When making a choice between liquid wraps, and vinyl wraps both can be great investments if you are looking to temporarily change the appearance of your vehicle, and provide protection without affecting your vehicle’s resale value.
Liquid wraps and vinyl wraps come in an array of different colors and finishes, including, but not limited to satin, semi-gloss, and high-gloss finishes. Metallic, pearlescent, and color-shifting colors are also available options with both types of wraps.
Both wraps also provide a barrier between your vehicle’s paint and clear coat, outside elements, and possible dangers on the road. Both liquid and vinyl wraps are very durable and provide a level of protection for your vehicle's paint.
Liquid wraps are somewhat more resistant to light damage such as light impact, scratches, and rock chips because there are several coats of polymer applied, making it two times thicker than a vinyl wrap. However, not all liquid wraps are resistant to solvents and gases.
Having either your liquid or vinyl wrap removed shouldn't cause any damage to your paint, as long as there was no paint damage prior to the wrap. If you had paint damage or a ding that had been puttied before getting your vinyl installed, the damage may be made worse when the wrap is removed because it may have stuck to the body filler or loose paint chips. If this is not the case for you, then removal should be pretty simple.
Liquid Wraps
In the application of liquid wraps, it is several layers of polymer sprayed on your car, making a sort of “skin” on your vehicle's paint. This allows for a more seamless application, vinyl wraps should also be free seems, but it is possible with less experienced installers.
Plasti-Dip, Halo EFX, AutoFlex Coatings, and other high-quality polymer coatings can be used in liquid wraps. This type of wrap acts like a sort of removable paint.
Another thing to consider is that if you are looking to perfectly match your factory paint, liquid wraps might not be a good idea. For this type of application, paint protection film should be considered instead of liquid wraps. Similarly, you can not simply spray just one panel with liquid wraps and expect it to blend in perfectly with the surrounding paint. Of course, a close color can be used or installing a clear vinyl wrap.
One advantage of liquid wraps over vinyl wraps is that many of them can be removed at home, although we recommended liquid wraps be removed professionally. Whichever is the case, there is no adhesive used in the application of liquid wraps so there is no adhesive to be removed at the end.
Vinyl Wraps
Vehicle vinyl wraps on the other hand use PVC vinyl to change the look of your vehicle. Because of the difference in material and application, there are instances liquid wrap may be a better option and other instances where vinyl wraps are a better option. The following are things to consider before choosing between liquid wraps and vinyl wraps.
Clear bras and vinyl wraps are affixed to your vehicle using adhesives, so when it comes time to remove it, there is often a bit of work required to scrub it all off. It will not affect your paint, and the auto shop that you bring it to will have no trouble removing it, but for this reason, it should be removed by a professional.
One thing to note with vinyl wraps is any pattern or picture can be printed on the vinyl before installation. This is great for commercial, and business advertising purposes and costs significantly less than having your company logo painted on your vehicle.
Finally, if you want a pattern such as carbon fiber or brushed titanium, or even animal print, you will have no choice but to go for a vinyl wrap, liquid wraps are sprayed on so it won't be possible to get a pattern.