What is car wrapping?

Car wrapping is a way of changing the look of your vehicle without the need for a complicated and potentially expensive paint respray. It involves completely or partially covering your vehicle with a vinyl film. This film can be used to overlay the vehicle with a different colour or design, add a gloss or matte finish, or simply add a protective layer.

 

A car wrap may also be known as a paint wrap, colour change wrap or paint protection film.

 

How does a car wrap work?

When a car is wrapped, a layer of plastic vinyl coating is stuck over the top of the vehicle’s paintwork.

 

There are normally three stages to car wrapping:

 

1. Taking accurate measurements of the car or using our Vehicle Template library then choosing colours, finishes or graphics to fit.

2. Printing and laminating the vinyl to protect it from scratches/abrasions and UV damage for custom branded vinyls.

3. Applying the vinyl to your vehicle.

 

It can be a fiddly job that won’t look great if it’s not done correctly, so car wrapping should be done by our professionally trained technician. We will be able to properly prepare the surface of your car and ensure the plastic layer is cut to fit each panel.

 

Can car wrapping protect my car?

Potentially, yes. Vinyl car wrapping can help protect the vehicle’s original paintwork from light scratches and chips, and can also protect from UV damage.

 

Note though that car wrapping doesn’t offer the same level of defence as car paint protection treatments, in which a chemical topcoat is applied over the paint.

See our Stek Paint Protection Film range.

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Benefits of having a vehicle wrapped?

There are plenty of reasons for wanting a car wrap. It’s commonly used for advertising, as a custom wrap can display your business’s logo, contact details and graphics as you drive around.

 

Vehicle wrapping can also just be used to personalise or freshen the appearance of a car.

Often, a vinyl wrap proves cheaper than re-spraying a car. You can also experiment with different patterns and designs for a unique look.

 

Once the vinyl starts to look worn, it’s also relatively simple to replace it.

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Also remember that car wrapping counts as a modification, so you’ll need to inform your insurer.
 

Does car wrapping affect the resale value of a car?

When done properly, car wrapping shouldn’t damage the paint underneath, even when it is being removed, so it should not negatively affect the resale value of a car. In fact, the potential protection a wrap offers could keep the paintwork fresh and therefore increase its second-hand appeal.

Types of car wrapping

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There are several different types of car wrap to choose from. Three of the most common top-level choices are:

• Advertising wraps: used to showcase a business’s key information and brand. These are common on vans but can be used on the majority of vehicles.

 

• Clear vinyl wrapping PPF: Paint Protection Film used to preserve and protect the original paintwork but keep the vehicle’s original colour and finish.

 

• Colour Change vinyl wrapping: an opaque film used to change a car’s colour or finish.

 

Common for advertising wraps, but also available to other drivers, are custom prints. With a custom print, you can have any image printed onto your wrap and then applied to your vehicle. These are normally available in both matte and glossy finishes.

 

Do I have to wrap the entire car?

You do not have to wrap your entire car. Instead, you can opt to just re-colour or modify certain areas, like your wing mirrors, roof or door panels.

 

You may also simply choose to add a design or pattern to your car. This can be done using decals or stickers, which are cut out by a machine. The application process is much the same as a regular wrap.

 

Car wrapping maintenance

Can car wraps be washed?

Car wraps can be washed, and a hand wash is the least likely to cause any damage. Drive-through car washes may damage or peel the vinyl wrap. Using PH Neutral snow foam and shampoos are recommended. you may be able to use a pressure washer provided the pressure and temperature are low and you use a wide-angle spray.

 

We can even apply a Ceramic Coating to you new wrap.

 

Regular and gentle washing is one of the best ways to extend the life of your car wrap.

 

Can car wraps be polished?

Many polishes contain abrasives that can damage the vinyl car wrap. There are polishes specially designed for wrapped cars, however, that take a softer approach.

 

Can car wraps be waxed?

Normally, there’ll be no reason to wax a wrapped car, as the vinyl will offer the same result. If you want to wax your vehicle, you should use pure wax, or a wax specially designed for car wrapping.

 

Can car wraps be repaired?

If you look after your vinyl car wrap, you can expect it to last for several years. That said, accidents and poor maintenance can reduce the lifespan. You may also find that natural wear and tear leads to the wrap looking old.

 

Fortunately, it is relatively easy to repair a car wrap. Even full-vehicle vinyl wraps consist of different sections, so you don’t necessarily have to re-wrap your entire car if only one panel needs repairing.
 

Can you take a wrap off a car?

Normally, the vinyl wrap is slowly removed using a heat source like a heat gun. It’s best to have your wrap removed professionally by ourselves to ensure the car is left in the best possible state.