The Rap on Vinyl Wraps on Boats

Exploring Paint vs. Vinyl Wrap for Boats

A hot topic of conversation today centers on the question of whether to paint or vinyl wrap. With major advances in both material, printing and application, boat owners are exploring their possibilities.

Benefits and Applications of Vinyl Wraps

“In some situations, painting is the route to go. This can be especially true with larger hull sides and complicated superstructures. However, with its ability to be completely customizable and installed in one-tenth of the time as related to a comparable paint job, a vinyl wrap could be a viable alternative,” said Paul Woessner, CEO/Owner of Wrapped Up Custom Wraps & Graphics. “As well as regular projects, we’ve taken on our fair share of wrapping larger hulled boats.”

Choosing the Right Application Process

As with any undertaking you are considering, getting the job you want means doing the research, the legwork, getting proper and worthwhile references, and always following the advice of experts. In fact, it is strongly recommended you consult with two or three in the field before you settle on a particular applier. That is because the process itself will involve your specific needs, a graphic designer and the ability to print it to the material resulting in a high quality, durable and long-lasting finish.

Vinyl Wraps on Boats

“I’ve seen damage on vinyl-wrapped hulls, especially in the high-impact areas such as the transom where most of the action takes place,” said Woessner. “But where a painted boat will need to be hauled and the paint may have to be blended to match, repairs to a vinyl-wrapped hull or transom can be done for far less cost and in hours, not days,” he added. “In addition, with faux teak toe rails and black masks for example, where no hauling is required, this can usually be completed in anywhere from three to six hours depending on the size of the vessel.”

According to Woessner, vinyl that has a four-to-seven-year UV-blocking lifespan in the harsh Florida and Caribbean sun is less costly when compared to a high-end paint job and may be covered under the vessels’ insurance because the vinyl is blocking the UV rays and protecting the finish from oxidation and degradation.

Extended Protection Options: Paint Protection Film (PPF)

“Vinyl can be installed about anywhere on your vessel in a multitude of solid colors, custom- designed graphics or even realistic textures, said Woessner. “It comes in a few finish options including high gloss, luster metallic and glare-reducing matte.”

But wait! There’s more! If you’re not ready to wrap your boat, you may want to consider having a PPF (Paint Protection Film) applied. 

“PPF is a high gloss optically clear, hydrophobic, UV blocking, damage-reducing wrap that has been developed to protect that brand new paint job,” said Woessner.

This material is formulated to provide an impact-resistant wrap that can be applied to about any surface on the exterior and interior of your vessel.

“Along with hull sides, transoms, masks and toe rails, we have installed PPF to natural and synthetic countertops, cabinets, rocket launchers and aft cockpit, high-traffic seating areas,” adds Woessner. 

PPF might be the perfect complement to a new paint job by providing protection and preserving your costly investment. The material comes in high gloss and ultra-matte black finishes, all with an eight-year manufacturer’s warranty against yellowing or cracking.

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