Sprinter Van wrap by the vehicle wrap experts at Iconography. We are proud to have produced and installed this graphic wrap for a Sprinter Van for Surreal Systems, a custom audio/video company located in Anaheim, CA.
Full wraps on Sprinter Vans are a somewhat unique project when done completely – that is, without cutting out the material that wraps into the deep grooves and channels along the vehicle’s side panels. When your graphic wrap is a dark color with photos, such as this one, cutting out the channels really isn’t an option. Instead, a special grade of 3M vehicle wrap material must be used to make sure that the material adheres properly in these deep grooves.
Sprinter Van Wrap Unique Considerations
If you are researching Sprinter Van wraps, you will want to make sure that the company you work with is printing Sprinter Van wraps on 3M’s IJ380 material. This material is ultra-conformable, and will stick in the grooves without later bubbling up. The standard 3MIJ180 vehicle wrap material cannot be used in these grooves – it will lift and bubble over time. Sure, the IJ380 material costs a bit more, but over time it is worth it. If you don’t want to spend the extra money for this material, the other option is to cut away the graphics that would normally fit into the groove. This can work well with certain designs, depending on paint color of the van, which will be seen where the material has been cut away.
Wrapping Sprinter vans involves specific, unique considerations due to their size, intended use, and complex body contours. Special circumstances include managing deep body lines, preparing large, often-used surfaces, and accommodating custom upfits like roof accessories.
Here are the key special circumstances for Sprinter Van Wraps:
- Complex Body Design and Contours
- Deep Recesses and Corrugations: Sprinter vans feature deep, narrow, or wide indentations (corrugations) on the sides. Experienced and certified installers must use specific techniques, such as “bridging” and “cutting/dropping” into these recesses, to prevent the vinyl from lifting later.
- Compound Curves: The front and rear corners, as well as the bonnet/hood, require skilled, 3D-oriented installation to avoid wrinkles and bubbles.
- Surface Preparation and Condition
- Existing Damage: Because Sprinters are often high-use commercial vehicles, they may have dents, rust, or paint chips. The vinyl will not adhere well to rust, and it can actually make dents appear more visible. Rust must be treated before application.
- Deep Cleaning Requirements: The van must be completely free of wax, grease, and grime. Installers often use specialized degreasers and Isopropyl alcohol for final preparation.
- Trim and Emblem Removal: To ensure a clean finish, it is common to remove, or work around, plastic molding, side trim, and badges (especially the Mercedes-Benz star emblem).
- Surface Area and Material Considerations
- Massive Surface Area: As a “moving billboard,” the large, flat sides allow for high-visibility, large-scale graphics, but they require a high volume of vinyl and precise alignment, particularly on long 170″ wheelbase models.
- Material Quality: Given the size, using high-quality cast vinyl (like 3M or Avery) is crucial for durability and resisting lifting, especially with environmental exposure.
- Custom Upfits and Accessories
- Roof Items: Many Sprinters have solar panels, air conditioning units, vents, or roof racks. The wrap must be meticulously cut and sealed around these items.
- Rear Items: Ladders, tire carriers, and rear-door-mounted storage boxes often need to be removed to ensure a proper, durable wrap
- Specialized Environmental Needs
- Campervan Upfits: If the van is a camper conversion, the wrap may need to work around aftermarket windows, awning tracks, or external shower ports.
- Temperature Exposure: For vans used in extreme climates, specialized wrap materials with extra UV protection are recommended.
- Summary of Best Practices
- Cleanliness: Ensure the van is spotless and unwaxed before it enters the shop.
- Professionals: Due to the complex nature of the body lines, professional installation is strongly recommended over DIY.
- Timeline: A full wrap typically takes 2–3 days, requiring the van to be out of service.
Interested in a Sprinter Van wrap? Give the experts at Iconography a call today at 562-424-4353.
