Vinyl Wrapped '13 B8.5

[pbudra15]

Hello,

I just wanted to share some pictures of my 3M Gloss Liquid Copper Wrap that was completed in May of 2015. Way too late to be sharing the final product, but it's better later than never! I highly suggest a wrap as an alternative to paint, but the plasti-dip industry has improved so much that I'd almost recommend a nice dip job over a wrap. The main reasons to choose a dip(higher end) over a wrap are as follows:

1. Dip is easily peelable if done right
2. Dip can withstand power washers and is buffable
3. Dip can withstand a lot more elements vs a wrap(cannot use a snowbrush on a wrap)

Side note: I have not ran into a person who identifies the wrap as a "wrap". Everyone thinks it's paint, and that's a testament to the wrap quality.

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[theswoleguy]

pics dont work

[theswoleguy]

[LINDW4LL]

edit: Had embedded pics, but OP fixed

[sc117]

pics dont work

+1


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[pbudra15]

pics dont work

My apologies, but should be fixed now! Thanks

[AudiSTL]

looks good!

[sc117]

Dang, looks great!
Around how much does a full wrap go for?
When you open the door, how noticeable is the original color?


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[ARoach04]

Dang, looks great!
Around how much does a full wrap go for?
When you open the door, how noticeable is the original color?


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Same question, I've always wondered how the door jams work when getting a wrap done.

[BigBluu]

Wow, looks awesome! Almost like Audi Exclusive color Ipanema Brown. Would also like to know cost and how well it's held up a year later.

[pbudra15]

Dang, looks great!
Around how much does a full wrap go for?
When you open the door, how noticeable is the original color?


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Thank you!

I got the wrap for a steal for various reasons, but typically it would go anywhere from $3500-$5000 depending on the shop.

I decided not to cover the pillars, as with an original black paint, it looks good. My wrap folds over and covers up to the silver sil. I don't have a picture, but I'll grab one for you..

[KRp220]

looks good! i was at volkbahn last year (where your top pic was taken, right?). the shot under the street light looks awesome

the new dip products out there look awesome, but not sure i'd use the old stuff again.

[pbudra15]

Wow, looks awesome! Almost like Audi Exclusive color Ipanema Brown. Would also like to know cost and how well it's held up a year later.

It's hard to tell how well the wrap has held up over the first year for various reasons. My S4 went from my daily, so from June 2012 until October 2015, to a garage queen during the winter months.

As I said above, snow brushes can't be used on a wrap and wintery conditions(snow, salt, and sand) would certainly ruin the integrity of the wrap.

All those factors in place, the wrap looks just as good as day one. If I were to daily it through New England weather, I'd probably be in trouble.

[968Reckless]

Car looks very good love the color but I think the prices listed are crazy! The material to do the car probably cost around $600. I wrapped my e30 for $500 and spent a few hours everyday. With the help of 1 or 2 people you can do it in a day.


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[pbudra15]

looks good! i was at volkbahn last year (where your top pic was taken, right?). the shot under the street light looks awesome

the new dip products out there look awesome, but not sure i'd use the old stuff again.

Yes! That was from Volksbahn last year, and thank you! That pic was taken in a grocery store lot that had led lighting, which really changed the contrast in the color.

I agree with you on older dip, but it was extremely cost efficient and a good alternative to change/protect your factory paint! The new stuff such as, HaloEFX and the color shifting dip, has really put liquid wrap on the map! Almost hard to tell its dip

[pbudra15]

Car looks very good love the color but I think the prices listed are crazy! The material to do the car probably cost around $600. I wrapped my e30 for $500 and spent a few hours everyday. With the help of 1 or 2 people you can do it in a day.


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Thank you! Agreed that the material is relatively cheap, but the labor is an absolute nightmare. The gentlemen who did it, had the car for about a week and a half and spent roughly 35-40 hours on the car. He's a perfectionist and gave me a much better price than the typical prices I listed above.

He was able to wrap it well enough where you can't find one seam on the whole car, and that's what really stood out in the final product and probably the reason it's mistaken for paint so often

[968Reckless]

Thank you! Agreed that the material is relatively cheap, but the labor is an absolute nightmare. The gentlemen who did it, had the car for about a week and a half and spent roughly 35-40 hours on the car. He's a perfectionist and gave me a much better price than the typical prices I listed above.

He was able to wrap it well enough where you can't find one seam on the whole car, and that's what really stood out in the final product and probably the reason it's mistaken for paint so often

Im assuming the seam is on the c pillar?

[pbudra15]

Im assuming the seam is on the c pillar?

Yes and I'll snap a pic of the car with the doors open, but after I wash it tonight haha

[Dr GP]

I like it . If I were buying a new car, an Audi Exclusive color would be cheaper and better. Good alternative for a used car . BTW, how much do you think a comparable Dip would cost?

[Strikered]

Thank you! Agreed that the material is relatively cheap, but the labor is an absolute nightmare. The gentlemen who did it, had the car for about a week and a half and spent roughly 35-40 hours on the car. He's a perfectionist and gave me a much better price than the typical prices I listed above.

He was able to wrap it well enough where you can't find one seam on the whole car, and that's what really stood out in the final product and probably the reason it's mistaken for paint so often

Sorry, but a lot of inaccurate information being thrown around regarding vinyl wraps.... let me shed some light on the issue.

An A4 will likely use a full roll of 60" material, some adhesive promoter, along with specialty tools; felt tipped squeegee, propane torch, masking tape, exacto, etc. Depending on color/texture and brand - Avery vs. 3M, the only brands I would consider - you're looking at ~$600. *This excludes any type of laminate that your specific material could need.

As far as labor goes, it can be tough to estimate based on one huge factor, experience. If I saw a quote stating 40 hours, I would go to the next guy. Wrapping a full car - especially one like ours that has very few complex curves - should take an experienced installer about 15 - 20 hours, tops (or 2 guys 8-10 hrs.) A good wrap shouldn't have any glaring seams, and I would expect that kind of attention to detail if the person doing the job has dealt with luxury cars in the past (read, enthusiasts). Your market will also have an impact on price. I'm in Seattle, for whatever that's worth.

I would shy away from wrapping the door jambs - its a lot of work that wont really pay off as you hardly ever see it, unless the door is ajar of course. To do it properly, you would have to take the doors off, and even then, what a nightmare!

And last, durability. I've taken wrapped cars through drive-through car washes plenty without any issues. The concern is a hard edge that pressurized water can get under, which also applies to dipping (this is why adhesive promoter is used in certain areas). As for brushes, well, any soft surface can be marred if enough pressure is applied. In my experience, Dip will not last anywhere near as long as vinyl. Good material is typically warranted by the manufacturer for ~4 years outdoor use. Have you seen dipped cars after just one or two years? ...its not pretty.

Anyhow, for those thinking about wrapping your car, shop around. You should be able to get a quote for ~$2,500! And do ask to see previous work. This is an industry where not everyone's standards are the same!

[VenturiRS]

I once got a quote for about 900 for dip. I would go that route. I want to do Nardo Gray, or something reddish.
...but first, I need to:
B12 Kit
Sway Bars
Tint
Wheels




Pro Dip/ Wrap
In that order.

Your car looks great!

[jmeenach]

Be careful when going the dip route. Not with the actual dip, as that is easy to remove, but my friend had an instance where the installer used a "primer" for the dip to stick better, which caused a great deal of damage to the car's paint. The base coat did not pull off as advertised and after several different attempts at removing the base primer, the entire car had to be repainted.

[mcoomer]

Looks good. Very nice color.

[jmeenach]

That car looks great OP!

[A.C.]

My apologies, but should be fixed now! Thanks

Sweet color!

[pbudra15]

Sorry, but a lot of inaccurate information being thrown around regarding vinyl wraps.... let me shed some light on the issue.

An A4 will likely use a full roll of 60" material, some adhesive promoter, along with specialty tools; felt tipped squeegee, propane torch, masking tape, exacto, etc. Depending on color/texture and brand - Avery vs. 3M, the only brands I would consider - you're looking at ~$600. *This excludes any type of laminate that your specific material could need.

As far as labor goes, it can be tough to estimate based on one huge factor, experience. If I saw a quote stating 40 hours, I would go to the next guy. Wrapping a full car - especially one like ours that has very few complex curves - should take an experienced installer about 15 - 20 hours, tops (or 2 guys 8-10 hrs.) A good wrap shouldn't have any glaring seams, and I would expect that kind of attention to detail if the person doing the job has dealt with luxury cars in the past (read, enthusiasts). Your market will also have an impact on price. I'm in Seattle, for whatever that's worth.

I would shy away from wrapping the door jambs - its a lot of work that wont really pay off as you hardly ever see it, unless the door is ajar of course. To do it properly, you would have to take the doors off, and even then, what a nightmare!

And last, durability. I've taken wrapped cars through drive-through car washes plenty without any issues. The concern is a hard edge that pressurized water can get under, which also applies to dipping (this is why adhesive promoter is used in certain areas). As for brushes, well, any soft surface can be marred if enough pressure is applied. In my experience, Dip will not last anywhere near as long as vinyl. Good material is typically warranted by the manufacturer for ~4 years outdoor use. Have you seen dipped cars after just one or two years? ...its not pretty.

Anyhow, for those thinking about wrapping your car, shop around. You should be able to get a quote for ~$2,500! And do ask to see previous work. This is an industry where not everyone's standards are the same!

Sir, I didn't pay a lot for my wrap, as the price was determined beforehand. No matter how long he may take, the price is the same unless it's a different sized vehicle. Randy(the guy who wrapped my S4) spent 35-40 to get the best result possible. He took the doors, bumpers, trunk, and hood off to complete this job, as he is way too particular and OCD otherwise.

I would never bring any vehicle that I've owned through a car wash, let alone a wrapped car. Car washes use pressurized water, which as you said, can find its way under the wrap. Before I agreed to get my car wrapped, Randy told me that he will never do matte, prefers satin over all, and likes gloss as it can be corrected from minor blemishes. He also told me that I'm looking at a 2 year window for excellent longevity, which he factored my OCD about a clean car. Two years being the equivalent to a non-swirled paint(yes it must be perfect)

I once got a quote for about 900 for dip. I would go that route. I want to do Nardo Gray, or something reddish.
...but first, I need to:
B12 Kit
Sway Bars
Tint
Wheels




Pro Dip/ Wrap
In that order.

Your car looks great!

Thank you! Nardo equals pure sex :)

Looks good. Very nice color.

Thank you very much!

That car looks great OP!

Much appreciated! I love it

Sweet color!

Thank you!!

[pbudra15]

I like it . If I were buying a new car, an Audi Exclusive color would be cheaper and better. Good alternative for a used car . BTW, how much do you think a comparable Dip would cost?

Thanks! Trust me, I wish the exclusive colors were available for the '13 models, but the phantom black pearl(oem) spoke to me when I saw the car come off the truck. I looked into a wrap for 2 reasons. I wanted to change things up with something unique and I wanted to protect that pain in the ass black paint for a little while longer.

A comparable dip would cost close to 2k if not a little bit more. The prep work and the quality pigments factor into play.

[DannyDeez]

The color reminds me of Samoa Orange like the AWE S5

[pbudra15]

The color reminds me of Samoa Orange like the AWE S5

I love that S5, and I 100% agree with you on the comparison!

[jayferzahir]

love it, bin trying to come up with a wrap for my car can not decide what to do :/ your car looks amazing though!

Hello,

I just wanted to share some pictures of my 3M Gloss Liquid Copper Wrap that was completed in May of 2015. Way too late to be sharing the final product, but it's better later than never! I highly suggest a wrap as an alternative to paint, but the plasti-dip industry has improved so much that I'd almost recommend a nice dip job over a wrap. The main reasons to choose a dip(higher end) over a wrap are as follows:

1. Dip is easily peelable if done right
2. Dip can withstand power washers and is buffable
3. Dip can withstand a lot more elements vs a wrap(cannot use a snowbrush on a wrap)

Side note: I have not ran into a person who identifies the wrap as a "wrap". Everyone thinks it's paint, and that's a testament to the wrap quality.

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[Thurston]

I really like that color, it's like the orange version of volcano red metallic -

[Johnnycash]

i like how you made your buddies wear matching t-shirts in the first pic;)

[Oloung1]

that color and the wrap job looks great

[pbudra15]

I really like that color, it's like the orange version of volcano red metallic -

Thank you! Yes that's a good comparison, and didn't even think of it like that

[pbudra15]

i like how you made your buddies wear matching t-shirts in the first pic;)

Haha...

Crazy coincidence that the judges and event coordinators shirts were that color!

- - - Updated - - -

that color and the wrap job looks great

Thank you! Extremely easy to wash too

[pbudra15]

love it, bin trying to come up with a wrap for my car can not decide what to do :/ your car looks amazing though!

Thank you! If I may suggest one for you, I'd go with 3M Satin White Aluminum (S120). My favorite OEM color is Nardo Gray by a long stretch, and that color is the closest thing to it. I decided against it, because I wasn't sure if it was going to be close enough to an actual Nardo.

[treejs4]

Beautiful car but definitley should not take 40 + hours. I just did an 2014 S8 by myself in 25 hours. Also not sure on the price you were given but even without doing people favors I offer wraps for our sized cars around $1800. If anyone's in the tri-state area let me know! Not trying to thread jack, because your car looks beautiful !

[joediesel]

Thank you! If I may suggest one for you, I'd go with 3M Satin White Aluminum (S120). My favorite OEM color is Nardo Gray by a long stretch, and that color is the closest thing to it. I decided against it, because I wasn't sure if it was going to be close enough to an actual Nardo.

I found this http://vvividshop.com/products/gloss...nt=16691809284

Not sure as to the quality, but it looks like Nardo!. Thinking about a wrap myself but unsure of durability

[pbudra15]

Some pictures from last night after I cleaned Penny!

Mostly focused on the inside of the door for those interested to see how the wrap ended

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[pbudra15]

Beautiful car but definitley should not take 40 + hours. I just did an 2014 S8 by myself in 25 hours. Also not sure on the price you were given but even without doing people favors I offer wraps for our sized cars around $1800. If anyone's in the tri-state area let me know! Not trying to thread jack, because your car looks beautiful !

Thank you! I was charged a flate rate regardless if it took him 10 hours or 100 hours, but he charged just over your quoted price. Like I said, all the other "reputable" shops weren't below $3000 for a wrap. The finished product is all that matters, but I would never have the patience to do it myself.

Great pricing for your wrap jobs too!

I found this http://vvividshop.com/products/gloss...nt=16691809284

Not sure as to the quality, but it looks like Nardo!. Thinking about a wrap myself but unsure of durability

If I had to guess, I wouldn't think the quality would be all that great, but who knows! Nardo FTW