Marine Graphics

Yes, our marine-grade wraps are specifically made to endure harsh sun, water exposure, and even saltwater environments. The vinyl and laminate we use are UV-resistant, so they won’t fade quickly even under constant sun. In fact, many boat wraps last 5 years or more with vibrant colors, which is comparable to (or better than) gelcoat in terms of fade. Water itself is not an issue – the vinyl is waterproof and the adhesive actually strengthens a bit after getting wet and then drying the first few times. For saltwater, salt is naturally a bit corrosive, but as long as you rinse your boat with fresh water after use (which most boat owners do anyway), the salt shouldn’t harm the vinyl. The laminate protects the printed graphics from salt crystals or any chemicals. We’ve wrapped boats for ocean use and they hold up well; just avoid letting salt sit on the surface for weeks without cleaning. The biggest consideration is the submersion. We typically end wraps at the waterline or above, because below that, two things happen: marine growth (algae, barnacles) can attach to the vinyl just like they would to hull paint, and constant water pressure can potentially start lifting edges over long periods. If you keep your boat in the water long-term, you’ll still need bottom paint below the waterline for anti-fouling; we wrap the part above that. If you have a boat lift or trailer, and the boat is mostly out of water except when using, we can sometimes extend the wrap slightly below the waterline for full coverage look, but again the main visuals are above water. In short, sun and water are fine for the wrap – just give it the same care you give the rest of your boat (rinse off salt, etc.). The materials are designed for outdoor use, including marine settings. Many fishing boats, tour boats, etc., are wrapped and they do great for years. If any section does get damaged (say a sharp dock edge tears a bit of vinyl), it’s usually easy for us to patch or re-wrap that section. So you can boat confidently knowing your graphics will ride out the elements.

This depends on the texture. If it’s something like a slightly textured fiberglass (some boats have a very slight “orange peel” gelcoat – that’s usually okay, the vinyl can conform and stick). If it’s heavily textured, like a non-skid deck surface or raw wood, vinyl won’t stick well or will show the texture strongly through it. We generally do not wrap over non-skid pads on decks; instead, we cut around those or remove and reapply them after if possible. On hulls, most are smooth. If your hull has a lot of molded-in features (steps or channels), we can wrap those by either stretching the vinyl in or piecing it with seams in the recesses (whichever gives better longevity; sometimes it’s better to piece a separate vinyl strip into a deep channel rather than super stretch one piece – we decide case by case). If a boat’s surface has old decal ridges or oxidation, we’ll smooth that out as mentioned in prep, because those can show through otherwise. We’ve also had inquiries about wrapping things like inflatable RIB tubes or canvas – generally vinyl wraps are for hard surfaces, not flexible inflatables or cloth. However, we can do printed stick-on panels for some inflatables, but durability varies. We’ll advise based on your boat. But for the typical fiberglass/metal hull and superstructure – as long as it’s not extremely rough, we can wrap it. If it is rough, sometimes we’ll recommend painting that area or smoothing it first. Our team will assess your boat beforehand and let you know if any areas are problematic. In many cases, we can find a solution (for example, apply an extra adhesive promoter on a slight texture to help adhesion). So the short answer: most likely yes for normal boat surfaces; for unusual textures, we’ll evaluate and be honest about what’s possible.

Caring for boat graphics is similar to caring for a car wrap, with a couple of marine-specific notes. We recommend washing with a mild soap (boat soap or car soap) and a soft cloth or sponge. You can use a soft brush on larger areas, just ensure it’s not a stiff bristle that could scratch the laminate. Power washers can be used carefully – keep the nozzle at least 2 feet away and don’t go too aggressive on edges or seams. Actually, many people successfully power wash their wraps; just avoid a super narrow nozzle setting right up close. For removing algae or scum near the waterline: there are hull cleaner products, but some are acidic – you should avoid strong acids on the vinyl as they could stain or dull it. Instead, using a gentle boat cleaner or even a diluted vinegar solution can help with waterline staining, followed by a good rinse. Always test a small area if you’re unsure. No abrasive polishing compounds or sanding on the vinyl! If you normally polish your hull, skip those sections that are wrapped. You also don’t need to wax the vinyl – it won’t shine more (vinyl is already glossy if gloss laminate). In fact, some waxes can leave a residue. If you want, you can use a silicone or polymer based detailer spray to add slickness, but it’s optional. If your boat lives in water, marine growth might attach to the vinyl at/below the waterline just like it would to paint – you’ll still need to periodically clean the hull bottom. You can use a soft brush or cloth for that – vinyl can handle gentle scrubbing. For any fuel spills (common around filler ports), wipe them off the vinyl reasonably soon so it doesn’t sit and degrade the adhesive. The laminate is fuel-resistant, so occasional drips won’t harm if cleaned. And as with any boat, fresh water rinse after saltwater use is good practice. Another tip: avoid dragging sharp objects (like metal buckles, hooks) across the wrap – it can scratch. If you do get scratches in the laminate, usually they’re only visible up close and won’t affect the color. In summary, wash gently, be mindful of harsh chemicals, and your boat wrap will stay vibrant. We’ll provide a care guide with do’s and don’ts when we finish your installation. Following those, your graphics should remain the pride of the marina for years!