There are two options if you wish to give your car a new look by changing the colour and eventually adding extra decorations: either repaint it, or use total / partial car wrapping. Until now, painting was the most common method, while wrapping, which is more recent, uses advanced materials, giving more possibilities.
Is car wrapping always possible?
Wrapping can be applied to any type of vehicle, regardless of its size and shape. The only restriction is the state of the vehicle paint. A wrapping film is extremely strong, but it is also very thin. Therefore, any scratches or imperfections will become visible through car wrapping.
In short, wrapping is always possible, unless the car bodywork is not in good condition.
Car personalization: custom vinyl auto wraps
If you want to customize your car, you will love wrapping. You can use any colour, with gradients and a genuine four-colour printing. The design is created in advance by working on an image, on a dedicated computer program, before the film is printed.
In addition, it is also possible to wrap the windows thanks to car wrapping, which is not possible with paint. In fact, when using a microperforated film, the print from the outside looks amazing, while the inside vision from remains perfect. As an additional benefit, we can also mention that this film can protect from the sun’s rays.
There is also a wide choice of finishing: matt, metallic or even textured wrapping film.
Ready-to-use templates to make the layout are also available. Just select your vehicle type and the DTP software will convert the dimensions as well as simulate a mock-up that follows the outline of the bodywork.
Such extensive customisation would only possible with paintwork on an extremely high budget.
Protection of the car bodywork
A quality wrapping film is guaranteed for up to 10 years, which means that it can last much longer. Its colours do not fade with time and exposure to the weather or the sun’s UV rays.
Such a film will protect painting on your car bodywork. If you wish to replace it, simply remove the film heating it, deactivating the adhesive. Paintwork remains intact underneath, which is also an advantage if you plan to resell your vehicle.
Vehicle maintenance
The wrapping film is water-resistant. It can be easily washed, even with automatic rollers or high-pressure cleaners. However, you will not have to wax or polish the to remove abrasion marks, as you do with paint.
Applying the car wrap
You can either install the wrapping yourself or have it done by a professional. Just wrap it, even if you don’t have a lot of experience, if the covered area remains fairly flat (door, rear window, etc.). Start by moistening the adhesive with soapy water to deactivate the adhesive. Once the film is properly positioned, remove the bubbles with a squeegee. As it dries, the adhesive will work again.
However, for a complete car wrapping, you should hire a professional. He will use a car wrapping heat gun so that the film becomes malleable and perfectly fits the shape of your vehicle.
Car wrapping prices
The costs of car wrapping and automotive paintwork are comparable. Depending on the complexity of your design and the quality of raw materials, you should expect prices ranging from €2,000 to €5,000.
