Updated By Vinyl Frog On September 05, 2024
Caliper Vinyl Wraps - Available In All Colors
Caliper Vinyl Wrap Colors
Purple Caliper Wrap
Green Caliper Wrap
Blue Caliper Wrap
Red Caliper Wrap
Pink Caliper Wrap
Yellow Caliper Wrap
White Caliper Wrap
Black Caliper Wrap
Teal Caliper Wrap
Silver/Grey Caliper Wrap
Marron Caliper Wrap
Carbon Fiber Caliper Wrap
Coral Caliper Wrap
Gold Caliper Wrap
Magenta Caliper Wrap
Caliper wraps are an effective mode of customization for your vehicle. They add a zing to the overall look, making your car highly captivating and offer many protective benefits as well. This blog presents in detail everything you should know about caliper vinyl wraps.
Car enthusiasts are well aware of the fact that their vehicles are a true depiction of their personalities. One can swathe the whole vehicle in an exquisite vinyl film from bumper to bumper, yet at times, it feels there is something lacking. What is that one thing that will transform a normal ride into a super set of wheels? Caliper wraps!
Caliper vinyl wraps do more than just add an aesthetic touch to your car. In fact, they help in keeping your brakes in top condition, while also protecting them from damage. Let’s see the benefits of caliper wraps and why you should consider investing in them for your vehicle.
What Are Caliper Vinyl Wraps?
Caliper wraps are premium quality vinyl films especially designed to cover the surface of brake calipers. They are decorative accessories with high temperature resistance and an adhesive that won't overheat or melt when brakes are applied.
Calipers are components responsible for applying pressure to the brake pads, which in turn clamp down on the rotors to slow or stop the vehicle. They are visible from behind the wheels. Adding a decorative accent to them such as a caliper wrap can be a cost effective way to significantly enhance the beauty of the vehicle adding glamor to it.
Caliper vinyl wraps are available in various colors, patterns, and finishes, allowing you to match your vehicle's style or create a unique visual effect. They are typically made of durable and heat-resistant vinyl material that can withstand the high temperatures generated during braking.
Caliper wraps are easy to remove and replace once they have passed their prime. If you're considering them for your vehicle, it's recommended to consult professional installers to ensure a proper and long lasting application.
Benefits Of Caliper Vinyl Wraps
Caliper wraps are visible behind the wheel. They shimmer when light falls on them and fascinate the onlooker. The different benefits they offer are:
Protection Of The Caliper
By using vinyl wraps, you can safeguard your calipers from dust, rust, debris, and moisture thereby prolonging their lifespan. A damaged caliper can cost more than $700 to repair, making it crucial to protect it. Caliper vinyl wraps are a much more affordable solution to avoid expensive repairs that appear with the passage of time.
Long-Term Investment
If your calipers are well protected and maintained, the resale value of your car will remain intact. Though caliper wraps may seem like an added expense, they are a long-term investment offering this benefit. The small amount you spend on them now can pay off in the long run with a higher resale value.
Customization Options
In addition to being useful, caliper wraps offer automobile owners a chance to express their sense of aesthetics. These wraps come in a wide range of colors and patterns that can help your car stand out on the road. You can pick from traditional red to striking neon yellow and everything in between. Caliper vinyl wraps are mostly reflective in nature and shimmer in light to enhance visibility.
Caliper wraps are a versatile way to customize your automobile, whether you like a sleek and sophisticated appearance or a bold and vibrant one. Moreover, if you get bored or want to change the look again, you can always remove and replace them with another color or finish.
Easy To Maintain
If you're someone who likes to keep your car in pristine condition by washing it often and changing the brake pads regularly, you'll love caliper wraps. Unlike other car accessories, these wraps don't have to be removed when washing the vehicle or making any repairs. Their aftercare is quite easy and does not incur any additional costs. You can avoid the hassle of removing and reapplying the wraps, saving time, money and effort while maintaining the appearance of your car.
Keep Your Wheels Clean
Caliper vinyl wraps provide a shield of protection against dirt, grime, and corrosive elements, helping to prolong their lifespan and maintain their appearance. Brake dust is a common issue that accumulates on calipers, causing them to look dirty or worn out.
Easy Installation
The best part is that caliper vinyl wraps are simple to install and take off, allowing you to modify your car's appearance whenever you choose. However, you might need professional help as the process involves removing the wheel and precise application which requires expertise.
The Cost Of Caliper Vinyl Wraps
As a general guideline, the cost of caliper vinyl wraps typically ranges from $50 to $100 per set. However, it can vary depending on several factors such as the brand, quality, size, and design of the wraps. Additionally, pricing may differ between suppliers and retailers.
It's important to keep in mind that the cost mentioned above is just for the caliper wraps themselves and does not include any additional tools or materials that may be required for installation. If you prefer hiring professionals for the process, there may be additional costs associated with labor.
To get a precise figure, it's recommended to check with various retailers and suppliers, both online and offline, and compare prices. Additionally, consider reading reviews and feedback on the quality and durability of caliper wraps before making a purchase decision.
How To Install The Caliper Vinyl Wrap?
Choose the vinyl that you want to install on your calipers and gather the necessary tools. Here’s what you need:
- Premium quality caliper vinyl film. It is important not to compromise on quality to save some money or you will end up damaging the brake system and spending more in the long run.
- Wire brush.
- 230 grit sandpaper.
- Brake cleaner. There are quite a few brands available in the market. Choose a tried and tested one.
- 50/50 Isopropyl alcohol and water solution in a spray bottle.
- Safety gloves. These are highly imperative so save your hands. At Vinyl Frog we have anti cutting gloves that will offer great protection during the process.
- Heat gun. Getting the right temperature and angle is the key to correct heat application. For precision, get the professional heat gun at Vinyl Frog today.
- Squeegee. At Vinyl Frog we have a range of squeegees for the perfect execution of the job.
- Sharp knife. For accurate cuts, a sharp knife is a must-have. We have a branded knife at Vinyl Frog that will help cut the vinyl from any angle without any hitch or snag.
- Air release pen. This helps in poking the air out of bubbles and recessed areas. You can get all these tools under one roof at Vinyl Frog.
The Process
- Step1: Begin by removing the wheel, allowing you to easily access the brake system and the caliper.
- Step 2: Once removed, make sure to clean the caliper thoroughly to ensure proper adhesion of the caliper wrap. Cleaning is extremely important for long term durability. Use the wire brush to clean the surface from grime, grease and rust. Spray brake cleaner on the caliper and clean again with the brush. After this, thoroughly sand the caliper with 230 grit sandpaper to remove dirt and pitting. Now use isopropyl alcohol to clean again, Make sure that the caliper is completely dry before applying the vinyl wrap.
- Step 3: Measure the size of each caliper face and cut the vinyl wrap accordingly, leaving a small margin around the edges for proper coverage. It's better to cut the wrap slightly larger than needed to leave room for any errors.
- Step 4: Peel off the release liner from the wrap film and place the wrap on the caliper. Do not touch the adhesive of the vinyl to prevent contamination. The adhesive of the wrap is such that it allows you to reposition it without any hassle.
- Step 5: Start with the top end and stretch the wrap across the body line of the caliper. This will evenly distribute the tension on the film. Slowly press the wrap onto the caliper, working from one side to the other, using your fingers or a squeegee to smooth out any bubbles or wrinkles. Apply gentle pressure to ensure proper adhesion.
- Step 6: It is time to use the heat gun. Since the wrap is quite thick, it will not settle into recessed areas without heat. Pick the film up, heat it to relax it using a heat gun, then feed it into any recessed areas using a squeegee. This will avoid overstretching the film. Take care not to overheat the vinyl or the caliper. If you come across a gap or recess that is difficult to feed the vinyl into, poke a tiny hole on the edge using an air release pen to let the air escape, then push the air out starting from the farthest point away from the hole while setting the film in the recessed area.
- Step 7: Continue heat application while stretching and pressing down vinyl at the same time. When it’s time to wrap the edge, make relief cuts along key transition points at the corners. Use the branded knife available at Vinyl Frog for this to ensure precision. Use heat to fold the two halves with one slightly overlapping the other. The overlap will hold securely for a long time and eliminate the tension in the area. Do this wherever required on the corners near the edges.
- Step 8: Go over the entire section with a heat gul and look for bubbles if any. Pop them with the air release pen and smooth out with a squeegee.
- Step 9: Cut the vinyl along the edges keeping the knife perpendicular. Press the wrap along the edges to secure it using a heat gun.
- Step 10: This is the last and the most important step. You have to post heat the vinyl wrap to secure it firmly to the caliper. Repeat this process with all the other calipers. The recommended time for the vinyl to fully adhere and cure is at least 48 hours before using the vehicle. However, follow the manufacturer's instructions for the curing time of the vinyl you are using before exposing the calipers to moisture or extreme temperatures.
Lastly, it is important to note that proper installation is crucial for a long-lasting and visually appealing result. If you're uncertain or uncomfortable with the installation process, seek professional assistance for a flawless job.
How To Care For Caliper Vinyl Wraps?
In order to ensure the longevity of your caliper wraps, it is very important to care for them once they are installed. This is what you should do:
- Regularly wash the wrapped calipers using a gentle, non-abrasive car wash soap and a microfiber cloth. Rinse the calipers thoroughly to remove any dirt, dust, or debris that may accumulate. Avoid using harsh chemicals, abrasive brushes, or high-pressure washers directly on the caliper wrap. Do not forget to dry the wrapped calipers after washing.
- If there are stubborn stains or dirt on the caliper wrap, you can gently rub the affected area with a mild cleaner on a microfiber cloth. You can also use the mixture of isopropyl alcohol and water for spot cleaning.
- Since caliper vinyl wraps are mostly reflective in nature to ensure high sheen to be visible at night, avoid using wax on the wrap.
- Regularly inspect your caliper vinyl wrap for any signs of damage, such as peeling edges, tears, or bubbles. Promptly address any issues to prevent further damage or water intrusion.
- During winter or in areas with harsh weather conditions, take extra precautions to protect the vinyl wrap. Salt, ice melt chemicals, and extreme temperature fluctuations can degrade the wrap over time. Clean regularly and keep caliper wraps dry. Consider parking your vehicle in a sheltered area when possible.
Caliper Wraps Vs Caliper Covers
Caliper wraps are quite distinct from covers in more ways than one:
- Price: Caliper vinyl wrap is quite affordable and enhances the look in a pocket-friendly manner. On the other hand, caliper covers have a high initial cost. Hence wrap is a better option for those who do not have a hefty budget.
- The Right Fit: When applying caliper wraps, you do not have to worry about the vinyl being of the right size and fitting. You can always trim it to gain perfect fitting. A cover should be of the right size to fit the caliper perfectly otherwise it will hinder the performance of the brake.
- Ease of Application: This is where caliper covers win. They are quite easy to apply with a bolt on or clip on mechanism. Caliper wrap needs due process of application and time for curing later on.
- Regularly inspect your caliper vinyl wrap for any signs of damage, such as peeling edges, tears, or bubbles. Promptly address any issues to prevent further damage or water intrusion.
- During winter or in areas with harsh weather conditions, take extra precautions to protect the vinyl wrap. Salt, ice melt chemicals, and extreme temperature fluctuations can degrade the wrap over time. Clean regularly and keep caliper wraps dry. Consider parking your vehicle in a sheltered area when possible.
Caliper Wraps Vs Caliper Paint
There are specialized heat resistant paints available as well to customize calipers. Here’s how they differ from caliper wraps:
- Reversible Option: Caliper wraps can be removed as and when required without damaging the surface of the calipers in any manner. In fact they offer a protective shield against harmful elements. Caliper paint is a more permanent option and cannot be removed easily.
- Complexity of the Process: Applying caliper vinyl is quite easy as compared to caliper paint. The application of the latter is quite a difficult and time consuming process with a lot of details and there is more chance of messing it up.
- Resale Value of the Vehicle: Since caliper vinyl is removable and offers protection, it maintains the resale value of the vehicle. Caliper paint, on the other hand, is a permanent change that reduces the value of the vehicle upon resale.
Frequently Asked Questions
Caliper Vinyl Wraps - An Overview
When it comes to customizing your vehicle, caliper wraps are the top-notch choice for car enthusiasts. These wraps not only provide a sleek and elegant look with their reflective finish but also come in a range of options to suit your taste. The supreme quality, protective benefits, affordability and functionality of caliper vinyl wraps make them highly coveted.
Investing in caliper wraps will not only improve the aesthetics of your ride but also protect this important part from wear and tear, making it last longer. So, why wait? Grab a set of caliper wraps and give your car the protection and style it deserves. With caliper wraps, you can keep your brakes looking excellent and your driving experience smooth for years to come.
