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What is Liquid Wrap? – Liquid Wrapping Explained
So you want to know about liquid wrapping? What is it? How is it done? What benefits does it have? And more importantly can I do it myself and is it expensive? If you’re curious read on.
Background
Have you ever seen a car in the street knowing that it never came from the factory in that fancy colour shifting, pearlescent or metal flake paint scheme. You scratch you head and wonder how much it cost? Many custom paint jobs do cost many thousands. Looks can be deceiving. Protect your automotive investment, and stand out from the crowd. Applied correctly, a liquid wrap will still have that OEM look and feel.
Most of us in the car modifying scene already know about vinyl wrapping, where sheets of self adhesive vinyl are painstakingly applied with care to avoid bubbling. Wrinkles are heated, stretched and smoothed out to what appears, at a distance anyway, to be a brand new custom paint job. On closer inspection you see the joins and edges, never mind the potential damage beneath to the existing paintwork by over exuberant use of the scalpel during application.
Fast forward into the 21st century. Vinyl wrapping sheets are still in use but the more savvy amongst us have discovered a new technology. Liquid Wrapping, also known as peelable paint?
What is liquid wrap?
Liquid wrapping has evolved over the past few years, and is still evolving, at a fantastic pace. It was originally used by thinning down the grippy rubber protection used to coat the handles of work tools. It was put into basic turbine spraying equipment and applied with varying final results. Liquid wrapping refers to the generic term to describe a removable polymer coating which is sprayed onto the surface. As a result it takes on the appearance of OEM paint, even close up.
How is it done?
The surface is cleaned and prepared to remove any deposits and surface oils. The areas to be sprayed are masked using conventional body shop methods. The door jams are not traditionally sprayed as firstly it keeps complexity and costs down, and secondly it’s much more difficult to remove later in the intricate spaces there. If desired though they can be done. Then layers are built up to achieve enough tensile strength so, in the future, they may be peeled successfully without leaving residue. Custom paint pearls and metal flake can be added into the mix to achieve any desired look. There’s even a holographic look available. You could even choose to match your current paint colour. But why?
Why?
Protection, customisation and all completely reversible. Sprayed on clear it will protect the original OEM paint from stone chips and light scratches. Many coatings are also ‘self-healing’. Perfect for the off roading crew, and exotic car owners alike. Some are even spraying their cars from new so that the paint beneath stays that way.
Mixed with pearls and pigments your vehicle will take on a whole new look, and will still be protected. You might however just want to change the colour of your alloy wheels, or just your roof, or maybe black out your chrome and badges. Any combination, or look, is achievable. Matt, satin and gloss finishes all easily done. Removable fuel-proof finishes that can be sanded and polished to an OEM shine in a colour of your choice and at a fraction of the cost of a respray.
Can I do it myself?
Absolutely. But up to a certain point. Meaning that alloys and emblems can be sprayed from cans. A whole car spray requires a certain additional commitment and environment. You’ll need a spray gun, either turbine or HVLP setup (google them), a respirator and an area free from dust. The cleaner the air, the better the finish. The gloss finishes are best left to the professionals in purpose build spray booths.
Cost?
Yeh, but it’s going to cost me a small fortune? Not so. Wheels and emblems from between £15 and £40. Complete cars in basic colours and matt or satin finish from about £500. Up to a full colour shift gloss pearl finish, professionally installed from about £1500. Great value when you consider that the same look in a custom paint finish would see you at over £5000.
Durability
Whilst the finish of a liquid wrap might resemble that of an automotive paint finish it should never be considered as a replacement. Some liquid wraps have been in place for many years. Some have fared better than others, but since they have ultimately been designed to be removable, they should never be expected to match the durability of automotive paint.
Where can I get it done?
Installers are popping up all over the place, just like Christmas shops, but we’re only interested in recommending one that you can trust. Our ‘Find An Installer’ page will piont you in the right direction. At Coolcarz UK Ltd. we’re one of Europe’s leading pigment and pearl suppliers, and the first in the U.K. to offer liquid wrap products. A word of caution though, this is a new industry after all. All installers are not created equal. It takes a long time to perfect the techniques required for that show winning finish.
Preferred Suppliers
At COOLCARZ UK we’re equally cautious that you only use the very best in materials. There are many different products available. At Liquid Wrap Centre you’ll find a dedicated team willing to point you in the right direction for the product that best matches your particular application.
See more at www.liquidwrapcentre.eu (click on the logo below)
Social media.
There’s buzzing online communities on Facebook at ‘Cool, Custom & Classic Cars‘ or at ‘Dippers Anonymous‘. Ask for advice or find that next crazy colour at our website at www.coolcarz.co.uk. There’s also a multitude of video material on YouTube. Search there for ‘Liquid Wrapping’ and be prepared to be amazed. Welcome to the world of Liquid Wrap.
(Header image is Didspade Zionic Supershift Pearl by Eye Candy Customz)