Wrapping a car: the complete guide

In short: Wrapping a car means covering its painted surfaces fully or partially with a film that can be removed again. Before placing the order, there are five decisions: film or paint, how much surface, which finish, which film, and how long it should stay on. After that, care and parking determine how long the wrap looks good. This guide summarises all points and links to the detailed articles.

What a car wrap is in principle and how it is made is explained in our article Professional vehicle wrapping. Here it is about the decisions along the way.

1. Film or paint?

The first question is whether film is the right route at all. Film can be removed again, preserves the original paint and allows effects such as matte, satin or colour-shift. Paint is permanent and has no edges. The deciding factor is often the condition of the paint: film covers colour, but not stone chips, dents or rust.

In detail: Car wrap or paint job: an honest comparison

2. How much surface?

• Full wrap: the whole car in a new colour or new design. Door jambs and sills are usually not included. In detail: full car wrap
• Partial wrap: only individual parts, such as the roof, mirrors or bonnet. Works best as a contrast. In detail: partial car wrap
• Chrome delete: chrome trim, grille and badges in black. In detail: chrome delete
• Advertising: logo, contact details and services on the company vehicle. In detail: stickers for company vehicles

3. Which finish?

Gloss, satin, matte or effects such as metallic and colour-shift: the finish often changes the look more than the colour. Matte looks special but needs its own care, because polish and wax leave glossy patches. Always look at colour and finish on a film sample in daylight on the car.

In detail: matte car wrap

4. Which film?

Cast films are suitable for vehicles with their curves, because they conform well to shapes and shrink back less. Calendered film is often enough on flat or slightly curved surfaces if the data sheet allows vehicles, but it can pull back out of body channels. How long a film lasts is stated by its manufacturer in the data sheet.

In detail: cast or calendered vinyl

5. Temporary or for longer?

Film is colour for a while. On a leased car that is an advantage, but you need to clarify beforehand what the contract allows and how the car has to be returned. And if you want to remove the film later, plan for it before it has aged badly.

In detail: wrapping a leased car and removing a car wrap

Durability: what is realistic

Film manufacturers state durability in the data sheet for vertical surfaces under Central European conditions, varying with the colour. These are typical values, not a guarantee. In practice, the roof and bonnet age first, and parking, care and workmanship play a part.

In detail: how long does a car wrap last?

Care: the most important rules

Do not wash in the first days after installation, then wash regularly by hand with a mild cleaner. No brush car wash, no solvents or abrasive cleaners, pressure washing only at a distance and not at an angle on the edges. Remove bird droppings, insects and fuel as quickly as possible.

In detail: car wrap care

Protection instead of a new colour: paint protection film

If you want to keep the colour and protect the paint, you do not need a colour film but a usually transparent paint protection film. It protects against stone chips and scratches and can be combined with a colour film. We have separate articles on this:

• Paint protection for a new car
• Ceramic coating or paint protection film
• Paint protection film: disadvantages and limits

Checklist before placing the order

• Is the paint in good condition, or does something need repairing first?
• Whole car, individual parts or just chrome?
• Have you seen the colour and finish as a sample in daylight?
• Which film will be used, and what does its data sheet say?
• Are door jambs and sills included or not?
• With leasing: what does the contract say?
• Can you wash the car by hand or at a self-service wash bay?

We advise you on all these points and tell you honestly when film is not the right route. More on our page vehicle graphics & wrapping; questions are welcome via contact.

Frequently asked questions

What should I clarify before having my car wrapped?

Three things: the condition of the paint, because film covers colour but not unevenness. Then whether the new look should be temporary or permanent. And how the car is washed in everyday life and where it is parked, because that determines how long the film looks good.

Is wrapping better than painting?

Not as a rule. Film can be removed again, preserves the original paint and allows effects such as matte or colour-shift. Paint is permanent, has no edges and is the right choice for damaged paint or rust. Which suits better depends on the paint condition, how long you plan to keep it and what you want.

What is the difference between colour film and paint protection film?

A colour film changes the look, i.e. colour or surface. A paint protection film is usually transparent and protects the existing paint against stone chips and scratches. The two can be combined, for example a colour film on the roof and paint protection on the front.