Wrapping means covering the bodywork with a coloured adhesive film. It has become the most common way to change a car's appearance without touching the original paint. Three questions come up every time: how long does it last, what does it cost, and does it need to be declared.
What wrapping does, and does not do
It changes colour and finish (matte, satin, gloss, textured) without repainting. It also shields the original paint from micro-scratches, which matters at resale: under the film, the bodywork stays as it was.
It is not impact protection, though. A stone chip at motorway speed will go through a wrap. If protection rather than looks is your goal, look at paint protection film: thicker, clear, designed to absorb impacts.
The two combine well: PPF on exposed areas, wrap on the rest.
How long it lasts
Lifespan depends mainly on three things: film quality, quality of the installation, and how the car is stored.
- A branded film, properly fitted, lasts several years without degrading.
- A car left outdoors, exposed to sun and frost, ages faster than one kept in a garage.
- Curves and edges show wear first: that is where installation quality becomes visible.
The film can be removed without damaging the original paint, provided that paint was sound when the film went on. A professional checks this before starting.
What makes the price vary
There is no single price, and be wary of anyone quoting one without seeing the car. Four factors weigh in:
- Surface and shape. An estate is not a coupé, and heavily sculpted bodywork takes longer than simple panels.
- Film type. Matte, satin and special-effect films cost more than plain gloss, and are harder to fit.
- Preparation. Paint that needs correcting first adds work. That time is what makes the result last.
- Disassembly. Handles, lights, seals: the more that comes off, the cleaner the finish, and the longer the job.
The only figure worth anything is a quote made after seeing the vehicle.
Colour change: what must be declared
Many owners find this out too late: in Switzerland the vehicle colour appears on the registration document. A lasting colour change (and a full wrap is one) must be reported to your cantonal vehicle authority, which updates the paperwork.
The process is simple and inexpensive, but it is not optional. A car whose colour no longer matches its papers can cause problems at an inspection or after an accident.
Check with your cantonal authority before the work: procedures and deadlines vary. A serious workshop will warn you.
How long the car stays in the workshop
A proper full wrap is not a few hours' work. The car must be deep cleaned, decontaminated, sometimes paint-corrected, partly disassembled, wrapped, then left for the film to settle.
Expect several days for a complete job. A workshop promising the car back the next day is telling you something about the quality to expect.
Where to have a wrap fitted on the Riviera
Our workshop is in Villeneuve, between Montreux and Aigle. We look at the car before quoting, because a reliable quote cannot be given over the phone.
See our pages on wrapping in Villeneuve and wrapping in Montreux, or get in touch to arrange an appointment.
