.
But back then, it was all about protecting the prized front-ends of high-performing and luxury vehicles. These cars often encountered rough terrains and gravel roads, making PPF an invaluable suit of armor against harsh environments.
Vehicle Wrapping in the 21st Century
Zooming into the 21st century, vinyl vehicle wrapping exploded, embraced by startups and established companies alike. The business market has also expanded. In the 2000s, companies such as 3M, Oracal and Avery Dennison even developed air release vinyl, which aids to release the air bubbles from under the vinyl wrap, allowing for a smoother adhesion.
And now, 20 years into the present time, technology paved the way for even more advanced and accessible vehicle customization, especially in the printing industry. Even smaller businesses can now afford to buy the necessary printing machines, and large-scale graphic design softwares to produce full vinyl car wrap.
Modern PPF has also undergone significant evolution. One notable innovation is the self-healing PPF, which can autonomously repair minor scratches and swirl marks when exposed to heat or sunlight. This remarkable feature ensures that a car maintains its flawless appearance despite minor imperfections.
Talking about accessibility, PPF application was once a highly specialized skill requiring experienced technicians and precision equipment. Although professional installation is still recommended for optimal results, the emergence of DIY PPF kits has made this protective technology more accessible. These kits come with pre-cut film pieces tailored to specific vehicle models, broadening the market reach. However, it is important to note that achieving the same quality and durability as professional installation can be challenging for beginners.
The Future of Vehicle Wrapping
From history to present, we witnessed how vehicle wrapping evolved. No wonder that its future holds an immense potential in the automotive industry. Driven by several key factors such as material advancement, growing environmental awareness and an increasing desire for customization, vehicle wrapping will become a trend for personalizing and protecting different kinds of vehicles.
Thanks to rapid advancements in technology and ever-changing consumer preferences, we can expect vehicle wrapping to have a significant shift towards sustainability and enhanced customization capabilities. Some notable improvements are already in the works:
Sustainable Vehicle Wrapping
One of the many concerns in today’s era revolves around environmental conservation. Despite innovations aimed at addressing daily challenges, many of these advancements inadvertently harm the natural world. This realization has prompted the vehicle wrapping industry to shift towards eco-friendly materials. Biodegradable and recyclable vinyl wraps represent a notable advancement, mitigating the ecological impact of car customization. These sustainable alternatives uphold the durability and quality standards of traditional vinyl while prioritizing environmental welfare. Embracing these green alternatives signifies a pivotal step towards fostering more sustainable practices in vehicle customization.
Smart Vehicle Wrapping
The adoption of smart technologies such as LED-embedded wraps and color-changing materials is revolutionizing the car wrapping industry. These innovations enable vehicles to adjust their appearance according to conditions or user preferences. This integration not only facilitates dynamic advertising displays but also improves visibility for safety reasons and provides greater flexibility in design customization.
Augmented Reality for Vehicle Wrapping
The use of augmented reality (AR) applications could give customers a next-generation experience by visualizing and customizing wraps in real-time, providing a preview of different designs and colors that they can choose from. This process eliminates guesswork, helping professional wrappers achieve greater customer satisfaction, and eventually lessening the production time.
Is Vehicle Wrapping Important?
Now we know where vehicle wrapping started, the materials involved, and its general purpose, the important question is—is it important? This question invites varied opinions and perspectives. While wrapping your vehicle may not be deemed essential, it is always better to get extra protection for your car, especially if you’re always on the road. There are many unforeseen circumstances that might harm your ride during travels. Instead of spending your money for unwanted repairs, investing in protective wraps could help you save not only your bank, but your time as well.
And if you’re that type of person who likes to make a statement with your possessions, personalizing your car is one way to turn-heads. Whether you prefer matte, chrome, or metallic finishes, there are endless design possibilities to choose from. Turning your vehicle into a mobile billboard can also be a savvy move if you’re an entrepreneur looking to promote your brand effectively.
Cars, buses, ships, boats, even helicopters and even airplanes—these modes of transportation are now part of our daily lives. Whether you want to give your car a trendy look like no other, or perhaps, you want to promote a brand, your favorite show, or even your own design, then you are in the right place! SFG Wraps breathe a new life to your ride in no time.
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