The Allure of Fierce Tiger Stripe Car Vinyl Wraps

The Allure of Tiger Stripe Car Vinyl Wraps

A sleek black car with fierce orange and white tiger-like stripes instantly catches the attention of onlookers. This bold, eye-grabbing color scheme, known as a "tiger stripe" vinyl wrap, is growing rapidly in popularity due to its dramatic visual impact.

What is a Vinyl Car Wrap?

A vinyl wrap refers to a thin, flexible vinyl film printed with decorative graphics or solid colors that is installed onto the exterior of a vehicle. Quality automotive vinyl wraps protect the car's original paint while allowing owners to customize the look of their ride.

Vinyl technology has improved tremendously over the past decade. Modern wraps are thicker, more conformable to curves, and use high-tech air release systems to prevent bubbles and wrinkles during installation. This leads to a seamless, painted-on appearance that looks integrated into the car rather than tacked on.

The Origin of Tiger Stripe Car Wraps

Tiger stripe wraps take inspiration from the large predatory cat's distinctive orange and black or white striped fur pattern. These high-contrast colors and organic shapes are adapted to fit the lines and panels of cars for an especially fierce look.

This style first emerged in the 1990s hot rod scene, typically appearing on muscle cars like the Ford Mustang, Chevrolet Camaro, and Dodge Charger. Turning to vinyl rather than expensive custom paint allowed more affordable yet still head-turning personalization.

Modern Tiger Stripe Wraps

What began as a trend in auto racing and hot rodding has exploded in popularity with everyday performance car enthusiasts. Clean lines and geometric shapes that integrate with the car's body distinguish many contemporary tiger stripe wraps.

Matte or glossy solid black cars wrapped with bold orange and white swaths down the center lines create a focused impact. The tiger pattern may veer fluidly across hoods, roofs, trunks, and side panels or snap sharply down the edges for variation.

Some wraps add checkered flags, painted claws, or stylized tiger heads for a more literal reference. Others incorporate chrome silver and smoke gray tones into the stripes for a more subtle effect.

What Cars Suit Tiger Stripe Wraps?

While available for nearly any vehicle, tiger vinyl graphics look best on performance coupes and sports cars with sleek, powerful body lines. This includes favorites like:

• Dodge Charger
• Chevrolet Camaro
• Ford Mustang
• BMW M3
• Nissan 370Z
• Subaru WRX

Black, white, gray, and silver base colors allow the fiery orange and white accents to stand out. Gloss black best represents a tiger's shiny coat but matte finishes are popular for their distinctive flat texture.

Advantages of Tiger Stripe Vinyl Wraps

Why might driving enthusiasts choose fierce tiger graphics over a standard paint job or solid color wrap?

Cost Savings

Professionally painting a car with custom tiger striping costs several thousand dollars. Quality vinyl wraps with printed graphics cost a fraction of the price. If the style ever feels tired, the film can be removed.

Protection

Vinyl film protects the original paint from scratches, road debris, UV rays, and environmental contaminants. Tiger wraps help preserve the car's resale value versus leaving the paint unprotected.

Customization

Each tiger stripe wrap can be tailored with unique stripe widths, shapes, colors, andintegration with specific vehicle body lines. This one-of-a-kind appearance helps cars stand apart.

Durability

When professionally installed on properly prepared surfaces, quality automotive vinyl films last 5 to 7 years on exteriors. Tiger graphics withstand dings and abrasions better than delicate paint.

Caring for Tiger Stripe Wrapped Cars

While thick, durable vinyl stands up well compared to paint, proper cleaning and care helps tiger wraps last. Consider these tips:

• Rinse with water frequently to prevent dirt buildup
• Use specialized vinyl cleaners instead of soaps which can break down adhesives
• Avoid abrasive brushes, towels, and auto wash equipment
• Touch up any vinyl edges coming loose with heat from a professional
• Wax paintable vinyl wraps to restore gloss

Well-maintained vinyl with tiger striping should endure for years before needing replacement. When the time comes to change up the look, the original paint will still be pristine.

Roaring Ahead with Tiger Stripe Style

Tiger stripe and animal print car wraps offer creative, eye-grabbing style perfect for sporty vehicle body lines. Vinyl films provide more affordable, customizable, and protective decor than paint with professional installation quality that appears integrated into the car.

The surge of vibrant orange, white, and black tiger graphics energizes car shows and the streets. As automotive vinyl wrapping quality and durability continue to advance, so will dramatic colors and designs that help customized cars stand out from the crowd.

FAQs

What is the average cost of a tiger stripe vinyl wrap?

A full vinyl wrap with custom printed tiger graphics averages $2,000-$4,000 professionally installed. This is far less expensive than a custom paint job achieving the same effect. Wrap prices vary based on the complexity of the design, car size, regional labor costs, and material quality.

Can I install a tiger stripe vinyl wrap myself?

It is possible for an experienced auto enthusiast to self-install vinyl wrap film, but tiger stripe graphics pose some challenges. The intricate masking, heating, stretching, and precise cutting around intricate body panels is best left to seasoned wrapping professionals. Mistakes become very costly if the vinyl sheet is damaged.

Is it difficult to clean a vinyl wrap?

Quality vinyl wraps are quite durable and resist dirt well. However, gently hand washing with specialized vinyl cleaners instead of harsh detergents is important. Abrasive cloths, brushes, or car wash equipment can dull and scratch the film over time, damaging the tiger stripe graphics.

Can I put tiger stripes on any color car?

For best contrast allowing the fiery orange and white graphics to pop visually, install tiger striping over black, gray, white, or silver base vehicles. The wraps adhere well to gloss, matte, pearl, metallic, and other solid paint colors that provide a neutral foundation.