Can You Wrap A Vespa? Things To Know Before Wrapping
Have you noticed these last years that Vespas come in these incredible colors? We have seen them for instance in metallic gold or with bright neon shades of green. Initially, we thought these Vespas were custom-made, and would cost thousands of extra dollars to get. But now we learned about Vespa wrapping…
It’s getting more common to vinyl wrap your Vespa to give it a look that suits your style. And the great thing is that wrapping your Vespa isn’t just about aesthetics, it’s also about protection. Vinyl wraps are thick enough to protect a Vespa from scratches, dings, and other everyday use damages.
Vinyl wrapping involves applying a thin layer of high-quality adhesive material to the surface of your scooter.
Besides giving your Vespa a unique look there are many other benefits of vinyl wrapping you might want to consider. For instance just like getting a proper paint job, when wrapping your Vespa you just want it to get it done with quality vinyl and by a professional.
What are the benefits of wrapping your Vespa over painting?
The wonderful thing about a Vespa is that its body is made out of metal, giving you the possibility to repair scratches and dents with a small paint job. All you need to do is know the correct paint code and bring it to a qualified paint shop. Are you looking for the color code of your Vespa? Then have a look at the article where we explain more about it.
But what if you want to change the whole look of your Vespa? Then wrapping might be a better option. Here are just a couple of reasons why:
Cost-Effective Option
Getting a paint job for your Vespa can be quite expensive. On the other hand, vinyl wrapping is a more cost-effective option that provides you with similar results. Not only is it cheaper than getting a paint job, but it also saves you money in the long run.
Protects Original Paint and Prevents Damage
The vinyl wrap acts as a protective layer that shields the original paint from any external factors that could cause damage. This means that if you ever want to remove the wrap, your Vespa’s original paint will still be in pristine condition.
Additionally, many vinyl wraps are designed with UV-resistant properties that help prevent fading caused by prolonged exposure to sunlight. This means that not only will your Vespa look great with its new vinyl wrap, but it will also look great for years to come.
More Customization Options
Vinyl wrapping allows for more customization options than traditional painting methods. Vinyl wraps come in various colors, textures, and finishes, providing you with endless possibilities to customize your Vespa according to your preferences. You can choose between matte, glossy, metallic, or even textured finishes to give your Vespa a unique look.
Vinyl wraps offer the advantage of creating complex designs and graphics that are difficult to achieve through traditional painting methods. With vinyl wraps, you can personalize your Vespa by adding logos, patterns, or even images of your choice.
Easy Wrapping Installation Process
Vinyl wrapping is an easy installation process that does not require any special tools or equipment making it cheaper than painting. All you need is a clean surface and some patience. Unlike painting where you have to wait for each coat of paint to dry before applying another one, vinyl wrapping requires no drying time in between layers.
The installation process involves cleaning the surface thoroughly before applying the vinyl wrap carefully. Once applied correctly, it takes less than 24 hours for the adhesive to set completely.
If you don’t have any wrapping experience, we do highly advise you to look for a professional wrapper. It is a skill you acquire over time. If done properly you can not tell if the Vespa is wrapped or painted.
Long-Lasting Durability
Vinyl wraps are durable and long-lasting compared to traditional painting methods. They are resistant to fading, chipping, and peeling and can last up to ten years with proper care. This means that you do not have to worry about constantly repainting your Vespa every few years.
Easy Maintenance
Maintaining a vinyl-wrapped Vespa is easy and straightforward. You only need to clean it regularly using soap and water to keep it looking new. Unlike traditional painting methods that require special cleaning products, vinyl wraps are resistant to most chemicals commonly found in cleaning agents.
Easily change your look again and again
Vinyl wrapping allows you to customize your Vespa without having to make permanent changes. If you decide later on that you want to switch your design or go back to the original color, all you have to do is remove the vinyl wrap.
You can not use wrapping to cover areas that are already damaged. You will need to repair the scratch or dent at a proper repair shop before wrapping.
Read more about dent/scratch repair here
What type of vinyl wrap should I use for my Vespa?
As mentioned earlier vinyl wrapping is a cost-effective alternative to painting and provides a protective layer that can help maintain the quality of the original paint job. However, choosing the right vinyl wrap for your Vespa requires careful consideration of several factors such as type, quantity, and cost.
Quality Vinyl is Essential
When considering vinyl wraps for your Vespa, it’s essential to choose high-quality materials that are durable enough to withstand harsh weather conditions. Good quality vinyl has strong adhesion properties that keep it firmly attached to the surface, preventing it from peeling or fading quickly.
There are different types of vinyl wraps available in the market. Cast vinyl is considered one of the best options due to its durability and flexibility. It conforms well to irregular surfaces like those found on Vespas. Calendered vinyl is another option that is more affordable but not as durable as cast vinyl.
Also, make sure to avoid low-quality vinyl because it may start peeling off after some time or leave adhesive residue on your original paint job when removed. By choosing high-quality vinyl with air-release technology you will be able to remove it without causing any damage to the original paint job.
Another factor that affects the quality of your Vespa wrap is installation expertise. Poor installation can cause bubbles or wrinkles in your wrap which will also eventually lead to peeling off or fading.
There are many vinyl wrap brands available in the market today. Here are some of the top-rated ones:
- 3M: 3M is one of the most trusted names in the vinyl wrapping industry. Their products are durable, long-lasting, and come with a warranty.
- Avery Dennison: Avery Dennison offers high-quality vinyl films that have excellent conformability and adhesion properties. They also have an extensive color range to choose from.
- Oracal: Oracal is known for its affordable yet reliable vinyl films that deliver consistent performance even in harsh weather conditions.
- VViViD: VViViD specializes in premium quality vinyl films that are easy to install and maintain. They offer a wide range of finishes such as carbon fiber, chrome, and satin.
- Arlon: Arlon offers innovative vinyl films that are designed to meet the needs of professional installers and DIY enthusiasts alike. Their products are known for their excellent print quality and color accuracy.
How much does it cost to get your Vespa wrapped?
The cost of wrapping a Vespa can vary depending on several factors such as the quality of vinyl used and the complexity of the design. On average, you can expect to pay between $500 and $1500 for a full wrap.
Type of Vinyl wrapping
It’s essential to consider the value you’re getting out of your investment when choosing a vinyl wrap for your Vespa. Spending more on high-quality materials and expert installation may be worth it in the long run if it ensures that your Vespa stays looking great for years to come. Cast vinyl is more expensive than calendered vinyl due to its durability and flexibility.
Installer
The cost also varies depending on the level of expertise required for installation. A professional installer will charge more than a beginner or DIY enthusiast. That said, always choose professionals who have experience working with scooters. This way, you’ll be sure that they’ll handle your ride with care and deliver quality work.
Full Wrap vs. Partial Wrap
The cost of wrapping also depends on how much time it would take for an expert installer to complete wrapping your Vespa fully. This would depend on how many pieces need wrapping and their complexity.
For instance, full wrap covers all visible surfaces of your Vespa, giving it a complete makeover. This will of course cost more than a partial wrap.
A partial wrap is ideal if you want to add some design elements to your Vespa without changing its entire color scheme. You can choose to just wrap specific areas such as the front or rear end.
Wrapping just the underside of your Vespa is also an option that adds an extra layer of protection for your scooter.
However, keep in mind that partial wraps won’t give your scooter an entirely new look as they cover only specific parts.
Amount of Vinyl
The amount of vinyl film needed for your Vespa depends on various factors such as area and number of pieces you want to cover with it. For instance, if you’re looking at covering only specific parts like mirrors or fenders, then you may need less material than if you were covering larger areas like panels or bodywork.
To determine how much vinyl is needed for your Vespa wrap project, measure the surface area of all visible surfaces on your scooter. This includes body panels, fenders, mirrors, and any other part that will be covered by vinyl.
Once you’ve measured all surfaces’ area in square feet (ft²), add 10% extra for trimming and mistakes during installation. This extra allowance ensures that you don’t run out of material before completing the job.
It’s essential to note that not all vinyl brands offer similar coverage per roll length. So when buying vinyl sheets or rolls from suppliers like Amazon, ensure you check the coverage area per roll or sheet.
How long does a typical vinyl wrap last on a Vespa?
A high-quality vinyl wrap can last up to 5-7 years on a Vespa. However, the wrapping should be done by a professional installer plus it should be maintained properly.
When cleaning your wrapped Vespa, it’s important to avoid using abrasive or harsh cleaning products that can damage the vinyl. These products can cause the wrap to peel or fade, which will ruin the overall look of your Vespa. Instead, use a mild soap and water solution to clean your scooter. This will help keep the vinyl looking fresh and clean without causing any damage.
It’s also important to avoid using pressure washers or high-pressure hoses when cleaning your wrapped Vespa, as this can also damage the vinyl. By taking these precautions, you can enjoy your newly wrapped Vespa for years to come!
