Do you want to customise your car? Maybe you're worried a respray would be too expensive? If you want to put a unique stamp on your vehicle, car wrapping could be the way to go.

In this post, we're taking a look at car wrapping, showing you what it is, how it works and the different options available. We'll also weigh up the pros and cons of wrapping your car, so you can decide if it's right for you, and take a look at some of the best and worst car wraps out there!

What is Car Wrapping?

Car wrapping is when you cover a car, either fully or partially, in a special vinyl film. It's designed to help people change the look of their car without having to pay through the nose for a full respray.

With vinyl wrapping, you can change how your car looks, either with a new color, new design or a new texture, like matte or gloss. In fact, as wrapping has become more popular, there are now a huge range of options to choose from, allowing you to put a unique stamp on your car.

The great thing about car wrapping is that a lot of the colors, textures and designs couldn't be replicated with a traditional respray. Or they could, but at an eye-watering cost beyond the reach of the average car owner.

How Do You Wrap a Car?

Car wrapping can be a tricky and fiddly job, so it's best left to the pros. While you can order car wraps online, be aware that they can look awful if they're not fitted properly, so you may want to pay extra to have a professional do the hard work for you.

So, how do car wraps work?

It's pretty simple. First, you choose the colour, design, texture and style of wrap that you want, and whether you want a full or partial wrap.

A full wrap is applied to the entire car, covering every inch of paintwork to give it a completely new look. A partial wrap is designed to cover one or more panels, like the roof or the bonnet, leaving most of the original paintwork on show.

Next, super-accurate measurements are taken of your car, so that the wraps can be made to the exact spec of your make and model. Some car wrap suppliers base measurements on your reg number only, but we think it's worth double-checking the measurements, as sizes differ from one model to the next.

When you've chosen your wrap, the manufacturer will print it before laminating it. A special coating is used to maximise scratch and UV protection, ensuring that your car's bodywork is protected and that the wrap doesn't start to fade when exposed to the elements.

From there, it's a case of applying the wrap to your car. As mentioned, you can do this yourself, but a professional will have the tools and expertise to do a much better job.

When applying a car wrap, the first step is to prepare the paintwork. The car should be thoroughly cleaned and dried before application. Then, the surface is sprayed with water and a special solvent, ready for the wrap.

This is where things get fiddly. The backing from the wrap is removed, revealing the adhesive side, and a second application fluid applied to the vinyl. Then it's just a case of aligning the wrap with the right panel and pressing it into place, using a rubber-edged plastic blade to smooth it out and remove air bubbles.

Fancy giving car wrapping a go? Here are some tips that could help:

• You’ll need an indoor space, like a garage, to wrap a car successfully. Trying to do it outside means contending with the wind and other elements, which will make it ten times harder.
• Ideally, you’ll need a second person to help with the application. That’s because some wrap panels are long and awkward to hold as one person.
• Make sure you clean and dry your car thoroughly before applying the wrap. Any marks on the surface risk an uneven finish.
• Have your plastic blade to hand when applying the wrap – you’ll need it immediately to work air bubbles out from under the wrap before it sticks.