The Truth About Materials - Good Vinyl vs. Bad Vinyl

Part 4 of our Vehicle Graphics Series: Making Vehicle Branding Work for You

In Part 3, we looked at how half wraps and smart design can deliver serious impact without the full coverage. This time, we’re talking about something that can make or break your graphics entirely, the quality of the vinyl itself.

Not all vinyl is created equal, and unfortunately, not all of it is kind to paintwork. Good quality wrapping film protects the surface underneath; cheap film can do lasting damage. It really is that simple.

The MOBAD van is fully wrapped in 3M coloured and printed vinyl

Why Materials Matter

The right vinyl does more than carry your branding, it protects your investment. Quality wrapping film shields the paint from UV fade, light scratches, and grime. When the wrap comes off, the paint looks as fresh as the day it went on.

That’s one of the main reasons wraps are so popular with leased or newer vehicles. They work hard for your marketing budget, and they help keep your vehicle looking newer for longer.

But when the wrong materials are used, the opposite happens. We’ve seen it first-hand; film that cracks, fades, stains, or leaves stubborn residue behind. It’s not worth the short-term saving.

A Real Example

We recently removed a set of graphics from a vehicle that had been completed elsewhere, and the results were shocking. The pigment from the yellow film had actually stained the paint, leaving a permanent yellow shadow behind.

Ideally, that vehicle would need a full respray, the staining is never coming out. It was the perfect reminder that cheaper materials almost always cost more in the long run.

Hello pigment has transferred onto the vehicle from this vinyl we removed

Trusted Names, Proven Results

Wrapping the MOBAD van in 3M 2080 Matte Indigo Blue

That’s why we only use trusted, long-established brands such as 3M, Oracal, Arlon, and Avery. These materials have been tested and refined over decades and are designed specifically for professional vehicle applications.

They offer:

Predictable, consistent performance.

Reliable adhesives that protect rather than damage paintwork.

Strong colour stability and UV resistance.

Clean, easy removal when it’s time for a refresh.

There’s a reason these names are recognised across the industry, they’ve earned it. They perform exactly as they should, every time.

The Right Environment and Expertise Matter Just as Much

Even the best vinyl can only perform as well as the environment it’s fitted in. Clean, temperature-controlled conditions make a huge difference to how well graphics bond to the surface. Dust, moisture, or cold can all compromise adhesion before the vehicle even leaves the workshop.

Taking the trims off to wrap properly

That’s why all our fitting is carried out in a dedicated, dust-free workshop, with the temperature carefully managed to meet the manufacturer’s recommendations for each film we use.

Our team are trained and accredited installers, following each manufacturer’s specific installation procedures, from surface preparation and panel sequencing to post-heating and finishing. Every material behaves differently, and it’s those small, methodical steps that make sure it performs exactly as it should once it’s out on the road.

It’s that combination of the right materials, the right environment, and the right people that gives wraps their longevity, protecting your vehicle and your brand for years, not months.

We always remove the handles when wrapping a vehicle

The Long-Term View

When vinyl or graphics are first fitted, even cheap materials can look the part. But give it a few months, and the difference shows. Good vinyl stays vibrant and holds its shape; poor-quality film fades, cracks, or shrinks at the edges.

That’s why it’s worth asking what materials are being used when you compare quotes. Two wraps might look identical on day one, but a year down the line, one will still be proudly representing your business while the other looks tired and worn.

At Mobad, we’d rather be up-front about what goes into your graphics. Quality materials cost more but they last longer, protect better, and keep your brand looking professional for years instead of months.

Next Up: Design That Works in the Real World

In the next part of our Vehicle Graphics Series, we’ll look at what separates good design from great design, how to make your graphics work for the way you actually use your vehicles.

We’ll share some real-world examples and explain why the best wraps don’t just look good in photos, they perform where it counts: on the road.