Difference Between Exterior and Interior Wraps

The art of complete vehicle customization goes beyond the exterior. You can transform both the outside and the cabin of your with an exquisite wrap, demonstrating the power of design and unique personalization. But are interior and exterior wraps different from each other? Yes. Exterior wraps are made with weather-resistant vinyl and have a sturdier construction as they have to endure the harsh environment every day. Interior wraps, though scratch and UV-resistant, focus more on the aesthetics. Let’s delve deeper into the main differences between exterior and interior wraps. 

Exterior vs. Interior Wraps

When you think of giving your car a makeover, wraps are the top choice. They are a popular way for not only customization but also protecting the exposed surfaces of the vehicle. Do all wraps serve the same purpose? No. Exterior and interior wraps may seem similar at first glance, but they serve distinct functions and are different from each other. Let’s see how they compare and what sets them apart. 

1. Different Areas of Application

Exterior car wraps are applied to the body of the vehicle. You can give complete coverage with them or just opt for partial installation on the hood, roof, trunk, or wing mirrors in contrast with the original paint. This creates an exquisite design element making your car distinctive on the road. 

Interior wraps are applied to different surfaces inside a car’s cabin such as the dashboard, center console, door panels, steering wheel trim, and interior pillars. You can wrap some or all of these parts complementing the color of the seat covers of your ride. 

2. Exterior Wraps Have High Resistance to Elements 

Since exterior wraps are applied to the body of the vehicle, they come in contact with the harsh elements in the environment directly, hence they have a robust construction with high weather-resistant properties. They are waterproof and can bravely endure the UV rays and minor chips and dings caused by road debris when you drive around town. 

Interior car wraps are also resistant to scratches and harsh sunlight but they are not as robust as exterior wraps since they are not directly exposed to the elements. They focus more on beautifying the overall look of the cabin.

3. Differences in Materials and Construction

An exterior car wrap is a high-performance film made with Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) and other additives such as plasticizers and pigments that make it flexible and sturdy and give it a vibrant color. Depending on their mode of manufacturing, they can be either cast or calendared vinyl films. 

The wraps that you apply to the cabin of your car can be made of vinyl, fabric, or suede-like materials. They often feature textured finishes like carbon fiber, brushed metal, wood grain, or leather to increase their beauty and give them a more luxurious feel. 

4. Exterior Wraps have a Stronger Adhesive

Vinyl wraps for cars feature a layer of high-strength adhesive that firmly bonds to the surface and cannot be removed easily. This is because a wrap is exposed to all types of hazards on the road from extreme weather to bird droppings, bug splatter, minor dents, scratches, and tar. You do not want it to come off easily. 

The adhesive on the interior cabin wraps is not as strong comparatively, allowing them to be removed without damaging the surface underneath. You do not want adhesive residue and marks on your dashboard, right? Having said that, it is important to know that if you have invested in a good-quality wrap and applied it correctly, it will not lift or peel off itself. 

5. Different Installation Procedures

Exterior car wraps require professional installation using advanced techniques. If you want an excellent finish and longevity of the vinyl you have applied, you must follow the right method of application for which you must have knowledge, expertise, and a lot of practice. Vinyl that’s installed correctly also comes off, when it is time to remove it, without leaving excessive residue or damaging the underlying paint.

The method of applying interior wraps is somewhat simpler. You may not require advanced skills for this. The material is designed for a hassle-free installation that doesn’t demand specialized tools beyond a knife, squeegee, and a heat source. With a bit of patience and practice, you can get a clean and professional look and the wrap will stay for a long time too.  

6. The Contrast in Varieties  

Exterior wraps offer a broad range of choices, including glossy, matte, satin, chrome, carbon fiber, and color-shifting finishes. They have an extensive range of colors as well, including many unique ones that are not seen on vehicles, making yours a feast for the eyes.  

Interior wraps, on the other hand, focus more on texture and aesthetics, with options like brushed metal, wood grain, leather, or suede-like look. The variety in colors is excellent but not as extensive as that of exterior films. 

Key Differences Summarized

Choose the Perfect Wrap for your Car!

For a resilient, long-lasting performance, it is imperative to choose the right wrap for the surface you are planning to cover. Refrain from applying an exterior wrap to the cabin of your vehicle. Do not compromise on the quality of the wrap and use proper installation techniques to get the best results. For premium car wraps that promise the best value for your money, visit Teckwrap now.