Can You Wrap A Car With Dents?

Mendy Rimler

May 31, 2022

A closeup of a vehicle with scratches in the paint.
Table Of Contents

Can you wrap a car with dents? The answer is yes. You can wrap a car with any type of damage – including scratches, dents, and paint imperfections. 

However, there are some things you should keep in mind before wrapping your vehicle. If you’ve got a car in less than pristine condition, you’ll want to read this!

What Is A Car Wrap?

A car wrap is a vinyl film that is applied to the exterior of a vehicle. It can be used to change the color of the car, add graphics, or protect the paint job.

Car wraps are becoming increasingly popular because they are a cost-effective way to change the appearance of your car without painting it. They come in a variety of finishes and styles, making them perfect for personal vehicles or advertising businesses. 

Can A Car Wrap Hide Damage?

One of the benefits of vinyl wraps is that they can hide damage and imperfections on the car. If you have any scratches or paint imperfections, they will be covered up by the wrap. 

Automotive wraps are designed to shrink and form tighter contours around the vehicle, regardless of the current condition. If the damage is greater than some small scratches and dings, the wrap might not adhere properly or it will show the outline of the dent on your car

It is important to keep in mind that wrap can only hide so much damage. If there is a lot of damage, it will be noticeable even once the wrap is applied. Additionally, if there’s extensive damage, a car wrap installer may refuse to apply the vinyl until certain repairs have been made. 

Can You Wrap A Car Over Scratches?

Yes! You can wrap a car over scratches as long as they are not too deep. The vinyl will help protect the paint job and conceal the scratches. But the results will depend a lot on the depth of the scratch. 

Typically, small scratches won’t be visible. However, since the vinyl adheres to the contours of the vehicle, you might notice how it clings to a deeper groove. Depending on the finish or pattern of the vinyl, this may be more or less noticeable. 

Can You Wrap A Car With Paint Damage?

You can also wrap your car over existing paint jobs – but again, keep in mind that if there are too many imperfections, they will be noticeable once the wrap is applied. 

If you wrap over paint that’s actively peeling, you’re asking for disaster. The vinyl wrap won’t adhere properly, so you will see bubbles and warping. And when you go to have the vinyl wrap removed, it will likely pull up even more paint. 

If you do decide to use a wrap to cover damage, it’s best to opt for a patterned or matte finish vinyl. Monochromatic glossy vinyl wraps will show more imperfections. 

Should You Fix A Dent Before Wrapping The Car?

If there are a lot of dents and scratches on your vehicle, it is best to fix them before wrapping the car. Vinyl wrap can hide small imperfections like small scratches. If there is too much damage it will be noticeable once the wrap is applied.

Dents often coincide with peeling paint, which may make it difficult for the vinyl wrapping materials to adhere to the car. The vinyl wrap materials adhere best to smooth, clean painted surfaces. Additionally, if you put the wrap directly onto the dented area with loose paint, it can increase the damage by removing more of the color when you remove the wrap.

How Do You Prepare A Car For Wrapping?

The best way to prepare your car for wrapping is to have it cleaned and waxed. The surface should be free of dirt, dust, and debris before applying the vinyl wrap. 

You may repair broken or rusted-out parts or fill dents before applying vinyl wrapping. Depending on the size and uniformity of the dents, expert installers may be able to conceal them with the wrap. 

Car Wrap Installation Process

Once you have prepared your car, the next step is to have it installed by a professional.

So while it may be cheaper to try it yourself, trained professionals will usually get better results. Especially if they are covering any damage!

Getting Started Wrapping Your Car With Dents

So, what’s the verdict? Should you wrap a car with dents?

The final answer really depends on the situation. If there are only a few small dents, then it is probably okay to wrap the car as is. However, if there are many large dents or if the damage is severe, then it might be best to have them fixed before wrapping. 

So whether you opt to cover damage or get your vehicle repaired first, a car wrap can vastly improve the look of your car. What are you waiting for? Reach out to our car wrapping pros today!