Everything You Need To Know About Car Wrapping

Car wrapping is a process of covering a vehicle with vinyl wrap to change its appearance. The practice has become increasingly popular in recent years, and for good reason. Wrapping a car offers a wide range of benefits, from protecting the original paint job to customising the vehicle's look. In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about car wrapping.

What is Car Wrapping?

Car wrapping involves applying a vinyl film to the exterior of a car. The vinyl film comes in a variety of colours and finishes, including matte, gloss, satin, and metallic. Car wrapping can be done for several reasons, such as branding, advertising, or if you simply are wanting a change to your car you can switch up the colour without fully committing as it is reversible 😎

What UK Laws Are Involved With Car Wrapping?

1. MOT and Insurance: If you're planning to wrap your car, you must notify your insurance company and update your vehicle registration with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). The colour of your vehicle is listed on your V5C registration document, and if you change the colour, you will need to update this information  ✅

2. Visibility: The law requires that all vehicles on the road must have a certain level of visibility. This means that you cannot wrap your car in a way that impairs the driver's view. The front windscreen must have a minimum level of transparency, and any side or rear windows must have a minimum level of light transmittance ✅

3. Reflectivity: The UK law also requires that all vehicles have a certain level of reflectivity, especially on the front and rear. This means that the vinyl wrap should not reduce the reflectivity of your car's lights and reflective elements ✅

4. Number plates: Your car's number plates should be clearly visible, and it's essential to ensure that the vinyl wrap does not obscure the registration plates or their characters ✅

Benefits of Car Wrapping 🚘 

1. Protecting the original paint job: Car wrapping can protect the original paint job of a vehicle from scratches, chips, and other types of damage.

2. Customisation: Car wrapping allows you to customise your vehicle's appearance, making it unique and personalised while mirroring some of your personality 🕺

3. Cost-effective: Car wrapping is a cost-effective alternative to a new paint job, and it can also be easily removed.

4. Advertising: Car wrapping can be used for advertising purposes, allowing businesses to promote their brand or services while on the go (here is a brilliant example 👇)  So you can earn some £££'s whilst you drive around on the daily! Looking snazzy and earning cash! 💸

   

Types of Car Wrapping 

There are two main types of car wrapping:

1. Full Wrap: A full wrap covers the entire surface of the car, including the roof, hood, and trunk. Full wraps offer the most extensive customisation options, allowing for a completely new look for the car.

2. Partial Wrap: A partial wrap covers only a portion of the vehicle, such as the side panels or the rear window. Partial wraps are less expensive than full wraps and can still provide a unique look.

How Much Does It Cost To Wrap A Car? 

The cost of car wrapping in the UK can vary depending on several factors, such as the type of vinyl wrap, the size and shape of the vehicle, the level of customisation, and the location and experience of the installer. Here are some approximate costs:

1. Full wrap: A full wrap that covers the entire vehicle can cost anywhere from £1,000 to £3,500, depending on the type of vinyl used and the size of the vehicle ✅

2. Partial wrap: A partial wrap that covers only a portion of the vehicle, such as the doors, hood, or roof, can cost between £500 and £1,500 ✅

3. Customisation: Custom designs, logos, or graphics can increase the cost of car wrapping. This is because the design and printing process are time-consuming and require specialised equipment ✅

4. Location and experience: The cost of car wrapping can also vary depending on the location and experience of the installer. Larger cities tend to have higher prices, and experienced installers may charge more than newer installers ✅

It's important to note that the cost of car wrapping is a one-time investment that can protect your car's paint and provide a unique look for several years, so even if though the initial prices are high, in the long haul it's not 😎

Maintenance Of Car Wrapping  🫧 

Proper maintenance is crucial to ensure that a car wrap lasts as long as possible. Here are some tips for maintaining a car wrap:

1. Regular cleaning: Wash the car regularly with soap and water to remove dirt, grime, and other debris that can damage the vinyl 🧼

2. Avoid scratches: Avoid parking the car in areas where it is likely to be scratched, such as tight spaces or areas with heavy foot traffic 🧼

3. Protect from sun and heat: Avoid exposing the car to direct sunlight for long periods, as this can cause the vinyl to fade or peel 🧼

4. Avoid car washes: Avoid taking the car through automated car washes, as the high-pressure water and brushes can damage the vinyl  🧼

The lifespan of a car wrap can vary depending on several factors, such as the type of vinyl used, the installation quality, and the level of exposure to the elements. Generally, a high-quality vinyl wrap can last between five and seven years with proper care and maintenance 🫧

Okay, so now that we have the serious stuff out the way, here are some of my personal favourites 😍 

This galaxy inspired car wrap is out of this world 😉 Not only is the car underneath gorgeous but so is the wrap, if you're feeling spontaneous you also have the options of patterns. 

This beautiful wrap is something that you would expect to see in a fantasy movie. The wrap has a matte finish and is truly a master piece 😍

Have you looked into getting your car wrapped? Get involved in the comments down below mentioning your dream pattern / colour, or if you currently have car wrap on - what colour have you gone for? 👇