The Upfront Answer & The Capital Wraps Promise
The Reality of Vehicle Wrap Guarantees
When we talk about a vehicle wrap warranty, we are realistically discussing two separate guarantees, and it’s critical to know the difference:
- The Manufacturer’s Warranty (e.g., 3M MCS): This covers the material itself (vinyl film, ink, and matched laminate) against fading, cracking, and premature peeling due to product failure. Most premium material warranties (3M, Avery, Orafol) are similar in coverage and longevity (4–8 years, depending on the surface).
- The Installer’s Warranty (Capital Wraps): This covers the workmanship and installation against issues like lifting, bubbling, or improper trimming. Some shops offer this, some do not.
The Hard Truth: Manufacturer Claims Are Difficult
After 20 years in this business, we have experienced the frustrating reality that many other installers hide:
It is extremely difficult to get items covered under a manufacturer warranty after the first year.
We were burned early on. We once committed to a new premium material that failed prematurely (laminate shrinking/yellowing). Even with nearly 50 documented failures and a clear material defect, the manufacturer covered only a fraction, gave us a “one-time” compensation, and then stopped discussing the issue. They routinely point the blame at the installer, even when all certification boxes were met.
Our Solution: The Capital Wraps 12-Month Guarantee
Because we believe our clients deserve protection, we cut through the red tape:
- Our Guarantee: We offer a blanket, no-hassle 12-month guarantee on our installation and workmanship.
- The Rationale: If anything is going to fail due to installation error or a latent material defect, it will almost always occur within the first year. This is where we focus our guarantee, giving you immediate peace of mind and accountability.
- Our Quality Rate: For the nearly 1,000 vehicle wraps we produce annually, our return rate for issues in that first year is an extremely low 5-7 vehicles annually. While statistically this is a 0.5%–0.7% failure rate, for the complexity of the custom work we do, this is an outstanding success rate that we stand behind.
The 8 Biggest Customer Concerns (The “Elephants in the Room”)
Your focus should be less on “what is covered” and more on “what voids the warranty” and “what they will always deny.”
Concern 1: “Does the warranty cover fading and peeling?”
- The Truth: Yes, fading and peeling due to material defect are typically covered by the manufacturer’s warranty. However, they will investigate improper care (like harsh chemicals) or UV exposure in high-wear areas (like the hood/roof) as the likely cause, often leading to a rejection. Your maintenance records matter.
Concern 2: “Will the warranty cover damage from the sun or weather?”
- The Truth: No. Extreme environmental damage is almost always excluded. This includes damage from hail, acid rain, extreme UV exposure, and unattended contaminants like bird droppings or tree sap. These are considered “Acts of God” or owner neglect. This is why proper storage and immediate cleaning are mandatory maintenance, not optional.
Concern 3: “Will the warranty be voided if I pressure wash my vehicle?”
- The Truth: Yes, if done incorrectly. Pressure washing is the quickest way to void a warranty by forcing water or air underneath the edges or ripping off the laminate. You must maintain a safe distance (minimum of 12 inches), use a wide spray pattern, and keep the pressure below 1500 PSI . Automatic, touchless car washes are highly discouraged and may void coverage.
Concern 4: “Will the warranty cover my paint if it is damaged during removal?”
- The Truth: No, with a major caveat. The manufacturer warranty will not cover paint damage, even with their certified film. However, the use of premium cast film (like 3M IJ180) on sound, original equipment manufacturer (OEM) paint guarantees that the paint will be protected unless it was already compromised (e.g., poor repainted areas, failing paint, rust, bondo). If the paint is compromised before installation, no warranty will cover paint pull.
Concern 5: “What happens to the warranty if I get into a minor fender-bender?”
- The Truth: The warranty is immediately voided for the entire damaged panel. Wrap warranties cover material and installation failure, not accidental or physical damage (road debris, vandalism, collision, rock chips). The replacement panel wrap will be covered by your auto insurance, not the original warranty.
Concern 6: “Is the warranty shorter for the hood and roof (horizontal surfaces)?”
- The Truth: Yes, absolutely. Horizontal and non-vertical surfaces are exposed to direct sunlight and UV rays almost 100% of the time, accelerating material degradation. It is standard across all major manufacturers (3M, Avery, Orafol) that the warranty period for these surfaces is significantly shorter—often 50% less—than vertical sides. This is a critical factor that is often not discussed during the quoting phase.
Concern 7: “What if my installer installs a non-certified material?”
- The Truth: The manufacturer warranty is void. This happens frequently in the industry when shops pair a premium film with a cheaper, unapproved laminate or use unauthorized inks. We exclusively use matched, manufacturer-approved components (film, ink, and laminate) that qualify for the highest level of coverage (like 3M MCS), ensuring the warranty is valid from day one.
Concern 8: “Will the warranty cover the cost to remove the wrap later?”
- The Truth: No, standard warranties do not cover the labor cost of removal.
The manufacturer’s warranty guarantees that the material will function correctly for its stated term. If the wrap fails prematurely due to a material defect, the warranty may cover the cost of the replacement film and installation. The Critical Value of Quality: This is why using certified, premium film and qualified companies is essential.
