Full car wrap: process, duration and result

In short: A full wrap follows four steps: consultation, concept, production and installation with final inspection. The actual work on the car consists of cleaning, removing add-on parts, applying the film panel by panel, post-heating the edges and refitting. Depending on the vehicle, this takes several days. After that, the adhesive needs time before the car is washed. The result is a complete change of colour or design that can be removed again.

A full wrap is the biggest step in car wrapping: the whole car in a new colour, a new finish or with a printed design. If you only want to change individual parts, the article partial car wrap shows the alternative. Whether film or paint suits at all is covered in the article car wrap or paint job.

1. Consultation and paint check

It starts with the goal, budget and time frame. This includes a look at the vehicle, on site or from photos. The condition of the paint matters: film covers colour, but not stone chips, dents or rust. Such spots must be repaired first. We also address repainted areas, because they can be tricky when the film is removed later.

The scope is also clarified: should door jambs and sills be wrapped too, or will the original colour remain visible there? This is one of the most common questions after collection, so it belongs at the start.

2. Colour, finish and concept

With a colour change, it is about shade and surface: gloss, satin, matte or effects. You should look at colour and finish on a film sample in daylight on the car, not only on a screen. With a printed design, a draft is created first and matched to the vehicle. If you choose matte, read the article matte car wrap first, because matte needs its own care.

3. Film and production

For a full wrap we use cast premium films. They conform well to curves and body channels and shrink back less than calendered films; more on this in the article cast or calendered vinyl. Films with air-release channels in the adhesive help avoid bubbles during application. With a printed design, the film is printed and given a protective laminate.

4. The work on the vehicle

1. Thorough cleaning: the car is washed and the surfaces are degreased. Dust and wax residue under the film would affect adhesion.
2. Dismantling: depending on the vehicle, add-on parts such as door handles, lights, badges or trim strips are removed so that the film can be wrapped around the edges.
3. Applying panel by panel: each body panel is wrapped individually. At deep body channels or very complex shapes, the film is split and applied with an overlap, as the installation guidelines provide.
4. Edges and post-heating: edges are wrapped around, and stretched areas are post-heated so that the film keeps its new shape and does not pull back.
5. Refitting and inspection: the add-on parts go back on the car, followed by the final check and joint inspection at handover.

How long does a full wrap take?

Several days, depending on the vehicle. The effort is mainly determined by:

• the size and shape of the vehicle, i.e. how many curves, body channels and edges it has
• how many add-on parts are removed
• extras such as door jambs and sills
• preparatory work on the paint, if needed

We clarify the exact time frame during the consultation so you can plan the time without your car.

After collection

After application, the adhesive needs time to bond with the paint. Avery Dennison, for example, states in its care instructions that the film should not be washed within the first 48 hours. After that, the rules from the article car wrap care apply: hand washing, no brush car wash, pressure washing only at a distance.

What you can expect from the result

• From a normal distance: a car in a new colour that looks painted.
• On close inspection: at joints, edges and places where the film was split, you can see that it is film.
• Door jambs and sills: show the original colour unless they were wrapped too.
• The original paint: is preserved under the film and can be uncovered again later.

How long the wrap looks good depends on the film, colour, parking and care; more on this in the article how long does a car wrap last?. We give a warranty on material and workmanship defects.

The door jamb nobody talked about

The case is made up, but typical. A white estate car is wrapped in dark green. At collection the owner is delighted, until opening the door: in the jamb and at the sills, the car is white.

Technically everything is fine; door jambs were not agreed. Still, the result is a disappointment for the owner. That is why we explicitly discuss this point during the consultation: wrapping the door jambs takes extra time, but the car then looks uniform even with the door open. Whether that is worth it is the customer's decision, but beforehand, not afterwards.

Conclusion: preparation decides

A good full wrap does not start with the film, but with a paint check, a clear scope and the right film. Three questions help before the appointment:

• Is the paint in good condition, or does something need repairing first?
• Should door jambs and sills be wrapped too?
• Have you seen the colour and finish as a sample in daylight?

All decisions around car wrapping are summarised in the article wrapping a car: the complete guide. More on our page vehicle graphics & wrapping; questions are welcome via contact.

Frequently asked questions

How long does a full car wrap take?

Several days, depending on the vehicle. The size and shape of the car, the number of parts that are removed and extras such as door jambs determine the effort. We clarify the exact time frame during the consultation.

Are parts removed for a full wrap?

Often yes, depending on the vehicle. Add-on parts such as door handles, lights or badges are removed so that the film can be wrapped around the edges and no cut edges are visible. After application, they are refitted.

Can you tell that a car with a full wrap is wrapped?

Usually not from a normal distance. On close inspection you can see at joints and edges where the film ends, and when you open the doors you usually see the original colour in the jamb, unless these areas are wrapped as an extra. This should be discussed beforehand.