Meguiar's Introduces Wraptivo Designer Car Wraps

[Michael Stoops]

Wraptivo allows consumers to modify their cars in an interchangeable and fun way, without the commitment and cost of full body paint. Dull vehicles are transformed into bold personalized creations with Wraptivo's safe, thin adhesive-backed film in as little as 4-8 hours. A limitless palette of customization opportunities, including personal photos, licensed logos and patterns, exist through a state-of-the-art Customizer accessible online. For the first time, Wraptivo will provide the US automotive consumer with the ability to choose textured finishes, such as chrome, carbon and matte.

Wraptivo's Customizer provides individuals with the ability to have absolute creative control to configure and modify the outside shell of their car, ultimately producing a four-wheeled work of art from the privacy of their very own computer.

Meguiar's previewed this bold new technology during the 2009 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show by showcasing a Scion xB and a 2009 Mustang wrapped in different-themed Wraptivo skins each day. At the Wraptivo booth we also showed the online customizer that allowed attendees to design, produce and share their own Wraptivo designer car wraps with friends.

Meguiar's Wraptivo is not for consumers who believe a vehicle is simply a mode of transportation, but rather for those who view their car as an extension of individual style. This product gives fans of racing, fashion, sports or pop culture a platform to showcase and show off their interests and personalities on any and all parts of their ride. "From the mild to the wild, anything is possible with Wraptivo," said automotive stylist and Wraptivo spokesperson, RJ de Vera.

De Vera adds, "Our goal at SEMA was to give our audience a sneak peek into something progressive, fresh, and exciting in the automotive world. Consumers now have the ultimate tool to let their minds create limitless customization. Who needs anything typical or run-of-the-mill when you can let your imagination run wild on your hood, truck or roof? With Wraptivo, you can be as understated or loud as you wish, separating yourself from your neighbors and everyone else at a red light."

Below are a few images taken at the Wraptivo booth during SEMA and just a couple examples of what the online customizer will be able to show.

Wraptivo is still in its infancy but we thought you might be interested in seeing what we've got planned for the future.

For more information and to join the mailing list, visit www.wraptivo.com/

http://meguiarsonline.com/forums/photopost/data/1423/medium/01-meguires-wrap.jpg

http://meguiarsonline.com/forums/photopost/data/1423/medium/02-meguires-wrap.jpg

http://meguiarsonline.com/forums/photopost/data/1423/medium/03-meguires-wrap.jpg

http://meguiarsonline.com/forums/photopost/data/1423/medium/04-meguires-wrap.jpg

http://archive.meguiarsonline.com/forums/photopost/data/1423/11542_164714091099_161875971099_2710085_8201739_n.jpg

http://archive.meguiarsonline.com/forums/photopost/data/1423/11542_164714116099_161875971099_2710086_5753619_n.jpg

[RDVT4ME]

It will be interesting to see how this holds up to the various washing techniques that sometimes instill swirls. I assume you can't polish this.

[Michael Stoops]

Whether you can or can't remove swirls is still being looked at. We're still so new with this that R&D is still researching and validating products to see exactly what you can and can't do with it.

Again, please keep in mind that this really is a sneak peak at the future, which also explains why the Wraptivo website is perhaps not as content rich as you might have hoped for at this time.

[xantonin]

Got any more pictures?

I'm not sure I understand what this is yet. Sounds like a giant decal?

[tcope1]

http://www.wraptivo.com/faq.html

Answers several of the questions here so far.

[Clutch34]

I think it's a cool idea!! As long as it doesn't negatively effect the car's finish, I'll be looking into this! (but also gotta see price first..)

[xantonin]

I tried editing my post after reading more on the website.

This sounds interesting. I'd love to try it on my car.

I hope they have support for factory body/"ground effect" kits though, instead of just the base models.

I bet you could even get this clear-coated over to last longer.

[hacker-pschorr]

I think it's a cool idea!! As long as it doesn't negatively effect the car's finish, I'll be looking into this! (but also gotta see price first..)
It shouldn't unless the finish is not clean when the wrap is installed.


I bet you could even get this clear-coated over to last longer.
That kind of defeats the purpose of wrapping a car......might as well paint it if you are going to prep for a spray clear coat. The "idea" behind wrapping a car is a cheaper way to do a color change and / or protect the paint on a track car.

The local shop that installs clear bra's also does vehicle wraps. Most of their business is commercial when they do a full wrap on a cargo van or something. When I talked to them about doing a complete wrap on my Porsche, they claimed 6-7 years for a car that doesn't see much inclement weather, 3-4 otherwise.

I've "played with" a few different brands of wrap. Come were much easier to use than others. The "best" material did not get super tacky until heat / pressure was applied. This made the application much easier since it could be lifted up and re-applied if necessary. It's also amazing how much you can stretch around curves.

I've been trying to find a way to score a commercial account to buy the wrapping material without opening up a full sign or body shop.

http://blog.cardomain.com/tag/wrap/

Flat Black has been all the rage the past few years:

http://www.stickercity.com/skin1/images/news/slr-matte-black-wrap.jpg

[Ryan L.]

In a totally non-sarcastic voice, "Why?"

What I mean is what does Meguiar's see in making vinyl car wraps? Don't get me wrong, I think they're great but I wouldn't have thought you guys coming out with that type of product.

Is there a future line of vinyl care products coming out?

Ryan

[hacker-pschorr]

In a totally non-sarcastic voice, "Why?"

What I mean is what does Meguiar's see in making vinyl car wraps? Don't get me wrong, I think they're great but I wouldn't have thought you guys coming out with that type of product.

Is there a future line of vinyl care products coming out?
The few cars I've seen in my area with a full wrap were high dollar cars trying to protect the finish during track events / preserve the original paint.

Seams like a perfect market for Meguiars.

On second thought, I'm willing to bet this is directly related to 3M's takeover of Meguiars since they've been making protective film for many years now.

Problem is, their clear film is not the product of choice anymore, at least not with the detailing / graphic shops in my area. They stopped using 3M due to yellowing. I have yet to see a colored vinyl suffer from this so shouldn't be an issue.

[Malo83]

This is the same type of wrap Nascar uses on their cars :D

[Megafast13]

Interesting approach for Meguiars. Or should I say 3M.

Not really a car care product. Maybe it should be placed with 3M logo on it.

I probably won't mess with this stuff, but If it's easy to apply/remove I could see people buying it.

[hacker-pschorr]

I probably won't mess with this stuff, but If it's easy to apply/remove I could see people buying it.
I guess it depends on how you define "easy".

To make it look like the car was re-painted, it's well beyond the skill level needed for good window tinting (we've all seen crappy tint jobs). For the casual person who just wants to do something different, add a stripe, cover up some scratches, put on a logo etc.... most likely the average joe can figure it out.

[RDVT4ME]

This is a very interesting product with lots of possibilities. It will be interesting to see where it falls price wise.

[xantonin]

How much testing has Meguiar's already done with this?

Will they have an open testing type thing? I'd love to sign up for this.

[ClassicConcepts]

I watched the guys putting that stuff on the Mustang, and all I can say is they are real artists! I've done vinyl and I don't think I'd attempt a full car without some training.
I can also see a large market for business vehicles, wrapping the car to become a moving billboard for your business. If it was affordable enough, more small businesses could do it.

[Zeta Detail]

Those wrapped cars look awesome! Let's wait to see more pictures and more information.


On second thought, I'm willing to bet this is directly related to 3M's takeover of Meguiars since they've been making protective film for many years now.

Wraptivo's FAQ says that they use "the best-in-class technology of 3M films", so it seems true that the big company is behind this initiative, because it doesn't look like the natural market of Meguiar's.

[Poki]

Hmmmmm, might be fun to change the look of my golf cart before attempting something bigger.

[hot rod]

Another 3M product just like the headlight restoration kit.
Not that its bad thing. Just more toys to play with.

[Superior Shine]

I have spent my life learning how to perfect paint with Meguiars. Now Meguiars wants to sell something to cover it up!?!? NOT UNTIL I AM COLD DEAD.:sosad1

[cnfowler]

I have spent my life learning how to perfect paint with Meguiars. Now Meguiars wants to sell something to cover it up!?!? NOT UNTIL I AM COLD DEAD.:sosad1


:chuckle1 I'm surprised, too.

I had a friend check into full car wraps for his wife's new style VW Beetle for her insurance company. Wow, those things are expensive. They didn't go that route. I wouldn't expect these to be any different. For those that think they may change the look of their vehicles every few months, I think you're going to be disappointed.

Colin

[hacker-pschorr]

I had a friend check into full car wraps for his wife's new style VW Beetle for her insurance company. Wow, those things are expensive. They didn't go that route. I wouldn't expect these to be any different. For those that think they may change the look of their vehicles every few months, I think you're going to be disappointed.
Define expensive.

Even the most expensive wrap quote I received was significantly cheaper than any paint job I would be happy with. Also, anyone interested in changing their cars color every few months would most likely be doing it themselves. Not paying a company $50 - $100 per hour for install.

There is a small problem with the wrap market right now since most businesses that do wraps are sign shops catering to a commercial market. They are not geared up for a consumer product. 9/10 times the same product for commercial use is significantly more expensive. It's going to take time for the market of consumer wrap jobs to start becoming more common place.

Not to mention if you look around the web for "car wrap" you will see Enzo Ferrari's, McLaren SLR's, Lambo's etc.... Cars that people would like to experiment with colors but a re-paint would hurt the value. Also wrapping an entire front end is becoming more popular with expensive cars to protect the paint over the clear bra.

[Michael Stoops]

While Wraptivo isn't going to be for everyone (what is?) it does open up a huge range of possibilities not only for custom show cars, business advertising, etc but you can play around a bit. You don't have to do the whole car. Want a carbon fiber hood? Wrap just the hood. Want a brushed stainless steel roof? Wrap the roof. Maybe you use a full sized pickup in your business - landscaping, for example - and you want to advertise that business, but don't want the entire truck looking like a billboard. Create your own custom graphics, including a photo of your best landscaping project, and wrap just the tail gate.

The possibilities are huge.

[Mark Kleis]

While Wraptivo isn't going to be for everyone (what is?) it does open up a huge range of possibilities not only for custom show cars, business advertising, etc but you can play around a bit. You don't have to do the whole car. Want a carbon fiber hood? Wrap just the hood. Want a brushed stainless steel roof? Wrap the roof. Maybe you use a full sized pickup in your business - landscaping, for example - and you want to advertise that business, but don't want the entire truck looking like a billboard. Create your own custom graphics, including a photo of your best landscaping project, and wrap just the tail gate.

The possibilities are huge.
I think Mr. Stoops just hit the nail on the head - the possibilities are huge because Wraptivo is uniquely flexible (in terms of design and capability) and can be as large, or as small a part of your vehicle as you want.

I experienced this product first-hand at SEMA, and it really was pretty amazing. What takes this to the next level over traditional "wraps" is that you can get TEXTURED wraps!

The brushed aluminum looks AND feels like brushed aluminum. For the serious car-show guy, something like that could have some serious value.

[William_F]

The brushed aluminum looks AND feels like brushed aluminum. For the serious car-show guy, something like that could have some serious value.

That's very interesting. I bet this could add a little flavor to things like interior door jambs. Wonder if they'd durable enough for use under the hood in place of the polished chrome/ss inserts or insulation blankets.

[xantonin]

Honestly I'd rather have Meguiar's come out with this than someone else because I wouldn't trust anyone else's stuff on my paint.

I bet that is their plan all along...:pokeScottwax2

[scottphys]

In a totally non-sarcastic voice, "Why?"

What I mean is what does Meguiar's see in making vinyl car wraps? Don't get me wrong, I think they're great but I wouldn't have thought you guys coming out with that type of product.

Is there a future line of vinyl care products coming out?

Ryan

I think I have to agree. While it looks "cool" and may be fun, this seems a departure from what I always thought was the Meguiar's business model; quality car care.

I'm definitely not trying to knock it, but I agree with Ryan..."why?"

[Clutch34]

Couldn't another question be, "why not"?

I mean, yes, Meguiar's does its best to provide products, tools, and suggestions for quality car care, but don't most of us do this to make our cars look amazing? Adding this wrap to cars is just another way of making the car look amazing, too -- just to a different audience.

Some of us are totally ok with putting innumerable hours detailing our cars, others are "lazy" or unwilling and pay top dollar to either have someone else do it for them, or go ahead and get it wrapped.

I'm totally neutral on the subject, by the way! I enjoy keeping my car looking good all the time, but I have also thought about getting it wrapped just for a temporary different look.

[jfelbab]

Well if your clear coat is failing this might be an interesting approach, No?

[Clutch34]

^ +1

Didn't think about that, good point.

[Murr1525]

Need some good Meguiars logos made perhaps....

[the_invisible]

I've always wanted to do a flat black paint job on a Euro...

This type of product is going to be excellent. Obviously it's going to be cheaper than a repaint, and you can always go back or get a new color.

Iirc 3M (and/or another similar company) has already done something like this for quite some time. What makes wraptivo more appealing?

[hacker-pschorr]

What makes wraptivo more appealing?
I'm hoping it's marketed to the end user, not the pro shop. Which should make obtaining the wrap more affordable for the average Joe.

[Justin Murphy]

I recently had some large pieces of glass fall onto my hood leaving some nice damage......don't ask how! I was already thinking of having some vinyl put onto my hood. How would I go about getting some quotes?

[Calais]

ATM, I am putting off re-painting my car for a myriad of reasons, I would love to do something like this so my car is car show ready for ~1 year until I have made up my mind as to what I intend to do with it as far as paint.

My main question is: how easy to remove if I wake up one day and no longer want it?

[Still Learnin]

this would be a great idea if lets say i had a trailer for detailing. id be all over it, nothing like a rolling bill board.. on my personal car i wouldnt put anything on there. id do it in a second on my gf car tho!

this is a great idea for those looking to advertise. who knows maybe ill get my tailgate wrapped and make it look like a massive business card. and have regular business cards that look the same way to hand out!

[scottphys]

Well if your clear coat is failing this might be an interesting approach, No?

Very interesting Jim. That didn't occur to me either and it seems very appropriate. Thanks.

[Garage Troll]

This is a very cool idea. I would love to put a flat black cover on my Vue. I think it would look mean. This way I wouldn't have to paint the car.

[MDetail]

Although vehicle wraps are already available, I think this is going to make it more accessible to the majority of people who didn't know where to get it before. I did notice this in the FAQ and it sounded a little odd to me, just though I would let you guys know incase you wanted to change it.

"A whole car will approximately take about 8 hours." approximately and about seemed redundant. Otherwise, cool idea!

[JG_Detailing]

Got any more pictures?

I'm not sure I understand what this is yet. Sounds like a giant decal?

That's what it pretty much is. I have seen the auto wrap before. It looks great. The only that I have concern for is about washing on it.

[THE BIG BUFFER]

There is a company in here in Alberta that does full wraps. Not cheap at all. I was quoted between 5 and 7 grand for a custom wrap on my Charger. I passed.
I don't understand why Meguiars would want to "cover" vehicles with a wrap. Getting out of polishes and waxes? I doubt it. Kinda like a gas company comming up with a car that does'nt need gas. I don't understand why they would even want this product.

[J. A. Michaels]

I have read all the replies. Seen a couple of cars here locally with wraps.

I also have to ask, Why?

As for covering clear coat failure, How would the wrap fill in the uneven surface that the peeling clear coat has?

Again, I have to ask, Why?

[ShinyChevy]

The way of the future?

Automotive finishes of stretch and/or shrink to fit plastic film instead of spray applied liquid coatings(paint). No overspray or VOC's, consistent coating thickness, less dry time before handling, no orange peel or runs, less equipment clean up and maintenance, etc.

Interesting.

[stands alone brave]

Wraptivo allows consumers to modify their cars in an interchangeable and fun way, without the commitment and cost of full body paint. Dull vehicles are transformed into bold personalized creations with Wraptivo's safe, thin adhesive-backed film in as little as 4-8 hours. A limitless palette of customization opportunities, including personal photos, licensed logos and patterns, exist through a state-of-the-art Customizer accessible online. For the first time, Wraptivo will provide the US automotive consumer with the ability to choose textured finishes, such as chrome, carbon and matte.

Wraptivo's Customizer provides individuals with the ability to have absolute creative control to configure and modify the outside shell of their car, ultimately producing a four-wheeled work of art from the privacy of their very own computer.

Meguiar's previewed this bold new technology during the 2009 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show by showcasing a Scion xB and a 2009 Mustang wrapped in different-themed Wraptivo skins each day. At the Wraptivo booth we also showed the online customizer that allowed attendees to design, produce and share their own Wraptivo designer car wraps with friends.

Meguiar's Wraptivo is not for consumers who believe a vehicle is simply a mode of transportation, but rather for those who view their car as an extension of individual style. This product gives fans of racing, fashion, sports or pop culture a platform to showcase and show off their interests and personalities on any and all parts of their ride. "From the mild to the wild, anything is possible with Wraptivo," said automotive stylist and Wraptivo spokesperson, RJ de Vera.

De Vera adds, "Our goal at SEMA was to give our audience a sneak peek into something progressive, fresh, and exciting in the automotive world. Consumers now have the ultimate tool to let their minds create limitless customization. Who needs anything typical or run-of-the-mill when you can let your imagination run wild on your hood, truck or roof? With Wraptivo, you can be as understated or loud as you wish, separating yourself from your neighbors and everyone else at a red light."

Below are a few images taken at the Wraptivo booth during SEMA and just a couple examples of what the online customizer will be able to show.

Wraptivo is still in its infancy but we thought you might be interested in seeing what we've got planned for the future.

For more information and to join the mailing list, visit www.wraptivo.com/ (http://www.wraptivo.com/)

http://meguiarsonline.com/forums/photopost/data/1423/medium/01-meguires-wrap.jpg

http://meguiarsonline.com/forums/photopost/data/1423/medium/02-meguires-wrap.jpg

http://meguiarsonline.com/forums/photopost/data/1423/medium/03-meguires-wrap.jpg

http://meguiarsonline.com/forums/photopost/data/1423/medium/04-meguires-wrap.jpg

http://archive.meguiarsonline.com/forums/photopost/data/1423/11542_164714091099_161875971099_2710085_8201739_n.jpg

http://archive.meguiarsonline.com/forums/photopost/data/1423/11542_164714116099_161875971099_2710086_5753619_n.jpg
I like this stye of wrap on this white mustang with two black strips on the front hood and over the top and the back hood. What is the price to do a simular wrap on a white 2003 Crown Victoria?

*E-mail address removed. You can find Wraptivo on FaceBook and ask them directly, that is your best bet. -Mark Kleis

[roushstage2]

Just to bump this...
Is the Wraptivo wrap 3M Di-NOC?

[wOlfy]

It shouldn't unless the finish is not clean when the wrap is installed.


That kind of defeats the purpose of wrapping a car......might as well paint it if you are going to prep for a spray clear coat. The "idea" behind wrapping a car is a cheaper way to do a color change and / or protect the paint on a track car.

The local shop that installs clear bra's also does vehicle wraps. Most of their business is commercial when they do a full wrap on a cargo van or something. When I talked to them about doing a complete wrap on my Porsche, they claimed 6-7 years for a car that doesn't see much inclement weather, 3-4 otherwise.

I've "played with" a few different brands of wrap. Come were much easier to use than others. The "best" material did not get super tacky until heat / pressure was applied. This made the application much easier since it could be lifted up and re-applied if necessary. It's also amazing how much you can stretch around curves.

I've been trying to find a way to score a commercial account to buy the wrapping material without opening up a full sign or body shop.

http://blog.cardomain.com/tag/wrap/

Flat Black has been all the rage the past few years:

http://www.stickercity.com/skin1/images/news/slr-matte-black-wrap.jpg

the above is a terrible idea unless you are rich & i mean loaded! Don't believe me ask any high end detailer which deals with matte strips regular ...... there is few fixes once flaws are introduced in matte finishes.

[Michael Stoops]

Just to bump this...
Is the Wraptivo wrap 3M Di-NOC?Some of it is, some of it isn't. All depends on th specific material, whether it's textured (carbon fiber, brushed metal, etc) or not.


the above is a terrible idea unless you are rich & i mean loaded! Don't believe me ask any high end detailer which deals with matte strips regular ...... there is few fixes once flaws are introduced in matte finishes.To do a car in flat black paint can be a pricey proposition should anything go wrong - you are correct that trying to fix even a fine scratch in flat paint is darn near impossible since anything used to buff it out will result in creation of a shiny spot. But the above SLR is wrapped in vinyl, and if you scratch that you can just replace the vinyl on the effected panel. That's much less expensive than repainting, and you really don't have to worry about color matching.

Hey, it's not for everyone, but it certainly does have it's place and the cars we've displayed with it at major shows around the country get a huge amount of attention.

[juliom2]

Wraptivo is just another good approach to car customization. Cheaper than paint and repaint and repaint......you got the idea.....maybe pre cuts for most popular jdm's, muscle cars should be considered....
:hotrod2

[Michael Stoops]

For everyone asking "why?", we understand. It's not for everyone, but the whole concept is surprisingly popular. The Big Buffer, compare the 5 to 7 grand you were quoted for a full wrap to a full on custom paint job, which can easily cost double that. And if, after 3 or 4 years, you're bored of the new look and want to go back to what you had, stripping the wrap is almost free. Repainting, even just back to a single color, is another 5 grand minimum (for a good paint job, anyway).

So it's not for everyone, but you should have seen the positive response Wraptivo got at SEMA. And from the retailers who are desperate to get it in their stores! Remember, too, that you don't need to wrap the whole car. The wrap works great to give a carbon fiber look to a hood, or a brushed metal look to a roof. Interiors, exterior panels, show car, or just something different for a daily driver.

[Mr_E]

Hey there, I need some info as to how to become a certified installer of Wraptivo. I'm a new member and I'm trying to find out what are the step necesary to do so. Please if anybody knows who the contact person is at Meguiars send me a message.
Thanks

[MELLOWYELLOW06]

Great looking product and looks amazing when car is wrapped. Saw the group wrap cars 2 yeas straight at SEMA and was exciting to see it each time.
Here are a couple cars from 2010 SEMA taken with my cell phone.

http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg279/yellowmustang2006/utf-8BSU1HMDAwMjAtMjAxMDExMDQtMTMyNS5qcGc.jpg
http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg279/yellowmustang2006/utf-8BSU1HMDAwNzctMjAxMDExMDUtMTEwMi5qcGc.jpg
http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg279/yellowmustang2006/utf-8BSU1HMDAwNzgtMjAxMDExMDUtMTEwMi5qcGc.jpg
http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg279/yellowmustang2006/utf-8BSU1HMDAwNzktMjAxMDExMDUtMTEwMy5qcGc.jpg
http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg279/yellowmustang2006/utf-8BSU1HMDAwNzYtMjAxMDExMDUtMTEwMC5qcGc.jpg

[Please Wash Me Detailing]

With the new price drop I'm thinking of doing my van in White Carbon Fiber! It'll be sick!

[Selectchoice]

I hope your van gets better soon! :burnout:burnout:burnout:burnout:burnout:burnout:burnout:burnout:burnout:burnout:burnout:burnout