Vehicle wrap before and after, 8 year old finish was deteriorating.

jimcenname · February 15

Even though I wash my 2019 T@B 400 (manufactured in 2018) several times a month and wax it often the fiberglass finish has deteriorated. I had it wrapped to both improve the finish and change the graphic design and color. In one photo of the rear quarter of T@B the contrast between the exposed finish and that which was covered by the factory decal of diagonal black stripes illustrates the damage. The shiny part was protected from the elements by the decal, The dull stripes are the spaces between the decals that were exposed to the elements. There was other damage done by the elements and heat too. Prepping the T@B for the wrap was a lot of work, at least for me. A heat gun, Goo Gone and plastic razors did the job on the decals as well as removal of all of the caulk. After the wrap was done I re-caulked. The wrap installer cautioned me about areas that were at risk of lifting and to caulk them to hold them in place. $2600, one day to wrap.

Image: https://us.v-cdn.net/5021717/uploads/editor/vb/2svs2scbvrbj.jpg

Image: https://us.v-cdn.net/5021717/uploads/editor/g7/ue8di63f1l3p.jpg

Image: https://us.v-cdn.net/5021717/uploads/editor/nk/4p8zl0asqa99.jpg

Image: https://us.v-cdn.net/5021717/uploads/editor/zo/6imph9l82460.jpg

RCB · February 15

That is a very nice bit of graphics. It really suits the teardrop shape.

BandB · February 16

@jimcenname that wrap is very attractive. Better than the original! It does sound like a lot of work to do.

pthomas745 · February 16

That is beautiful. Can you tell us who designed the wrap? And, how was it made?

jimcenname · February 16

Google Gemini AI "Nano Banana" helped me design it. I described what I wanted and through a few iterations it got there. I gave the final picture to the wrap shop.

They use Avery Dennison vehicle wrap paper ink jet printed graphics, then laminated. ___________________
First attempt:

Image: https://us.v-cdn.net/5021717/uploads/editor/wi/2dm6h792zgne.png

__________________________
Later attempt:

Image: https://us.v-cdn.net/5021717/uploads/editor/q8/2cjphyd3i8sp.png

_______________________________

Oops, that didn't work:

Image: https://us.v-cdn.net/5021717/uploads/editor/mw/63rtwm2mdi14.png

Finally:

Image: https://us.v-cdn.net/5021717/uploads/editor/jy/w175jisyvpgv.png

pthomas745 · February 16

Thank you. Yours is a quite unique trailer!

dsfdogs · February 16

The wave is perfect for your beach life. Real spiffy!
Do you think a ceramic coating would have prolonged the discoloration?

jimcenname · February 16

@dsfdogs I don't know, but I have used ceramic car wash soap on the T@B for the last 4 years.

GBL_citruscountyfl · February 16

I use a marine wax on mine with a buffer, and wash every month, and it looks better than it did brand new in 2020. I'm in Florida, so maybe the sun isn't as strong here!!!

jimcenname · February 16

@GBL_citruscountyfl do you store your T@B undercover?

GBL_citruscountyfl · February 16

@jimcenname No, but when I'm parked I have this really light weight tent material cover that goes from the from to the back, and about a foot down the sides. I got it on Amazon and it's been a life saver from dust and leaves getting on the roof. Regardless of the bad reviews, the link below is what I ordered and it's be excellent for almost a year, even in strong winds.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0DFVHVRVQ?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_image

HollyO · April 2

Wow. Very useful information, and I did not think of putting it in AI. I will be attempting this project later on this summer.

annbythebay · May 3

@GBL_citruscountyfl - the cover you reference obviously would cover the solar panels. Do you not use these or the ceiling fans? Any thoughts on solar panel cleaning?

FriendsofMario · May 3

Good-looking design for a T@B - you do good work!

vttj · May 4

Looks great

Vehicle wrap before and after, 8 year old finish was deteriorating.

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