How to care for a wrapped car

b8er1234

Active Member
Aug 29, 2012
252
30
Kent
Getting my car wrapped tomorrow and speaking with a few people it's easier to clean a wrap than paint. Been told just a snowfoam and spray down then dry is usually is all that's needed most of the time. Anyone on here have any tips for maintaining a wrap?

Cheers!
 

Jimbobcook

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Nov 24, 2012
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I'll look after you haha i'd be interested in this thread... the fact I fixed the title makes it ok to post with no real reason than to just follow this thread lol
 
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Trout

Active Member
Feb 28, 2018
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18
Never had a car that was wrapped but the washing products and techniques are the same as far as I am aware. Although I would imagine some wraps may well be softer than baked paint so I would be extra cautious.

I can recommend Bilt Hamber Auto-Foam via a pump sprayer as it cleans much better than snow foam in my opinion. You want to have the car as clean as possible before putting a mitt or pad on it. I also recommend Bilt Hamber Auto-Wash shampoo, best shampoo I've ever used and a little goes a long, long way. However, if you like to see a whole lot of suds and "shaving-foam", these products may not be for you. Personally, I only care how well they actually clean (& how safely)

If the finish is matt, Nanolex do a specific shampoo for matt finishes called Nanolex Matte reactivating shampoo.

Nevertheless, if a company are doing the wrap for you I'm sure they will have their own advice on how to care for the film they have applied.
 

Deleted member 103408

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Can I be rude and ask for the cost (just rounded up to nearest 1/- would be fine) but fully understand if you don't want to share the figure.
 

b8er1234

Active Member
Aug 29, 2012
252
30
Kent
Can I be rude and ask for the cost (just rounded up to nearest 1/- would be fine) but fully understand if you don't want to share the figure.

No worries at all. Costing me £1250. Had another quote elsewhere for £1175(this was oracal wrap material, 3m would have been £1450) the guy I spoke to was quite honest about the costs. Material about £500 then rest labour. Will chuck up some pics once done
 

Deleted member 103408

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Well that's a big surprise, thanks for that and yes please pics would be great.
 

Jimbobcook

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That's alot cheaper than I was thinking... I've seen cars get a clear wrap so the original paint is covered but the wrap is glossy so protects and stays shiny.

What happens in regards to the V5 and dvla who think you have a different coloured car? I assume it also counts as telling the insurance...
 

Deleted member 103408

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DVLA at a guess you have to tell them because the colour is different (even if the old one is under the wrap)

Insurance yes you do have to tell them. You have modified the car full stop.
I told them about pin strips for the same reason.
 
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b8er1234

Active Member
Aug 29, 2012
252
30
Kent
Yep I will be giving DVLA a call and also insurance to add to the many mods

Interested to hear what the DVLA will say as car will still be black with the wrap on
 

DAN@ADRIAN FLUX

Active Member
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Sep 27, 2016
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Hi,
If you do have any insurance issues for this at all then please feel free to drop me a line.
Regards,
Dan,
 

b8er1234

Active Member
Aug 29, 2012
252
30
Kent
So after having the MK2 TDI FR back from my dad for a few days I picked up my car yesterday. And oh my god! What a difference! Satin black really suits the Cupra! Had so many comments from people at work today and over heard the binmen this morning complementing the wrap haha! I only have the one pic at the moment so will upload that for now .Picture does not do it justice!
 

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b8er1234

Active Member
Aug 29, 2012
252
30
Kent
Washed it yesterday for the first time. If anyone is wondering what products to use. I used Chemical guys matte/satin shampoo. Along with their detailer when needed.

I used this as snow foam first with a capful and water in the snow foam bottle. Rinsed. Then with 2 bucket method using the same shampoo. Smells like bubble gum which my son loved! Also I didn't pressure wash or really need to. I did use the karcher but didn't attach a Lance so comes out as a spray with no much more pressure than a tap.
 

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Jimbobcook

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Nov 24, 2012
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Possibly one of the best looking leons I've seen, looks very mean and clean which is didn't think was that easy with a wrapped car...

Good work!
 

b8er1234

Active Member
Aug 29, 2012
252
30
Kent
Yep! Too scared to pressure wash it but glad I didn't need to so will continue this method going forward.


Thanks Jimbo! Would 100% recommend a wrap!
 
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