Every cyclist has their own sense of style, and they want to reflect their style through their bicycles. If you are also one of those cyclists, then you can achieve this by vinyl wrapping your bike.
Yes, you can vinyl wrap your bike. The process involves using a special adhesive to attach the vinyl wrap to your bicycle frame and other parts. This process can be done at home, or you can take your bicycle to a professional for a more precise installation.
Vinyl wraps come in easy installation kits that include a few simple tools and a user manual discussing the whole process so you can vinyl wrap your bike all by yourself.
If this is your first-time vinyl wrapping your bike you might have some concerns. Therefore this article will walk you through all the necessary information to help you vinyl wrap your bicycle.
What Are the Advantages Of Vinyl Wrapping a Bicycle?
In addition to a stylish look, there are several surprising benefits of vinyl wraps that go a long way. Here are some benefits:
Shielding
Vinyl wrapping your bicycle can provide a shield for the bicycle frame since vinyl wraps work as an extra layer of protection. A vinyl wrap is great for shielding your bicycle against harmful UV light, surface-level damage (like minor rock chips), and scratches.
As bicycles are so expensive, you wouldn’t want anything to cause damage to it. Vinyl wrapping your bike is a great way to create a layer of protection between your bike components and the outside elements such as dirt, dust, and other particles that can harm your bike.
Vinyl wrapping your bicycle can also protect the paint. They are waterproof and fade-resistant, which means they are an excellent choice for cyclists who live in areas where they receive lots of sunshine or heavy rain.
If you are a cyclist who is concerned about protecting your bike against these particles, you can get your bike vinyl-wrapped.
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Many bike manufacturing companies offer custom-made vinyl wraps for cyclists who are looking to add a small layer of armor to their bikes.
Personalization
Vinyl wrapping is the easiest way to make your bicycle unique, so it can stand out amongst the crowd. It is a great way to personalize your bike without breaking the bank.
It allows you to personalize your bike and turn it into a work of art that stands out.
Besides that, it is cheaper than a new paint job, and you can simply peel it off when you are tired of it. This means you can even change the style of your bike now and then.
You have limitless options with vinyl wraps. They are available in various color schemes, designs, and styles. Therefore you can design the one that best matches your personality and style.
You can learn about different textures, finishes, and existing colors to give your bicycle a one-of-a-kind look. Vinyl wraps of various types (metallic, glossy, stain chrome) are available to fit the exact specifications of your bike.
Safeguarding
For anyone who is riding a bike at night time, safety should be their utmost priority. Drivers tend to overlook bicycles on the road at night because of the dark and the small frame of the bike. This is where vinyl wraps come in.
They are reflective, and they radiate light from the vehicles. Therefore, a vinyl wrap can help in making your rides more secure by making your bike highly reflective from every angle, allowing the passerby drivers to spot you.
It will initially appear as a solid color, but when something such as a car headlight shines on the bike, it will emit white light. This kind of wrap, therefore, makes you feel a lot safer if you’re out biking at night on the roadways.
How Much Does Vinyl Wrapping Cost?
When self-performed, vinyl wrapping a bicycle can cost between $100 and $250, depending on the size, kind, and quality of vinyl you select. However, the amount of prep work needed before installation may have an impact on this cost.
For instance, you will spend a little extra if you have neglected your bike’s regular maintenance and care for a while.
On the other hand, if you can’t seem to vinyl wrap your bike manually, then it is best to leave it to a professional.
If you choose to hire a professional for vinyl wrapping your bicycle, the price may reach up to $500 or more.
5 Easy Steps to Vinyl Wrap a Bicycle
This is a step-by-step guide for cyclists who have a budget in mind and would rather vinyl wrap their bikes in their own garage by themselves.
Supplies
First things first, before you attempt to do anything, you will need the necessary supplies for this procedure. You will need the following tools in the installation process:
- Sponge or a piece of cloth
- Rubbing alcohol or disinfectant wipes
- Soap water
- General bike tools for disassembling bicycles, such as a bike stand
- Measuring tape for cloth
- A heat gun or hair dryer
- Utility knife
- Straight edge
- Squeegee tool
- Vinyl wrap of choice
Preparation
After gathering all the supplies, you first need to prepare your bike for the vinyl wrap.
As for preparation, start by dissembling your bike. You need to take the wheels off and also remove all the other removable components. It will be a lot easier for you to wrap the bicycle after disassembling it.
Note: Please ensure that all the screws are removed and kept safely.
After that, clear the frame’s surface of the bike. The grime will prevent the vinyl from sticking if the bike is unclean. Use rubbing alcohol or alcohol wipes to remove any stickers or decals.
After that, you can use a sponge and soapy water (dish soap with a mild degreasing formula) to wash your bike. It’s also recommended to wash your bike’s chain at the same time.
A dirty bike chain can cause grime and grease to fall all over your new vinyl wrapping.
Measuring
Taking your time and measuring accurately is important while vinyl wrapping. For each section, you need to measure the length and circumference (thickness).
Therefore it is important to have a cloth measuring tape, such as those used in tailoring.
A metal tape measure will not bend around the circumference of the bike parts. As a general rule, you should add three extra inches in all directions. Excess vinyl ensures that there is enough coverage, plus a bit of extra vinyl wrap can hide possible mistakes.
Take some basic measurements to help you figure out how much you might need overall. Simply measure the height and length of the surface to be covered, allowing for three inches for excess.
Once you have a rough guess, multiply the two numbers together to get the square feet. On average, bicycles will need around 40 square feet.
If your bike has several significant corners, plan to use several smaller parts rather than one large piece since vinyl may not be able to circle vast curves well.
It is suggested to have two or three well-applied seams rather than one continuous part with waves and wrinkles.
Cutting
Once you have the perfect measurements of each frame, you need to cut each piece precisely. You can avoid wasting any of the vinyl you have purchased by planning ahead of time.
Measure one part or piece at a time, then cut. If you perform all measurements first, then cut all the parts, you may end up cutting some inaccurate pieces. It is important to name the parts you cut as well to avoid having extra pieces for each section.
When cutting, keep the knife stable. Also, make sure to press firmly with the straight edge to keep the vinyl in place.
Wrapping
You can begin applying the vinyl to your bike once all the parts have been cut and prepared.
It is the most crucial part of the whole process, and you need a lot of patience while doing it.
Use a fresh, dry cloth to give each area one more wipe before continuing. Regardless of the order you choose, it is best to start with the simpler and straighter sections so you can get an idea of it.
Apply the wrapping pieces by removing the backing. Line them up end to end, then push them firmly into place. After each component is put in place, use a squeegee to smooth out any air bubbles, wrinkles, and creases.
If you notice any air bubbles in the vinyl wrap, it’s recommended to remove it and apply it again carefully.
Next, grab your heat gun and use it to further smooth out wrinkles in the vinyl by blowing hot air over it. One thing to keep in mind is that when putting the vinyl, you shouldn’t stretch it too much.
Do not touch the adhesive too much, as it might contaminate the glue and prevent it from sticking to the surface properly.
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FAQS
How Long Does a Vinyl Wrap Last On a Bicycle?
A vinyl bike wrap can last for two to ten years. It could survive even longer if proper and regular maintenance procedures are followed. It mostly depends on how you maintain the bicycle and how frequently you ride it.
Is It Better to Paint Or Vinyl Wrap a Bicycle?
Vinyl wrapping your bike is better than painting it. Paint typically involves one or two colors so you might not be able to add a different design to it. Moreover, painting is a permanent change and you can only change the bike’s appearance by repainting it.
Vinyl allows you to make a temporary change to the appearance of your bike. It can be carefully removed to restore your bike’s original appearance.
Bicycle wraps are highly flexible as you can use multiple colors and various effects for a highly-customized look, and are cheaper.
Overall, vinyl wrapping is the best option for customizing your bike.
Do Wraps Last Longer Than Paint?
Vinyl wraps are more durable than paint. Low-quality paint jobs can only last a few years, but high-quality paint can last a lifetime with regular waxing and gentle cleaning. Whereas, vinyl wraps don’t need to be waxed, making maintenance easier.
A vinyl wrap’s lifespan ranges from two to ten years, depending on the quality.
Is Vinyl Wrapping Permanent?
No, the vinyl wrap is detachable, thanks to the non-permanent adhesive in the vinyl films. The bike can be restored to its original color and condition by removing the vinyl wrap covering without harming the paint.
Final Thoughts
You can never go wrong with bicycle vinyl wraps. There are far more positives than downsides to using this technique.
Overall, vinyl wrapping your bike is less expensive and simpler than even the most basic paint job. Vinyl wrapping completely transforms the appearance of your vehicle while also protecting the paintwork. It takes time and patience, but the result is worth it.
