Understanding iRacing Wraps & Trading Paints Problems

Lets discuss the process for applying wraps to race cars in iRacing using the required TradingPaints.com platform.

iRacing requires the use of the Trading Paints Downloader application from which can be downloaded here. This application / service to allows other drivers (players) to see your active wraps while in sim.

Avoid Frustration:

Before we begin, let me explain a couple of things regarding wraps showing up for you and others in iRacing. I used to get VERY frustrated with iRacing and Trading paints until I realized what may be the cause of all my frustration.

There is a setting in iRacing that controls the placement of numbers on the racecar. There are two different op􀆟ons that iRacing members (drivers) use. Either they have custom number sets applied to their car or they use sim stamped (generated) numbers.

  • Sim Stamped: iRacing will generate a number on your vehicle based on either the preferred number you have set in the iRacing options, or it will change that number based on your iRacing for a certain session. Sometimes you will get the #1 car, sometimes you will get your preferred number, and other times you will be one of the car numbers available in the field completely based on your ranking for that split you are currently racing in.
  • Custom Numbers: If your wrap design had a custom number applied, meaning it is a specific style and size etc.
  • Hide Car Numbers (iRacing Options Setting): In iRacing there is a setting that MUST be changed in order for you to see your custom number. if you CHECK the box then your CUSTOM / HARDCODED number will show up in sim for you.

IMPORTANT: YOU AND ALL OTHER DRIVERS IN YOUR SESSION MUST HAVE HIDE CAR NUMBERS CHECKED IF YOU ARE RUNNING A CUSTOM NUMBER WRAP!!!!

Launch the sim, open OPTIONS > GRAPHIC > LOCATE “HIDE CAR NUMBERS” > CHECK THE BOX AND PRESS DONE.

EACH DRIVER / PARTICIPANT MUST HAVE THIS SETTING SET IN ORDER TO SEE YOUR CUSTOM NUMBER!

I will try to explain this the best I can without creating more confusion.

CHECK HIDE CAR NUMBER = CUSTOM HARDCODED NUMBER SEEN IN SIM
UN-CHECK HIDE CAR NUMBER = iRacing WILL stamp a number in sim based off the randomly assigned number you receive for the session.

CONFUSION and SOURCE OF ALL FRUSTRATION!!!!
Some drivers may say I dont see your wrap in sim even if you or some may be able to see it. This is due to the local setting they have in there sim.

EXAMPLE: Lets say your opponent sees your car running default iRacing generic paint with a sim stamped number assigned from that session but you and another opponent sees your custom hardcoded number and wrap. THIS IS 99% of the time due to them having the setting different in there sim. Maybe they don't run custom wraps, or maybe they have a custom wrap but no hardcoded number. Then they will leave the HIDE CAR NUMBERS box unchecked.

WHAT CAN I DO SO ALL DRIVERS REGARDLESS OF THE SETTING SEES MY CUSTOM WRAP WITH CUSTOM NUMBER OR NO CUSTOM NUMBER? Your graphic designer will have to upload your custom designed wrap to the car model in Trading Paints in both SIM-STAMPED NUMBER & CUSTOM NUMBER pages. Then YOU will have to click Race This Paint for both version provided by your graphic designer.

  • SIM-STAMPED

  • CUSTOM NUMBER

WRAP CHANGES
The trading paints downloader has the be refreshed EVERY time there is a change in wraps. So if you or another driver visits TradingPaints.com and updates what you are running then you have to do one of two options.

REFRESHING PAINTS

Option 1.) press CTRL+R while trading paints is running to re-download all paints including yours and what other drivers are running.

Option 2.) if the first option doesn't work (unfortunately VERY often the case) then close out the Trading Paints downloader and re-open it.

Still not working? KEEP REPEATING