You can wrap vinyl over primer as long as the primer is completely dry, smooth and cured. However, it is not recommended! It is best to add some paint.
If the primer is not fully cured, it can cause the vinyl to not adhere properly or cause bubbling. It is best to give it some time and wait at least 24 hours after priming before wrapping.
If you are unsure if your primer is completely cured, you can test it by doing a “tape test”. Place a piece of tape on the primed surface and press down firmly. Then, try to peel the tape off.
If the tape comes off easily, then the primer is not fully cured and you should wait longer before proceeding with car wraps.
The Pros Of Wrapping Vinyl Over Primer
There are a few pros to wrapping vinyl over primer:
1. It can help prevent rust and corrosion on the vehicle.
2. It can provide an extra layer of protection against nicks, scratches, and other damage.
3. It can give the vehicle a more finished look.
The Cons Of Wrapping Vinyl Over Primer
There are a few potential cons to wrapping vinyl over primer that should be considered before beginning the process:
1. It can be more difficult to achieve a tight wrap when the surface isn’t completely smooth. If there are any bumps or irregularities in the primer, they will likely show through after the vinyl is applied.
2. Vinyl wraps are typically applied with heat, which can cause issues if the primer isn’t heat-resistant. If the temperature gets too high, it could cause bubbling or lifting of the vinyl.
3. It’s important to make sure that the primer is completely dry before wrapping, as any moisture can lead to problems with adhesion.
How To Wrap Vinyl Over Primer
When you are ready to give your car a new look, you may be wondering if you can wrap vinyl over primer. The answer is yes! Here’s how to do it:
1. Start by sanding the area where you will be applying the vinyl. This will help the vinyl adhere better.
2. Clean the area with soap and water, then dry it off.
3. Apply primer to the area if desired. This is not required, but it may help to patch up and prep the body of the vehicle so the vinyl can adhere better and last longer.
4. Cut the vinyl to size, then peel off the backing and apply it to the primer (or paint). Use a squeegee or your fingers to smooth out any bubbles or wrinkles.
5. Trim off any excess vinyl with a sharp knife or scissors.
Does Primer Attract Water?
If you’ve ever wondered whether or not primer attracts water, the answer is yes. Primer is designed to provide a smooth surface for paint to adhere to, and it does this by providing a barrier between the paint and the substrate. However, this barrier is not impenetrable, and water can still seep through. This is why it’s important to make sure that your primer is properly sealed before you apply paint or a vinyl wrap.
So to avoid issues, you could just apply some sealant the primer to avoid costly paint. It wouldn’t matter how the vehicle looks since you’d be wrapping it over with a vinyl finish.
Is Primer A Good Foundation For Vinyl Wrap?
Primer is not the ideal foundation for vehicle wraps but as long as you curate the primer correctly and seal it, you would be fine and there would be no need to have anything painted.
You do not need to remove any paint before you can vinyl-wrap your car as long as the paint is in good condition.
Since the vehicle would be wrapped, you don’t need to finish the vehicle with fresh coat of paint or clear coat. Just have the foundation ready to adhere to the wrap properly.
If you’re not sure whether your paint is in good enough condition to be wrapped, here are a few things to look for:
-Any peeling, chipping, or cracking paint
-Fading or discoloration
-Stains from rust, oil, or other fluids
If your paint is in good condition, you may be able to wrap over the existing paint and any touch ups done with primer. Primer provides a smooth surface for the vinyl wrap to adhere as long as the proper steps are taken.
Conclusion
Vinyl car wrapping instead of a new paint job has become increasingly popular over the years as a way to give vehicles a fresh, new look. But what about cars that already have a layer of primer on them? Can you wrap over primer?
The answer is YES! You can wrap over primer, as long as it’s in good condition. If the primer is old or peeling, it’s not going to adhere well to the vinyl film and will ultimately ruin the look of your wrap. So make sure the surface is clean and smooth before starting to ensure the vehicle wrap will stick.
