Paint Vs Wrap

ztrow151 · 08-23-2015, 11:56 PM

Hey guys. I am going to be paying for a paint job or vinyl wrap on my bus this week and wanted to get some opinions between the two. I am leaning towards the wrap over the paint job. Any reason why I should go with one or another?

Also does anyone know of any programs/websites that let you customize a bus paint job so I could get an idea of how I want it to look?

Thanks
Zack

crazycal · 08-24-2015, 01:47 AM

Wraps are expensive. I just started a thread about this site. dipyourcar.com Videos here. https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=dipyourcar

I don't have any experience with this stuff but it looks very interesting.

Tango · 08-24-2015, 09:44 AM

Wraps on autos are very popular in Europe because it helps preserve the original paint job (and value) very well. And you can have fun till you are ready to peel it off. I saw some really crazy shite there. But I was told that since demand there was fairly high, the cost was comparable to a middle of the road, quickie paint job. Maybe Earl Sheib will get on board here some day.

sdwarf36 · 08-24-2015, 05:30 PM

I've helped wrap a couple of Miata race cars. I bet a bus would be real easy to wrap being mostly flat.
Its very simple to do-the stuff is made to want to apply easy. Way less work than paint. Wipe off the body with wax+ grease remover-start at one end + lay down the wrap while removing the backing. You can pick it back off and reposition if needed. A little bit of heat gun work helps around bends. Once you're happy with how it sits, you squiggie the stuff on. Trim the windows + edges with an exacto knife.
You can get the stuff for under $1 a sq ft. in a solid color.
I plan of doing mine after I finish some bodywork + hatch installations.

nat_ster · 08-24-2015, 11:17 PM

I would hate to try to wrap over the ribs.

That would take time and skill.

Nat

jake_blue · 08-25-2015, 04:44 AM

So far in my comparisons... If you are just looking to replace the NSBY paint scheme then a solid color paint job is cheapest, especially if your roof is already white as many buses are. A single color spray job isn't as expensive as a wrap but may be the best way to 'get legal' if your state doesn't allow private buses to remain that color. However, if you want a custom design scheme like those on a motorcoach or class A RV then wrapping seems cheaper than having that fancy paint job applied in paint. I am also not sure how different wraps compare in quality and durability. These are just based on my comparisons of local commercial service providers... Obviously DIY would be cheapest but relies on your artistic abilities!

EastCoastCB · 08-25-2015, 05:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crazycal

Wraps are expensive. I just started a thread about this site. dipyourcar.com Videos here. https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=dipyourcar

I don't have any experience with this stuff but it looks very interesting.

plasti-dip is a waste of time and money.

crazycal · 08-25-2015, 12:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EastCoastCB

plasti-dip is a waste of time and money.

OK, but why? Have you used it? Too expensive? Not durable? Explain.

EastCoastCB · 08-25-2015, 12:52 PM

Its god awful expensive, uv destroys it quickly. Love bugs destroy it real quickly.
Its an unnecessary product that doesn't do anything useful. It leaches into lighter colors of paint. It has a rubbery texture that doesn't wash up or shine well at all. It ends up looking like 12 year olds painted it. Even the DYC "hardener" doesn't help with the durability. I have a neighbor and friend who has done dozens of vehicles and other things in PD and it always looks like arse a couple weeks or months later.
I did the grille of my Subaru in black to tone down the fake chrome front look, and it didn't hold up well at all. It never peels apart as easy as its supposed to.
For a bus- PD is about the most fool-hardy way of coating the body I can think of. Makes Rustoleum seem downright professional.

I and everyone else I know really lay into our Plasti-Dipping buddy.
Its great for teenagers with disposable incomes who want to see their rice burner in a new color every month and don't care if it looks like crap.

I think of plasti-dip with the same regard as Nat does laminate flooring...
I may even hate the stuff more!

jazty · 08-25-2015, 01:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EastCoastCB

plasti-dip is a waste of time and money.

I don't have any real world experience with it, but (based on the videos and websites devoted to it) it seems to be intended as a temporary paint job. Something that you can easily remove next week to change the colour of the car. I don't think it's meant to be a permanent paint job.

EDIT: I refreshed this page which was sitting in a browser for a while and see that you have already outlined all the points I just mentioned

Scooternj · 08-25-2015, 02:00 PM

The only think I've used Plasti-dip for is the close off the loops on the rope I have for my wheel chocks. For that, it's held up

EastCoastCB · 08-25-2015, 02:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scooternj

The only think I've used Plasti-dip for is the close off the loops on the rope I have for my wheel chocks. For that, it's held up

Dude, thats a pretty good use!

Bluecyclone · 08-30-2015, 04:13 PM

Did my bus in camo clad comrs in 3 by 6 sheets did not do ribs just brlow windows and back been on for5or6 years still looks good cost about 500.00

crazycal · 08-30-2015, 05:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bluecyclone

Did my bus in camo clad comrs in 3 by 6 sheets did not do ribs just brlow windows and back been on for5or6 years still looks good cost about 500.00

We wanna see PICTURES!

Bluecyclone · 08-30-2015, 05:19 PM

Ok soon as i can uou going to love this going camping this weeked will take soom pics

CaptainInsaneo · 09-01-2015, 12:39 AM

Plasti-dip is really good for sealing electrical connections in wet areas. You can also use basic RTV silicone (the $3 stuff at walmart) and add some glycerin to it mix it up and slather it on what you want to rubber coat. The glycerin will cause it to set no matter how thick you do it. vs the 1/4 limit you get with out the glycerin. Also add a couple drops of paint so you know it is completely mixed.

crazycal · 09-01-2015, 01:22 AM

CAPTAIN INSANO SHOES NO MERCY!!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bT4IMWzRvsk

CaptainInsaneo · 09-01-2015, 11:43 PM

Oddly enough I have been using that net handle long before the water boy. Coincidentally, tis true Captain Insaneo shows no mercy.

BRAGeorgia · 09-08-2015, 02:13 PM

I am getting some custom paint, some logos for my business, and cool art to make the bus eye catching. I got a quote from a local graffiti artist whose work I like for 2,500 - 2,800. I have another friend who paints murals who quoted me 2,000 (which is who I am going with. I need something eye catching as I am using it for business as well as an RV when traveling.

If I did do a wrap it would need to be digitally printed which I think would be more expensive when installed. Anyone have a printed wrap applied to their bus? How much was it?

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