Can You Wrap a Car If You Have Dents in It?

Short answer: Yes! A vinyl wrap will cover dents and scratches on your car.

However, vinyl is a thin material that will completely hug the entire shape of your car.

That means a car wrap will highlight imperfections like dents and make them more visible.

Fortunately, there are steps you can take to install a fresh vinyl wrap for your dented car.

Read on to learn everything about wrapping a dented vehicle. We will explain the best solutions to fix dents before installing a vinyl wrap and why a car wrap is an excellent investment.

What to Know When Wrapping a Dented Car

A vinyl wrap can revitalize the look of your car and transform it from ordinary to a head-turner.

But it’s not always a quick, one-size-fits-all solution for all car conditions.

• If your car has minor paint chips and tiny dents, wrapping it with vinyl is possible.
• If your vehicle has noticeable dents, it’s best to repair the damage first to ensure a flawless vinyl wrap.

A thin layer of vinyl won’t hide those dents. If you want a perfect exterior, fixing your car’s dents is a must.

How to Fix Dents Before Wrapping Your Car

Consider these solutions to remove dents:

Paintless Dent Removal

Before getting a vinyl wrap for your dented vehicle, you can have a paintless dent removal done by a professional.

• This process is a fast aesthetic fix that takes only a few minutes.
• It’s ideal for dented cars with no paint damage.

DIY Method to Fix a Small Car Dent

You may be able to fix small dents on your own as long as there’s no paint damage.

Hairdryer method:

• Position a hairdryer around 6 inches away from the dent.
• Heat the dent for at least 30 seconds.
• Cover it with aluminum foil.
• Rub dry ice over the dent.

This simple method could make the dent pop out because of the swift change in temperature.

Plunger method:

• Dampen the plunger and the dent.
• Put the plunger over the dent, and push and pull until the dent is fixed.

Note: Overdoing the repair can cause uneven results. When in doubt, it’s best to leave it to experienced professionals.

Use Dent Filler When Paint Is Damaged

This is a more complicated process that takes longer than other DIY methods.

• Sand down the damaged area and apply body filler to the dent.
• Sand over it once the filler hardens.
• Cover with spot putty and repeat the sanding process.
• Spray with primer and paint the appropriate color.

Advantages of Vehicle Wraps

Vinyl car wraps have become a much sought-after enhancement as they offer various benefits.

Easy, Customizable Upgrade

You can choose a design that suits your taste and preferences to freshen up the look of your car. Car wraps are easy to personalize using any color or pattern.

There are limitless options, including color-shifting wraps, visually appealing graphics, and finishes like gloss and matte.

Extra Layer of Protection

A vinyl wrap shields the underlying paint on your car from harsh sun rays and minor scrapes to prolong the coating and prevent fading.

Increased Resale Value

Many buyers prefer a car with pristine original paintwork. Wrapping your vehicle helps preserve its original color and make it appear new when it’s time to resell your car.

Removing vinyl wraps is a fast process that uses a heat source and takes only around three hours.

Simple Maintenance

Vehicle wraps last around five to seven years, and they require easy maintenance.

Simply wash your car with soap and water periodically to keep your vibrant wrap in excellent condition. Handwashing your car is the safest way to clean it without damaging the outer wrap.

A brushless car wash is also great for removing dirt, grime, and other pollutants.

Cost-Effective Option

A vinyl wrap is an affordable alternative to expensive and complex custom paint jobs.

FAQs

How long does a vinyl car wrap take?

Professional vehicle wrapping installation usually takes two to four days, depending on the car’s size and design complexity. Prior to the actual installation, however, we’ll need to design the wraps and print the graphics.

Design can take 1 – 3 weeks, depending on how picky you are or how many edits you need to the graphic design. Printing takes 3 – 4 days.

What’s a clear wrap?

A clear wrap is a great option if you want to protect your car’s original paintwork without altering its color. You can choose clear vinyl wraps with stain or matte finishes. Clear wrap is also known as clearbra.

Final Thoughts

A vinyl wrap can reinvigorate the overall appearance of your car and give it a flawless look once you fix noticeable dents.

Remember to choose high-quality vinyl and have it installed by a vehicle wrap expert to achieve the best results.