Wrapping a car is a great way to change its appearance without making permanent changes to the paint. But how do you know how much wrap you need? Here’s a guide to help you calculate the amount of vinyl wrap you’ll need for your car.
Measuring Your Car
The first step is to measure the length of your car. This is the distance from the front bumper to the rear bumper. Once you have the length, multiply it by 3. This will give you the approximate amount of vinyl wrap you’ll need for the sides and top of the car.
Adding Extra for Bumpers and Mistakes
In addition to the length of the car, you’ll also need to add extra vinyl wrap for the bumpers and mistakes. The amount of extra vinyl wrap you need will vary depending on the size and shape of your car. However, a good rule of thumb is to add 5-15 feet of extra vinyl wrap.
Rounding Up to the Nearest Roll Size
Once you have the total amount of vinyl wrap you need, you’ll need to round up to the nearest roll size. Vinyl wrap is typically sold in rolls of 5 feet or 10 feet. So, if you need 60 feet of vinyl wrap, you’ll need to purchase a roll that is at least 60 feet long.
Tips for Calculating Vinyl Wrap
Here are a few tips for calculating the amount of vinyl wrap you need:
Consider the complexity of the design. If your car has a lot of curves or angles, you’ll need more vinyl wrap.
Allow for mistakes. It’s always better to have too much vinyl wrap than not enough.
Purchase vinyl wrap that is 5 feet wide. This will make it easier to wrap the car.
Round up to the closest roll size available. This will avoid running out of material.
Let’s say you have a 2016 Ford Mustang. The Mustang is 188 inches long. To calculate the amount of vinyl wrap you need, you would multiply the length of the car by 3 and add extra for bumpers and mistakes.
188 inches x 3 = 564 inches
564 inches + 10 inches (for bumpers and mistakes) = 574 inches
574 inches / 12 inches per foot = 47.8 feet
Rounding up to the nearest roll size, you would need a 4.98ft x 59ft roll of vinyl wrap to wrap your Mustang.
Additional Tips
Here are a few additional tips for wrapping your car:
Use a heat gun to shrink and tighten the wrap for a snug fit.
Protect the wrap from excessive heat and direct sunlight.
Clean and maintain the wrap regularly to extend its lifespan.
How much wrap do I need to wrap my car?
Answer: To calculate the amount of vinyl needed, multiply the vehicle’s length by 3 and add extra for bumpers and mistakes (5-15 feet). Round up to the nearest roll size.
What size wrap do I need for my specific car?
Answer: For a 2016 Ford Mustang (188 inches long), a 4.98ft x 59ft roll is needed. Use size charts as approximations and measure vehicle parts for accuracy.
How do I account for errors when calculating the wrap size?
Answer: Purchase extra vinyl to account for errors. Wrap sizes vary depending on vehicle size, shape, and complexity.
What additional measurements do I need to consider when calculating the wrap size?
Answer: Measure hoods, roofs, trunks, bumpers, and side panels separately. Consider the number of seams and overlaps required. Allow for additional vinyl for mistakes or complex areas.
