As is the case with all types of print, adding special effects to applications can help them to stand out from the crowd. You may be thinking to yourself “vehicle wraps already do that”, and you would be right in making this assumption. However, wraps and graphics can gain a whole new dimension with a small touch of additional sparkle.
 
Luckily for wrappers, there are a whole host of effects at their disposal. Whether we are talking matte effects for private customers wrapping their supercars, or simply a local business seeking to gain extra exposure while out on about on the roads, wrappers can make this happen.

Caption: Metamark recently launched its new M-PPF C carbon fibre effect TPU paint protection film
 
Here, we chat with those in the know to learn more about the different types of special effects in wrapping and the main benefits of offering this type of service to customers, as well as find out more about the different materials available to wrappers.

Exploring new options

Wrappers are very much blessed with a huge array of choice when it comes to selecting the material for wrapping projects. However, what may not be as simple or as easy to locate are options for the more speciality and special effects wrapping, with products in this area not as plentiful or readily available.
 
With demand for special effects work on the rise, Metamark, one of the trusted providers of wrapping materials, recently responded with the launch of a new solution. This comes in the form of Metamark M-PPF C Paint Protection Film, which is now available to purchase from the provider.

Caption: WRAPvehicles can finish printed wraps in gloss or matte as standard

“Metamark M-PPF C is a carbon fibre effect TPU paint protection film that offers the user a wide range of personalisation opportunities for automotive use,” Metamark said. “The film has a smooth low lustre gloss finish and a realistic multi-dimensional appearance.
 
“The product can be used as a full or partial wrap, covered by Metmark’s 10-year MetaSure Warranty. As is the case with all Metamark Paint Protection Films it uses advanced TPU film technologies to ensure the highest level of performance.”
 
Key features and benefits of the film include the fact it is hydrophobic, meaning that water is repelled at a far greater rate than from factory paintwork. It also has self-healing technology that enables it to endure levels of abrasion that recovers with gentle heat or the sun.
 
The film is also non-yellowing and UV resistant to ensure long lasting optical clarity and near invisible protection layer, while Metamark said a low gloss finish allows for the creation of a realistic effect, enhancing the overall appearance of the vehicle.
 
“All of our advanced TPU films offer users exceptional impact resistance, conformability and optical clarity when wrapping all kinds of vehicles,” Metamark said. “Installation and application are also made easy thanks to a repositionable solvent acrylic.”
 
Metamark can supply the new film in roll widths of 1,524mm and at a length of 15m. 

Effective and affordable solutions 

As for what wrappers have to say, UK wrapping business WRAPvehicles offers a range of special effects to customers. These include, but are not limited to, gloss, metallic, matte, metallic matte, satin, satin metallic, chrome, velvet, reflective, brushed metal and carbon fibre, as well as a number of other specialist finishes that have 3D textured embedded or embossed into them.
 
“For the printed wrap sector, we can finish the prints in gloss or matte as standard,” Ash Carr, director of WRAPvehicles, said. “Matte is orobably most popular among customers as it helps to make the advertisement stand out best in all conditions.

Caption: Metamark M-PPF C is available in roll widths of 1,524mm and at a length of 15m
 
“The printed vinyl options can also have specialist finished added within the over-laminate layer. These include metallic and 3D carbon fibre pattern.
 
“For our commercial customers, it gives them the option to advertise to a wide audience relatively cheaply. Transforming their vehicle, or vehicles, into a mobile billboard that promotes their business wherever they travel.
 
“For personal customers the benefit of the printed wrapping is that it gives the option for a 100% bespoke vehicle. A custom design specific to their vehicle that makes to totally unique. Also, the ability to print almost anything onto the wrap opens up a world of possibilities that makes for some interesting wraps that are pieces of physical art.”
 
As for some of the work done by WRAPvehicles, the company has wrapped prototype equipment and products in unique printed patterns, allowing prototype products to be marketing and showcased at events on a national scale.
 
“While traditional print media is on a decline, large-format print is always on the up,” Carr said. “There is no viable replacement no or in the pipeline that allows people and companies to create amazing mobile advertisements for reasonable cost and quick timescales.”
 
With demand private work continuing to increase in the vehicle wrapping sector, there is a strong possibility that calls for special effects work will also rise. Effects such as carbon fibre are extremely popular among private customers seeking to customise their car and wrapping companies should be aware of such trends if they are to capture this work and capitalise on demand that will almost certainly increase moving forward.
 
The same can very much be said for businesses looking to stand out to potential customers; adding special effect to their vehicles will go a long way in catching the eye of any passing consumers. Ensuring your business is properly equipped to offer this service will help you capture a piece of the action.