Boat wraps protect fiberglass from ultraviolet light-affected fading and scratches, while being easier and less expensive to repair than paint and gel coat. Rob Brampton of Print Image tells us how they work.
BEST TECHNOLOGY IS NOW AVAILABLE
For the best results, we at Print Image use the latest 3M™ 1080 Wrap Films that have the most up-to-date removable adhesive with micro technology, which does not leave any sticky residue. The product can tolerate high-speed pressure when the boat is underway.
The new generation 3m Wrap is now more scratch resistant – compared to gloss cast vinyl over-laminates which offers better scratch resistance during installation. The product is highly conformable with excellent lifting resistance and can be stretched to 150%. Most important in the Queensland heat, we can install in extreme temperatures, and the product is ambient temperature-insensitive.
Our team loves working with the 3M™ film, as it is not too soft and not too brittle, which is perfect for marine finishes. The film will stay glossy and hold its colour longer than gel coat or a painted surfaces, with the manufacturer quoting five to nine years depending on the color 3M™ Wrap Film Series 1080. This depends on a lot of variables too, such as colour, care and storage conditions of the boat. (You can check the 3M™ website for exact warranties.)
We do not recommend the DIY option, mainly because this will void the 3M™ warranty that stipulates that qualified installers should conduct the installation.
BETTER THAN A RESPRAY
A boat wrapping is a better option than respraying, as you can always remove the wrap; you can’t remove cracking or peeling paint. If placed over good gel coat, the wrap will protect the gel coat. You won’t need to polish the wrap, but you can still wax it. When you are ready to sell the boat, you can remove the wrap to expose the protected gel coat.
The wrap has much less mess in preparation. It can be wrapped on the hard stand without removing the rigging or mast, and can be done in a few days saving on shed costs. While some wraps can be undertaken on-water, ideally with a full wrap, the boat should be out of the water and on a hard stand, preferably in a shed in the shade.
The preparation of the hull prior to a wrapping is important. We make sure there are minimal imperfections; no peeling or flacking paint, and no holes or scratches on the surface. The boat will then undergo a light sand and a wash down, all of which can be undertaken by our team or the boat owner.
To wrap a medium-size boat, it takes 1 to 2 days in most cases if the boat is up to 50ft. Of course, the wrap can only be applied above the water line, as the vinyl will not stick to the antifoul.
Once the wrap has been installed, the only maintenance required is to wipe clean with a recommended alcohol cleaner.
If the wrap is damaged after hitting a jetty, for instance, it is easy to repair, and can be fixed while still on the water.
STAND OUT WITH A CUSTOM DESIGN
While a single colour wrap is a popular choice, the custom-designed full-colour wrap is a fantastic way of advertising a business with the logo and other details and images. These types of full-colour scenes are real head-turners, and allow the business vessel to stands out among all the other boats.
If you want your boat to stand out in a crowd, the best way to give your vessel a unique appearance is a boat wrap, as you can incorporate a custom design, which is only limited by your imagination.
Print Image has a dedicated graphic design team that can create artwork to your requirements. It takes years of experience to design a wrap that looks good and fits in with the contours and styling of your boat. With this experience behind us, we can assist owners who decide on the graphics by taking into account the type of boat and what look the owner wishes to achieve.
When applied to a racing sailboat where weight is critical, a wrap with team colours and branding is no heavier than paint. In many cases, it is probably lighter, so the dynamics through the water are not affected.
CHEAPER THAN A RESPRAY
What is most impressive about a boat wrap is that it is far less expensive than respraying. In most cases, it is at least half the total cost. Factors that will affect the cost of wrapping your boat include the size of your boat, the type of boat, the usual berthing/storage conditions of the boat, removal of old graphics and pin stripes, and the preparation requirements.
Print Image is based at The Boat Works, which is a fantastic place to get your boat taken out of the water and have all the repairs and wrap done all in the one place. If you would like a quote and discuss possible designs concepts, please call for a free consultancy service.
Interview by Andy Kancachian
