Car wrapping is an increasingly popular way to transform your vehicle’s look without making a permanent change with a traditional paint job. Whether you’re looking for a complete makeover, a temporary design, or simply want to protect your car’s paint, a car wrap offers a flexible, cost-effective solution. But what exactly does it involve? And why should you consider it?
What is Car Wrapping?
Car wrapping uses a large sheet of vinyl film that is stuck to a vehicle’s exterior using a special adhesive. The wrap is applied directly over the car’s original paint, changing the car’s appearance and offering a variety of colours, finishes, and even custom designs.
One of the biggest plus points of car wrapping is that it’s not permanent. You can remove the wrap without damaging the paint beneath it. So it’s ideal for anyone who likes to change things up or businesses looking for temporary branding on their vehicles.
How the Process Works
It’s not just as simple as slapping a sticker on a car though; there’s a lot more skill and expertise needed. Usually, the process works like this:
Step 1 – Preparation
First, thoroughly clean the vehicle. The surface must be free from dirt, grease, and old wax to ensure the vinyl sticks properly. Any imperfections in the paint could cause issues, so it’s essential to have a smooth, clean surface. Some professionals may even polish the vehicle to make sure they get the best result.
Step 2 – Design and Printing
Once the car is prepped, the next step is creating the design. If you want a custom design, the graphics are printed onto large sheets of vinyl using high-quality printers. These prints are designed to fit the shape and curves of the car. For a full wrap, the vinyl is printed in sections to ensure that it covers the vehicle as seamlessly as possible.
Step 3 – Application
The vinyl film is carefully applied to the car’s exterior. Skilled technicians use heat guns, squeegees and other tools to stretch the vinyl and mould it to the car’s shape. Heat is used to make the vinyl more flexible, especially around tricky areas like bumpers and side mirrors. This needs a steady hand and attention to detail to avoid bubbles, wrinkles, or misalignments.
Step 4 – Trimming and Finishing
After the vinyl is applied, the excess material is trimmed off, and the edges are sealed. The wrap must be perfectly aligned and secure, so any loose edges or wrinkles are smoothed out. This ensures the vinyl stays in place and doesn’t peel off over time.
Step 5 – Curing
Once applied, the wrap needs time to cure and bond properly with the car’s surface. This can take anywhere from a few hours to a day, depending on the vinyl type and weather conditions. This is important for ensuring the wrap adheres strongly and lasts for years to come.
Why Would You Get a Car Wrap?
There are a lot of positives for personal vehicle owners and businesses:
Aesthetic Appeal
This is most people’s reason for getting a wrap. Whether you’re after a bold, eye-catching colour, a unique graphic design, or a textured finish like matte or carbon fibre, wraps can completely change the look of your car without the need for a permanent paint job.
Business Branding
A wrap turns your company vehicle into mobile advertising, promoting your brand and contact information wherever you go. It’s an affordable way to get exposure and business, particularly for companies that rely on local customers.
Paint Protection
Think of your wrap as a giant shield, protecting your vehicles from scratches, chips, and fading in sunlight. This added protection can help preserve the car’s original paintwork, especially if you plan to resell it later.
Temporary Design
Unlike a permanent paint job, a car wrap is removable. So if you get bored of the design or fancy a change, you can have it taken off without damaging the car’s paint. This is great for people who enjoy switching things up or for businesses that want to run limited-time promotions.
The Advantages and Disadvantages of Car Wrapping
Like anything, car wrapping has its pros and cons.
Advantages:
Cost-Effective
Car wraps tend to be more affordable than a full respray, especially if you want a custom colour or design. The price will vary depending on the size of the vehicle and the type of wrap, but it’s usually cheaper than traditional paint jobs.
Customisation
When it comes to colour and design, the possibilities are nearly endless. You can choose from a variety of finishes like gloss, matte, satin, and even chrome. Plus, you can create a completely custom design, to make your vehicle really stand out.
Easy to Maintain
While a car wrap requires some maintenance, it’s generally easier to look after than traditional paint. It’s not as prone to chipping, and washing your wrapped car is as simple as washing any other vehicle.
Quick Application
Wrapping a car typically takes a few days, whereas a traditional paint job can take several weeks. If you need a quick turnaround, a wrap is a your better option.
Disadvantages:
Durability
Although car wraps are durable, that doesn’t mean they’ll last forever. It can fade with UV exposure or start to peel at the edges, especially if not properly maintained. It also won’t be indestructible if hit by rocks or other debris on the road.
Not Suitable for Significant Damage
If your car has body damage like rust or deep scratches, a wrap may not be the best choice. They can struggle to stick properly to rough surfaces, so you’ll need to fix any issues like these before applying.
Maintenance Care
While car wraps are easy to maintain, they do require some special care. Automatic car washes with rough brushes can damage the vinyl, so you’d be better off washing your wrapped vehicle by hand using non-abrasive methods. You’ll also want to avoid parking in areas with lots of bird droppings or tree sap, as these can damage the wrap over time.
Different Types of Car Wrapping
Full Satin Black Wrap for a Hyundai i30N
There are many different types of wraps for you to choose from, depending on the effect you are looking for.
Full Wrap
This covers the entire vehicle and can completely transform its look – ideal for changing the car’s colour or having a custom design applied to the entire surface.
Partial Wrap
Partial wraps are great for those who want to change just a few areas of the vehicle, such as the bonnet, roof, or side panels. These are often more affordable than full wraps, yet still give a striking look.
Colour Change Wrap
If you’re wanting a new colour but don’t want to permanently paint your car, a colour change wrap is the way to go. You can choose from a variety of colours and finishes to get the look you like best.
Printed Wraps
Also known as Graphic wraps, these are used to apply custom designs, logos, and promotional messages – great for businesses using their vehicle as a moving adverts.
Paint Protection Film (PPF)
While not technically a wrap, PPF is a clear, protective film that can be applied over your car’s paint. It prevents chips, scratches, and fading while preserving the original paint.
How Much Does Car Wrapping Cost?
This can vary depending on many factors, including the size of the vehicle, how complex the design is, and the type of wrap used. Our colour change wraps start from £1700 + VAT, whilst printed wraps start from £2000 + VAT. For our partial wraps and custom graphics, it’s best to contact us directly to get a price. [Link to either page about wrapping, or contact form]
How Long Does a Car Wrap Last?
A high-quality wrap can last anywhere from 3 to 7 years, depending on the vinyl used and how well the wrap is maintained. Exposure to the elements, frequent washing, and how the car is stored can affect how long the wrap will last. Taking good care can make your wrap last longer, so it’s worth taking the time to look after it.
Conclusion
Car wrapping is a fantastic way to change the look of your vehicle and express your personality — all without committing to a permanent paint job. Whether you’re looking to give your car a fresh new look, advertise your business, or simply preserve the original paint, a car wrap offers more flexibility and room for individuality than a traditional paint job, so your vehicle will be seen at its best.
Get in touch with us today to find the right option for your vehicle.
