Will vehicle graphics damage your paint?

Vehicle graphics can be a devastatingly effective promotional weapon. They offer tremendous advertising reach in exchange for a one-off investment.

However, some business owners worry that the impact on the paintwork of their vehicles will be just as devastating, which holds them back. So, will adding graphics to your vehicle damage your paint or not?

Well, let us start by saying that most of the time, the answer is no. The materials used for creating vehicle graphics are specifically designed not to cause that kind of damage. It all comes down to having top quality materials applied and removed by professionals.

If you do that, the vinyl used for the graphics will actually offer an additional layer of protection against road debris, dirt, scratches and UV sun rays.

Key considerations regarding paint damage

Factory vs. aftermarket paint

It is important that you have the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) paint on your vehicle. This is designed so that it meets manufacturer standards for finish and durability, so applying vinyl graphics to it will be safe.

If the vehicle has been re-sprayed with aftermarket paint, this could peel when the vinyl is removed. This is because it does not bond to the bodywork with the same strength.

Removal process

A professional will start by using a heat gun to weaken the adhesive before gently peeling the vinyl at an angle of 45 degrees. An amateur is more likely to try to rip it off forcefully without the use of heat.

Fading/ghosting

A vinyl wrap will protect the paint underneath, but the rest of the paintwork will fade over time. When the vinyl is taken off, some areas of the paint will be darker than others, which is known as ‘ghosting’.

Lifespan

Even top-quality vinyl graphics have a lifespan – usually between 3 and 5 years. If you leave them on your vehicle beyond that, they can become sun-baked. This makes removal trickier and increases the risk of paint damage.

Maintenance

Cleaning the graphics with harsh chemical cleaners or pressure washers can damage both them and the paint.

For vehicle graphics in Manchester that are professionally installed and that won’t ruin your paintwork, contact Ainsley Signs today.