Discussion
Looking for some knowledge on car wrapping please. I've seen a car that looks well priced, and looks great in white, but noticed in the advert that it has been wrapped in that colour. Before I waste my time even enquiring, what is the consensus of opinion? Should I stay well clear, or is the worst that can happen that the wrap needs removing in a year or two, and I get a car that's back to its original colour (obviously I would check what colour the car is originally!!).
When a wrap is applied, does it damage the paint underneath, so when it is removed, the car either needs re wrapping or reprinting, or should it just be a case of peeling the wrap off? Does this need to be removed professionally (presumably with some kind of heat gun?!) and if so what kind of cost should I expect for this?
Alternatively, if the wrap started to degrade in one area, could I just go and get that one panel rewrapped?
Finally (I promise!) does this have any implications for insurance purposes, as I presume it would still be recorded on the V5C as the factory painted colour?
Many thanks for any assistance
When a wrap is applied, does it damage the paint underneath, so when it is removed, the car either needs re wrapping or reprinting, or should it just be a case of peeling the wrap off? Does this need to be removed professionally (presumably with some kind of heat gun?!) and if so what kind of cost should I expect for this?
Alternatively, if the wrap started to degrade in one area, could I just go and get that one panel rewrapped?
Finally (I promise!) does this have any implications for insurance purposes, as I presume it would still be recorded on the V5C as the factory painted colour?
Many thanks for any assistance
If you open up the bonnet you should be able to see what the original colour is, I firstly would want to know why he wrapped it (is the original paint bad etc) and whats the quality of the wrap like? as far as DVLA/insurance goes, you only have to inform DVLA of permanent colour changes and a wrap is classed as temp. You will have to tell insurance though as its a modification. I should imagine that, depending on how long the wrap has been on its bound to cause slight damage surely? but i wouldn't know.
Ha ha 630p, I almost had the title as wrapping (gangsta) but though most people would go "eh?". As its an audi that's been wrapped in white, and has black wheels, gangsta is also fairly appropriate?
The cars at a dealership, but will obviously ask these kind of questions, just wanted to use the collective wisdom of my learned PH users first
The cars at a dealership, but will obviously ask these kind of questions, just wanted to use the collective wisdom of my learned PH users first
630bhp said:
Eminem did some in his 'Stan' video.....great song, featured some of Dido in it too.
Ah good sir you seem to have confused Wrapping (Applying coloured thin plastic to a car to change its outward appearance) with Rapping (Dropping a lyrical line to a repetative beat or as mentioned in your post a moany sounding wench) 
Try and find out who did the wrap and speak to them about the condition of the car before it was wrapped.Sometimes cars are wrapped to hide a tatty car or cover up accident damage repair.
Also do some research on the company who wrapped it.There are some(very) bad wrappers out there who have butchered perfectly good cars to get the wrap on and all sorts of horrors have been revealed once the wrap has been removed that weren't there pre-wrap.
Also do some research on the company who wrapped it.There are some(very) bad wrappers out there who have butchered perfectly good cars to get the wrap on and all sorts of horrors have been revealed once the wrap has been removed that weren't there pre-wrap.
There are certain areas to check which usually determine if the wrapper knew what they were doing.
Underneath the bumpers right at the bottom edge - If the finished edge looks clean then the chances are it will be ok. If the edge is jagged or rough this is a sign that the material has been overstretched and may lead to it shrinking back even further.
Wing Mirrors - Check carefully, the edges should be clean cut and not jagged.
Rear Bumper - Certain vehicles will need to be wrapped in two pieces on the bumper, this is not a bodge, it is sometimes the only way to guarantee it. The overlap should be right on the bodyline where the bumper changes from horizontal to vertical. make sure it is tidy and not peeling up anywhere. If it is 1 piece check under the tailgate to make sure the edge isn't shrinking back.
Model specific - if its an a3 you are looking at(it may not be) but on the rear of the car above the numberplate there is a very small recess. Look carefully under here to make sure the vinyl hasn't 'bubbled' up. The material shouldn't pop out if it has been applied correctly.
Underneath the bumpers right at the bottom edge - If the finished edge looks clean then the chances are it will be ok. If the edge is jagged or rough this is a sign that the material has been overstretched and may lead to it shrinking back even further.
Wing Mirrors - Check carefully, the edges should be clean cut and not jagged.
Rear Bumper - Certain vehicles will need to be wrapped in two pieces on the bumper, this is not a bodge, it is sometimes the only way to guarantee it. The overlap should be right on the bodyline where the bumper changes from horizontal to vertical. make sure it is tidy and not peeling up anywhere. If it is 1 piece check under the tailgate to make sure the edge isn't shrinking back.
Model specific - if its an a3 you are looking at(it may not be) but on the rear of the car above the numberplate there is a very small recess. Look carefully under here to make sure the vinyl hasn't 'bubbled' up. The material shouldn't pop out if it has been applied correctly.
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