With more and more people choosing you get their vehicles wrapped in Hampshire, the same questions are frequently asked:

What is vehicle wrapping?

This is a process where your car, van or wagon is quite literally wrapped in printed vinyl film, covering the original paint job and changing the appearance of your vehicle. Vinyl wraps can be fitted in a wide range of styles, including different colours, carbon fibre effect, coloured carbon fibre, chrome, matt black, or custom printed, amongst many others. As well as covering the exterior paintwork of your vehicle, wraps can also be fitted to your vehicle interior.

What is the main benefit of wrapping over painting?

Whereas a new paintjob is permanent, wrapping isn’t and can simply be removed should you wish to sell your vehicle or simply return it to its original colour. To return a painted car to its original colour, expensive re-sprays would be required.

Does wrapping damage the vehicle surface?

Rather than damaging the vehicle surface, vehicle wraps act as a protective barrier. By covering the original paintwork, vinyl wraps protect your vehicle from the sun’s rays and fading paintwork, as well as acid rain and other general weathering, scratches and marks. Should you want to sell your vehicle or simply return it to its original paintjob, when you remove the wrap, the paint will be preserved. This could actually increase the value of your vehicle.

How is a vehicle prepped for wrapping?

Before a specialist applies vinyl wraps to your vehicle, there are a few important preparations that you must take place.

1. First of all, your vehicle must be clean. Be sure to give your vehicle a thorough clean before taking it to be wrapped. If your vehicle is caked in mud, grime and debris when it arrives to be wrapped, there is a good chance that you will be charged extra for the time that will be spent cleaning it, or in some cases, you may be refused. Although specialists use specific chemicals to prepare the vehicle and make sure it is clean, you should always provide your vehicle in a relatively clean state to start with.
2. In order to be able to provide a smooth wrap, vehicle wrapping specialists will remove your number plates and any badges before the start work
3. Wing mirrors can be an obstacle to a quality wrapping and so in most cases, they will be removed before the wrapping process begins. If you are not sure how to remove your wing mirrors or need specialist tools, see a mechanic.
4. Whilst vehicle wrapping specialists will normally leave the main lights in place as they don’t provide much of an obstacle, any protruding lights will usually be removed before wrapping and replaced once the work is complete.

Is it hard to look after a vehicle wrap?

It is quite simple to look after a vehicle wrap; vinyl wraps can simply be washed down with mild soap and water when they start to get dirty. It is important to clean wraps fairly regularly, as dirt and grit from the road can damage the wrap. Vehicle wraps can safely be put into a car wash, however, it isn’t recommended to clean wrapped cars with high pressure jet washers. High pressures can lift up the edges of the wrap, which can cause the whole wrap to peel off.

Should you want to sell your vehicle or simply return it to its original paintjob, when you remove the wrap, the paint will be preserved. This could actually increase the value of your vehicle.