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.
