Costs, technology and what you should consider

If you want a new look for your vehicle, you have two options: wrapping or painting. If the decision is made to have a car wrap, there are a few things that need to be taken into account. Find out what advantages and disadvantages foil has and what is actually allowed.

• Car wrapping: cheaper, more flexible and with a protective function

• Because of its limited shelf life, foil is not a permanent solution

• There are penalties if the legal requirements are not adhered to

The Car wrappingalso Car wrapping called, has established itself as an alternative to painting. No wonder, because there are almost no limits to creativity in design. Whether matt, with a 3D effect or a unique pattern – the large selection of films gives your car a individual design. The advantages over paint are many, but there are also disadvantages.

Foil: what is it?

When wrapping, a self-adhesive film is pulled over the car's surface and attached using special tools. This is basically possible with all vehicles and smooth surfaces. But: foiling is a difficult craft that is best done by a specialist. There are five options:

• Full wrapping: All painted surfaces visible from the outside are wrapped in foil. Interior door edges and entrances can also be covered for an additional charge.

• Partial foiling: Only individual components are wrapped, such as the hood, roof or rims.

• Sticker foiling or Branding: An individual label or a company logo is attached to certain places.

• Paint protection foil: A transparent film that is up to three times thicker is usually pulled over the front area to protect the paint from scratches and stone chips.

• Window foiling: The rear side windows and the rear window are covered with special tint, sun or heat protection films.

What is the purpose and benefits of foil?

Changing the look of your car without having to spend a lot of time repainting it is just one reason for car wrapping. It also has other positive effects:

• A foil is significantly cheaper and faster carried out as a paint job.

• She can normally be removed again without any damage. The temporary solution is used, for example, for police cars and taxis.

• She covered and protects the original paint.

• A transparent one Paint protection film or Stone chip protection film provides better protection. It shields the original paint from scratches, stone chips and environmental damage away.

• There is an almost unlimited choice of colors and designs. Specialist companies even print individual patterns onto the film.

• One Window foiling offers Protection against UV rays, strong heat and glass breakage.

What are the disadvantages of car wrapping?

The biggest disadvantage is that durability: Car film has a very short lifespan compared to paint. It can become cracked and peel off at the corners, the surface may dull and the colors may fade. Polishing is not possible because the surface is softer than that of varnish. Depending on the quality of the film and the stress on the vehicle, the film must withdrawn again after two to ten years become. If you want a permanent solution, you should opt for painting.

At a Partial foiling can change after removing the film Once foiled and the non-foiled areas can be clearly distinguished. While the paint is protected under the film, the open areas are exposed to the weather and may appear faded after the film is removed, and the color may also vary slightly. This no longer balances out over the years.

How much does a car wrap cost?

The Prices for a vehicle wrap differ considerably and depend on many factors. In addition to the question of which workshop you choose, the costs are also influenced by the following points:

• Which vehicle do you have? Smaller body surfaces, for example in small cars, are cheaper. Large surfaces and body shapes with many edges, on the other hand, are more expensive.

• What is foiled? Do you want a full wrap or a partial wrap?

• Which car film does the specialist company use? High-quality films cost more but last longer.

• Which design do you want? Certain films and individual patterns are usually more expensive (such as structured, chrome or paint protection films).

• What is the condition of your vehicle? What preparations need to be made?

For this reason the Price range very large for foiling: For partial foiling you have to expect costs between 500 euros and 1500 euros. A full wrap with special films on large vehicles can even cost up to 5,000 euros.

Discuss your wishes and the details of the order in advance with the selected workshop. There you will receive professional advice and information about the applicable price. It is also always recommended Comparison offers to catch up.

Wrap your car yourself: Better not!

Saving money and wrapping your car yourself: That's usually not a good idea. To apply a car film perfectly, you need: special specialist knowledge, Experience and a lot patience necessary. In particular, you should leave full wrapping to a professional. He has the appropriate knowledge, a practiced hand and that suitable tool. An optimal spatial environment is also crucial for stickering: it must be dry and dust-free, and the temperature should be between 20 and 25 degrees.

It is on your own Risk of visual defects large: Incorrect cuts, visible edges, overlaps or bubble formation – for a perfect result it is worth going to a specialist company.

Everything is possible: But what is not allowed?

Particular Auto parts need from the foiling excluded become. According to the law, license plates, headlights and other lighting devices may not be covered with foil. Also for Car windows There is a clear requirement: only tint films that have a… Type approval otherwise the operating license expires. To do this, the test number of the attached film must be visible on each individual pane. Approved films are commercially available for the rear windows. Films for the windshield or front side windows often do not have the necessary approval.

It is important that the Road safety through the car film not affected becomes. According to § 30 StVZO, vehicles must be “built and equipped in such a way that their normal use does not harm anyone or endangers, hinders or annoys anyone more than is unavoidable…”.

A large area glued Chrome or mirror foil, which could dazzle and endanger other road users, is therefore not permitted. However, individual foil-covered small parts are usually tolerated. If there is suspicion, an expert will check the risk potential of wrapped cars.

According to Section 49 StVZO, “phosphors and retroreflective materials” are considered lighting equipment. According to this regulation, only the prescribed lighting devices that have been declared reliable may be used. This makes the use of strong reflective neon, signal or warning colors not permitted. Also Reflective films are only permitted or required for certain vehicle types.

Unconstitutional symbols, protected wordssuch as “police,” and State coat of arms are also not allowed. However, adopting the color design of a police car is permitted as long as no trademarked words or national emblems are depicted.

What fines will follow if you ignore them?

Cleaning wrapped cars

In principle, a wrapped vehicle can be cleaned and maintained normally. Depending on the film, there are small differences to the painted car. For matt and structured films there is special cleaning and care productsthat do not contain any shine enhancers. It is important to avoid waxes. With a high-quality film you can also protect the car through the Car wash Let it drive, but please do not use the hot wax option and use a textile cloth, as nylon brushes could easily damage the surface. At the high pressure cleaner You should maintain a minimum distance of 50 centimeters and never aim the jet directly at the edges of the film.

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