Measuring your vehicle for a wrap is the very first step in perfect vehicle wraps. Without the right measurements, you could end up with a going to short or wasting your precious wrap material.
While easier than it sounds, understanding key basic principles of measurement will ensure that your wrap fits like a glove.
Here are eight steps that will help you get started.
- Start By Gathering The Right Tools
Before you start measuring, gather the right tools:
- A flexible tape measure (preferably one used for tailoring or upholstery)
- A notepad or measuring template to record dimensions
- A camera or phone to take reference photos
The flexible tape measure is essential. It allows you to follow the vehicle’s curves and contours. For example, if you’re measuring a van with complex angles, a rigid tape measure wouldn’t be able to handle the curves as accurately. Flexible tape, however, will give you the precision you need. Photos can help later, too, when reviewing your measurements. They offer a visual reference to ensure every section of the vehicle is accounted for.
- Measure in Sections
Your vehicle isn’t just one flat surface; it has multiple parts, like the hood, roof, doors, and bumpers, each with unique dimensions. To get accurate measurements, break your vehicle down into these sections and measure each one individually.
If you’re working on a sedan, for instance, start with the hood. Stretch the tape measure from the front of the hood to the windshield and jot down both the width and length. Then, do the same for the bumper, doors, roof, and even smaller parts like mirrors. Don’t overlook tricky areas like wheel arches and side skirts if they’re being wrapped too.
This methodical approach ensures every part of the vehicle is covered, and you order the right amount of material. For areas with difficult shapes or curves, measure a little extra to ensure you don’t fall short during installation.
- Account for Curves and Contours
Vehicles are rarely flat; they have curves, ridges, and design elements like fenders and spoilers. These areas need special attention because a straight-line measurement might not capture the material needed to cover them.
For instance, if you’re measuring an SUV’s fender, following the curve with your tape measure ensures the wrap will fit properly. A straight measurement won’t do the job here. Always add a few extra inches when dealing with curved areas. This helps to avoid material shortages and makes adjustments easier when installing.
If your vehicle has additional features like a roof rack or spoiler, decide whether you’ll remove these or wrap around them. Either way, measure carefully to account for the extra material needed.
- Calculate the Total Square Footage
Once you’ve measured all sections of your vehicle, it’s time to calculate the total square footage. This will give you a rough estimate of how much wrap material you’ll need. To calculate the square footage, multiply the length by the width of each section.
For example, if your sedan’s hood is 5 feet long and 3 feet wide, the area is 15 square feet. Repeat this for every part of the vehicle and then add them up for the total square footage.
Let’s say the total for your entire sedan (including the hood, doors, roof, and bumper) comes to 150 square feet. It’s a good idea to order slightly more than this calculation. Ordering 160-170 square feet allows for any small mistakes or adjustments during installation.
- Don’t Forget About Overlap and Edges
One key detail to remember is that wraps need a little overlap, especially at seams and edges. This ensures no part of the original vehicle color shows through and helps the wrap adhere securely without peeling.
When measuring areas like door seams and window trims, add 1-2 extra inches for overlap. For instance, if the door measures 4 feet wide, you should add 2 inches to cover the seams properly. This ensures the wrap will extend slightly beyond the edge, providing a cleaner, more professional finish.
- Measure Any Additional Features
If your vehicle has unique features, such as windows, lights, or advertising decals, you’ll need to measure these areas carefully. Depending on your design, you may want to wrap over or around these features, so precise measurements are key.
For example, when wrapping a delivery van with windows, measure the windows separately and decide whether they’ll be covered. If not, subtract their area from the total material calculation. However, if you’re using a perforated window film, measure the windows to ensure you have enough of that specific material.
- Use Templates for Complex Vehicles
For larger or more complex vehicles like trucks or buses, consider using a vehicle template. These templates, which provide an outline of the vehicle’s dimensions, are available online or from many wrap shops.
Using a template simplifies the process, especially for vehicles with many details. Let’s say you’re measuring a box truck. The template helps you accurately calculate the flat surfaces and more complicated parts, such as the cab. It’s like having a blueprint, ensuring that every detail is accounted for and no areas are missed.
- Verify Before Ordering
Before finalizing your order for the wrap material, take a moment to verify your measurements. Double-checking now can prevent costly mistakes later. Review your notes and compare the dimensions to your vehicle one more time to ensure accuracy.
For instance, if your calculated total square footage is 250 square feet, but your individual sections add up to only 230 square feet, there might be a mistake somewhere. Correcting these small errors before placing your order helps ensure you won’t run out of material mid-installation.
Conclusion
Measuring your vehicle for a wrap is all about precision and attention to detail. By breaking down the process into sections, accounting for curves, and verifying everything twice, you’ll be set up for a perfect wrap fit.
However, it is best to get it installed by a professional service provider. If you are looking for one then you should contact us. Apart from installation we can also help you with products like window decal signage or window graphic printing.