Vinyl wrap is measured by calculating the total surface area you need to cover and then factoring in the width of the vinyl roll. This determines the length of vinyl you must purchase.
Here's a breakdown of the process:
- Determine the Surface Area: Calculate the area of each panel you plan to wrap. For complex shapes, break them down into simpler geometric forms (rectangles, triangles, etc.) and add the areas together. Remember to account for any curves or recesses.
- Sum the Areas: Add up the surface areas of all the panels you'll be wrapping to get the total surface area.
- Consider Waste: It's wise to add extra vinyl for errors, complex curves, and seams. A common recommendation is to add 10-15% extra to your calculated total surface area. More complex projects may require even more extra material.
- Account for Roll Width: Vinyl wrap comes in rolls of varying widths (e.g., 5 feet or 60 inches). Divide the total surface area (including extra for waste) by the width of the roll. The result is the length of vinyl you need to purchase.
Example:
Let's say you're wrapping a car with a total surface area of 200 square feet. You want to add 10% for waste, bringing the total to 220 square feet. If the vinyl roll is 5 feet wide:
220 square feet / 5 feet = 44 feet of vinyl needed.
In summary: Vinyl wrap is measured by figuring out the total surface area that needs to be covered, including extra for waste, and then dividing that area by the width of the vinyl roll to determine the length of wrap that must be purchased.
