News & Advice

Yes, you can wrap a car with bad paint, but with some caveats. Vinyl wraps adhere best to smooth, clean surfaces, and the quality of the underlying paint can affect the appearance and longevity of the wrap.

Here’s what you need to consider when wrapping a car with bad paint…

Surface Preparation

• Smoothness – The surface needs to be as smooth as possible. Vinyl wraps can conform to the shape of the vehicle but will not hide significant imperfections like dents, deep scratches, or rust. These flaws may still be visible through the wrap and can even cause issues with the wrap’s adhesion.
• Cleaning – The car must be thoroughly cleaned to remove any dirt, oil, or residues. Any contaminants left on the surface can prevent the wrap from adhering properly.

Paint Condition

• Peeling or Flaking Paint – If the paint is peeling or flaking, it needs to be addressed before wrapping. The vinyl may not stick well to these areas, or worse, it could pull off the loose paint when removed.
• Oxidation – Oxidized paint should be smoothed out as much as possible. While a wrap can cover oxidation visually, the rough surface might affect the wrap’s adherence and finish.
• Rust – Rust spots need to be treated and filled before wrapping. Vinyl won’t stop rust from spreading, so address any corrosion issues beforehand.

Additional Considerations

• Wrapping Over Damage – Wrapping over damaged paint won’t damage the car further, but for best results, you should smooth out and repair significant imperfections. A professional installer can advise on whether your car needs body work before wrapping.
• Removal Concerns – If you plan to remove the wrap in the future, keep in mind that it might pull off any loose or poor-quality paint, potentially leaving the surface in worse condition.

Conclusion

While wrapping a car with bad paint is possible, the prep work involved in ensuring the surface is suitable for wrapping. In some cases, it might be more cost-effective and visually appealing to address major paint and body issues before wrapping. Consulting with a professional wrap installer can provide guidance based on the specific condition of your car’s paint and what you hope to achieve with the wrap.