A 3M car wrap (Maryland)

You probably already know that 3M provides the best materials for car wraps on the market. But how can you choose the best, 3M-certified installers? Luckily for you, we’ve done the research and put together a full guide that shows you your best options in Maryland.

In this guide, we’ll cover:

  • The three best 3M-certified vehicle wrap services in Maryland
  • How 3M wraps stack up against alternatives
  • Tips for taking care of your 3M car wrap
  • Unpacking how vehicle wraps impact your resale value

P.S. If you want a team of professionals that isn’t just 3M certified, but endorsed, you’ll want to check out AP Graphics. Our certification means we have extensive experience and training with 3M products, ensuring the highest quality car wrap installation for your vehicle.

The 3 Best 3M-Certified Vehicle Wrap Services in Maryland

Here’s our roundup of the top three places in Maryland to get your 3M car wrap installed:

  1. AP Graphics: Ideal for 3M wraps on both vehicles for all use cases, personal and commercial.
  2. Full Throttle Wraps & Graphics: A simple, to-the-point wrapping service without any frills.
  3. RoadRunner: A reliable choice for many in the area.

Now, let’s take a closer look at each one:

#1: AP Graphics

AP Graphics, a premier car wrap provider in Maryland, offers innovative, high-quality wrap designs, backed by a team of 3M-certified professionals using the best technology and materials. AP Graphics provides a wide range of services, including full vehicle wraps, partial wraps, color changes, and custom designs.

Best For: High-quality, custom wraps for both commercial and personal vehicles.

  • Pricing: Contact us for a complimentary consultation and personalized quote.
  • Customer Reviews: “AP Graphics provided outstanding service from start to finish. Faced with rebranding of our entire company meant that our fleet of 36 vehicles had to be stripped and rebranded, quickly. Their talent, professionalism and kindness made working with them a pleasure. Five stars! Thank you!” — Kim Popowski, Marketing Director, PBI
  • Warranty & Service Guarantees: Backed by the official 3M MCS Warranty.
  • Location & Contact Info:
    • Phone number: 866-390-6790
    • Location: 5397 Enterprise St, Sykesville, MD 21784

Portfolio:

#2: Full Throttle Wraps & Graphics

Specializing in custom wraps and signage, Full Throttle offers personalized services in Maryland, with a focus on custom lettering and unique designs.

Best For: Straightforward, custom wrap and signage services without unnecessary complexities.

  • Pricing: Custom quote required.
  • Customer Reviews: “Had my first of hopefully man dealings with these guys today. Couldn’t be happier with the outcome. Great people, easy to deal with, and couldn’t be happier with how the finish product came out. Keep up the great work and I look forward to many years of business with you guys. Thank you from Shane @ Outlaw Diesel Performance” — Shane H.
  • Warranty & Service Guarantees: No explicit mention.
  • Location & Contact Info:
    • Phone number: (484) 584-5607
    • Location: 2744 Pulaski Hwy, Newark, DE 19702

Portfolio:

#3: RoadRunner

RoadRunner, a popular choice in the state for vehicle wrapping, provides an extensive selection of vinyl wrap services known for reliability and expertise.

Best For: Dependable vehicle wraps delivered by an experienced team, perfect for a variety of needs.

  • Pricing:
    • Partial wrap starting around $500
    • Full wrap from $1,500 to $3,500
  • Customer Reviews: Just had my logos put on the van at their shop in Beltsville. The whole process was pretty quick and easy. They worked with my logos and came up with the layout for me. I will be bringing my other work vans to them in the future. Nice work. Thanks guys — David L. (Greenbelt, MD).
  • Warranty & Service Guarantees: Print and installation warranties offered.
  • Location & Contact Info:
    • Phone number: 301-937-3777
    • Location: Kwik Signs 11215 Old Baltimore Pike, Beltsville, MD 20705

Portfolio:

3M Wraps vs. Other Vinyl Wraps

Durability and Longevity

  • 3M Car Wraps: Known for their exceptional durability, 3M wraps are designed to withstand various environmental conditions without fading or peeling. Their high-quality vinyl and adhesive technology contribute to a longer lifespan.
  • Other Car Wraps: While many are durable, they may not always match the longevity and resilience against weathering and UV rays provided by 3M’s advanced material technology.

Variety of Finishes and Textures

  • 3M Car Wraps: 3M offers a wide range of finishes, including matte, gloss, satin, carbon fiber, and brushed metal, providing extensive creative options for customization.
  • Other Car Wraps: Other brands also offer various finishes, but the range and uniqueness of textures and effects can be more limited compared to 3M’s extensive catalog.

Ease of Installation and Removal

  • 3M Car Wraps: 3M wraps are engineered for easier installation, reducing the likelihood of bubbles and wrinkles. Their non-aggressive adhesive allows for simpler removal without damaging the vehicle’s paint.
  • Other Car Wraps: While many are user-friendly, installers might find some brands less forgiving during application and removal, which can potentially lead to higher labor costs or risk to the vehicle’s original paint.

Print Quality and Color Accuracy

  • 3M Car Wraps: 3M is renowned for its vibrant, consistent colors and high-definition print quality. Their wraps maintain color fidelity and clarity, ensuring that the final result is a true representation of the intended design.
  • Other Car Wraps: Competing brands may offer high-quality printing, but there can be variations in color accuracy and print clarity, which might affect the overall aesthetic of the wrap.

Warranty and Customer Support

  • 3M Car Wraps: 3M often provides a robust warranty for their car wraps, backed by excellent customer support. This warranty can be particularly reassuring for customers looking for a long-term investment.
  • Other Car Wraps: While warranties are available from other manufacturers, they may not be as comprehensive as 3M’s, and customer support experiences can vary.

How to Maintain Your New 3M Vinyl Wrap

Just because your 3M vinyl wrap will keep your vehicle looking brand new for years to come doesn’t mean you can neglect basic maintenance. While 3M wraps are highly durable, they still require regular care to ensure their longevity and keep your vehicle looking its best.

  • Washing: Just like with any car paint job, it’s essential to regularly wash your vinyl wrap to remove dirt and debris that can build up over time. Use a mild soap and warm water, and avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive sponges that can damage the wrap.
  • Drying: After washing, make sure to dry your car thoroughly with a soft, clean cloth or chamois. Avoid air drying as it can leave behind unsightly water spots.
  • Avoid Extreme Temperatures: While 3M wraps are designed to withstand both hot and cold temperatures, it’s still best to avoid extreme conditions. Parking in a shaded area during hot summer months or using a car cover can help protect the wrap from potential damage.
  • Avoid Harsh Chemicals: When cleaning your vehicle, be sure to avoid harsh chemicals like gasoline, oil-based cleaners, and solvents, as they can cause damage to the vinyl wrap.
  • Regular Inspections: It’s a good idea to inspect your vehicle regularly for any signs of wear and tear, especially in high-stress areas such as edges or corners. If you spot any damages, it’s best to have them repaired as soon as possible to prevent further damage.
  • Professional Installation: While 3M wraps are easy to install, it’s always best to have a professional do the job. They have the necessary experience and tools to ensure a proper installation, which will ultimately prolong the lifespan of your wrap.
  • Touch-Up Kits: If you do happen to get any small scratches or scuffs on your vinyl wrap, 3M offers touch-up kits specifically designed for their wraps. These kits can help maintain the appearance of your car and prevent any further damage.

In addition to these care tips, there are also some general guidelines you should keep in mind when it comes to maintaining your vinyl wrap.

  • First, avoid using high-pressure washers or steam cleaners on your car as they can cause damage to the wrap.
  • It’s also important to never wax or polish your vinyl wrap as it can cause discolouration and damage to the material.
  • If you do want to give your car a shine, there are vinyl wrap-specific products available that will not harm the material.
  • Also, be careful when parking next to other cars or objects as they may contain abrasive materials that can scratch or damage your wrap.

And lastly, try to regularly clean and maintain your vinyl wrap according to 3M’s guidelines for the best results. This will not only keep your car looking its best, but it will also help extend the lifespan of your vinyl wrap.

How Does A 3M Car Wrap Affect Resale Value?

Unfortunately, there’s no black-and-white answer to this question. Some wraps will preserve your car’s resale value, some will drop it. Let’s run through both scenarios and why:

Car Wraps That Lower Resale Value

  • Personalization: If you chose a wild pattern or custom design for your car wrap, it may not appeal to the majority of potential buyers. This can result in a lower resale value as it limits the pool of interested buyers.
  • Poor Installation: A sloppy or poorly installed vinyl wrap can also decrease the value of your car. It can make potential buyers question the quality and care of the rest of the vehicle.
  • Color Change: While vinyl wraps offer a wide range of color options, some buyers may not be keen on your chosen color.

Car Wraps That Maintain Resale Value

  • Vehicle Protection: A well-maintained vinyl wrap can actually protect the paint underneath, resulting in a higher resale value. The vinyl acts as a barrier against scratches, UV rays, and other environmental factors.
  • Removability: One of the great things about vinyl wraps is that they can easily be removed without damaging the underlying paint. This means potential buyers can keep or remove the wrap, making your car more appealing to a wider range of buyers.
  • Quality Installation: A professional and high-quality installation can also increase the value of your car, as it shows that care was taken during the process. Look to 3M-certified and endorsed professionals like AP Graphics to ensure your installation is high-quality.

Put briefly, car wraps can either decrease or maintain the resale value of your car. Choosing a personalized, poorly installed, or unusual color wrap may lower its value. However, a well-maintained and professional installation can actually protect the underlying paint and make your car more appealing to potential buyers.

Get A 3M Car Wrap That Lasts with AP Graphics

In this guide, we’ve covered the best 3M-certified vehicle wrapping services in Maryland, along with some key tips and tricks for getting the most from your car wrap. Here are our key takeaways:

  • AP Graphics is a 3M-certified and endorsed vehicle wrapping company in Maryland.
  • 3M wraps outmatch others in value, durability, and longevity.
  • To preserve your car’s resale value, ensure you get a high-quality, removable installation.

With AP Graphics, you can trust your car wrap installation will be of the highest quality and that your car’s value will be protected. Our team relies on years of experience, countless hours of training, and the best materials in the industry to provide exceptional vehicle wrapping services.

Plus, with our 3M vehicle wrap products, you can have peace of mind knowing your car will look great for years to come. Book a consultation today to find the right wrap for you.