Chrome Motorcycle Wrap – Owner Of A Wrap Shop REAL Experiences
I get excited when my customers choose materials that are going to help them stand out. Not just pick something cool that shifts color, but something that completely transforms how their bike looks.
Chrome motorcycle wrap does just that.
I Was Skeptical About Chrome Motorcycle Wrap Too
When I first started offering chrome wrap, I was hesitant. In the wrap industry, chrome has a bit of a reputation. Don’t get me wrong, it looks incredible, but it is not easy to work with. That being said, once I did my first couple chrome motorcycle wrap jobs, they became some of the most eye-catching bikes that came through our shop.
Reasons I Started Offering Chrome Motorcycle Wrap
Typically when I talk to clients who walk into my shop, they know what they want. Matte black. Satin finishes. Custom printed graphics.
But occasionally I get a customer who walks in and says:
“I don’t know yet. I want something crazy. Something different.”
This is when chrome motorcycle wrap is my go-to recommendation.
Why Chrome Motorcycle Wrap Is A Game Changer
Chrome is unlike any other wrap option you can get. It is not just changing the color of your bike, it completely transforms how your bike looks. It makes your bike go from something people pass by, to instantly catching everyone’s attention.
My Very First Chrome Wrap Job
My first ever chrome wrap job was actually a partial wrap on a sport bike we did. We only wrapped the fuel tank and then did a few pieces on the fairing.
I knew this material was something else before we even finished installing it.
We worked on this bike in our shop for hours under light. It already looked amazing inside. But you wouldn’t believe how much it popped once we took the bike outside. In the sun, the chrome reflected so much light that it literally looked like a mirror.
You should have seen the customer’s face.
That bike ended up creating more customers for my shop just from word of mouth.
Why Customers Choose Chrome Motorcycle Wrap
I have since done many chrome motorcycle wrap jobs. I started to realize why people choose chrome after completing a few.
1. Chrome Gets You Noticed
If you want something that will catch attention while your bike is parked or while you’re riding down the road, chrome does the job.
2. High Quality / Luxury Look
Painting your bike chrome is expensive and not many want to permanently change their bike’s color. A wrap offers that same high-end/chrome look without committing.
3. You Can Customize
Not every rider is going to want to fully wrap their bike in chrome. Some may want an accent here or there. Some may want stripes. Others may want to mix finishes. Point is, chrome opens up your customization options.
4. Wrap Protects Original Paint
Like any wrap, you have the benefit of protecting your original paint from chips, scratches and normal wear.
Chrome Motorcycle Wrap Cons From My Experience
Okay, now for the not so fun stuff. Why chrome motorcycle wrap can be a challenge to work with (from a wrap shop perspective)
- Chrome Surface Prep Is Mandatory
With chrome, if your surface prep isn’t done correctly, you will be able to see every speck of dust, scratch or imperfection.
- There is No Margin Of Error
Regular vinyl can sometimes be forgiving when you make a mistake. With chrome, if you crease it, you’ll pretty much have to cut that piece out and start over.
- Mind. Your. Heat.
Too much heat will melt the finish. Not enough heat and it won’t stretch on the tight corners.
- They Take Longer
Standard bike wraps versus chrome takes less time. I always tell my guys these jobs take patience.
For these reasons, we always make sure our customers know what they are getting into before installing a chrome motorcycle wrap.
Why Quality Of Material Really Does Matter
Early on I learned a lesson with chrome motorcycle wrap.
NOT ALL MATERIALS ARE CREATED EQUAL.
I tried using cheaper chrome wrap material once and thought I was saving my shop money.
Wrong.
The film was difficult to work with. It didn’t stretch very well
- You could see air bubbles underneath
- The finished product didn’t look as smooth
- Film started lifting off within weeks
What cost me more time ended up costing me more money.
Since then I’ve used much higher quality chrome materials with amazing results.
Material That:
- Stretch easier
- Fit complex curves better
- Has better adhesion
- Final finished product looks cleaner
If you’re in the wrap game, your material costs matter. Spending a little more up front can save you tons of headache down the road.
How Do I Recommend Chrome Motorcycle Wrap To Customers
Just because chrome is challenging to work with, doesn’t mean we suggest it for every bike that comes into our shop. It’s a great finish to offer your customers, but make sure you know when it makes sense.
We typically recommend chrome when:
- The customer is looking for a bold and eye-catching look
- They don’t mind standing out from the crowd
- Their bike’s style accents go well with chrome
Believe it or not, we often recommend blending chrome with matte or gloss finishes. When done correctly, this creates a really cool contrast and helps your design pop.
Pro Tips For Other Motorcycle Wrap Shops
Thinking about adding chrome motorcycle wrap to your arsenal? Here are my recommendations:
Do partial wraps first. Don’t jump into full bikes.
Have skilled installers or train your guys correctly.
Invest in the best material you can find.
Pay extra attention to surface prep
Don’t rush the installation
Difficult? Yep. But worth it if you want something that sets your business apart.
Should you offer chrome motorcycle wrap?
If you asked me this question a few years ago when I was just starting my wrap business, I would have said no way. Now that we offer it? Hell yes!
You won’t be able to do as many jobs with this material as something less complicated. But that is not the goal. If you offer chrome wrap you’re looking for high-quality customers that want something that stands out.
Offering chrome motorcycle wrap is an excellent way to brand your shop as a premium service provider. When done right, chrome motorcycle wrap jobs will become some of your best advertisements.
