Comparison
Wrap or respray: which is better for your car?
In short
A wrap is usually cheaper and faster than a complete good-quality respray, and you can reverse it: the original paint stays underneath. A respray lasts longer and repairs damaged paint, which a wrap does not. Choose a wrap for a colour you do not want forever or to preserve your original paint, and a respray if the paint itself is damaged.
What is the difference between a wrap and a respray?
With a respray, your car gets a new layer of paint. The old colour is gone after that. With a wrap, a thin film goes over the existing paint. The paint stays underneath and comes back as soon as the film comes off. That is the main difference, and most of the other differences follow from it.
How do cost, time and lifespan compare?
| Wrap | Respray | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Usually lower than a complete good-quality respray | Higher, especially if the door jambs and inner edges have to be done too |
| Time | With us, usually three to five working days | Often longer, because paint has to dry and cure |
| Lifespan | Usually five to seven years with good film | Lasts the whole life of the car with normal maintenance |
| Reversible | Yes, take the film off and the original colour is back | No, only by spraying again |
| Matte, satin, chrome | Easy, it is in the film | Possible, but matte paint is hard to maintain and repair |
| Repairing damage | Re-wrap the damaged panel | Touch up locally, but the colour has to be matched |
| Damaged paint | Does not fix it, the film follows every dent and scratch | Does fix it |
The lifespan of a wrap depends heavily on the film and where the car is parked. In how long does a wrap last you can read what makes the difference.
When is a wrap the better choice?
- You want a different colour, but not forever. When you sell the car or the lease ends, the film comes off and the car is back in its factory colour.
- Your car is new or the paint is in good condition. The film protects the paint underneath against small scratches and sun.
- You want a finish that is expensive or difficult in paint, such as matte, satin or a colour-shifting colour. Which finish suits you is covered in matte, satin or gloss.
- You only want to change part of the car, such as the roof, the mirrors or a chrome delete.
When is a respray better?
- The paint is damaged. Rust, dents, deep scratches or a peeling clear coat are not improved by film. Film on loose paint can pull pieces of paint off when it is removed.
- You want the new colour for the rest of the car's life. Then a good-quality respray is more durable.
- It is a small spot of paint damage. You have that touched up, a wrap is not meant for that.
What does it mean for resale value?
A wrap does not change anything about the paint underneath. If you take the film off in time, you sell the car in its factory colour again, with paint that has been covered all those years. A car resprayed in a different colour keeps that colour. Whether a buyer minds depends on the buyer, but with a wrap the choice stays with you.
Do bear in mind that film left on far too long becomes brittle and is harder to remove. So have a wrap removed professionally at the end of its lifespan.
And wheels: wrap or respray?
Wheels have a hard time: brake heat, kerbs, wheel cleaner and stones. That is why most people choose to have their wheels sprayed or powder coated, and wrap the rest of the car. Not sure? Ask us about your wheels.
Can you wrap a car that has been resprayed before?
Often yes, but it depends on how well it was sprayed. Factory paint bonds strongly and is properly cured. With a local respray that is not always the case. If the new paint has not cured properly or was poorly prepared, the film can take bits of paint with it when it is removed. So let us know if any parts have been resprayed. We will then check the condition of the paint before applying the film.
And with a lease car?
You are usually not allowed to have a lease car resprayed. A wrap is often possible, because it can come off again when you return the car. The conditions differ per lease company, so check first. Bear in mind that the film has to come off before you return the car, and plan that in good time.
What do we recommend?
If your paint is in good condition and you want a different colour or finish, a wrap is almost always the more logical choice: cheaper, faster and reversible. If the paint itself is damaged, have it repaired first. You can always wrap afterwards. Want to see first what your car looks like in a different colour? Try it in the Wrap Preview.
Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper, a wrap or a respray?
A full wrap is usually cheaper than a complete good-quality respray. What it costs for your car is explained in how much does a car wrap cost.
Does a wrap damage the paint?
Not if the paint is in good condition and the film is applied professionally and removed in time. On damaged or resprayed paint that is poorly bonded, the film can pull paint off when it is removed.
Can I still respray a wrapped car later?
Yes. The film comes off and the car can then be sprayed as normal.
Does a respray last longer than a wrap?
Yes. Good paint lasts the whole life of the car with normal maintenance, a wrap usually five to seven years.
Do I need to inform the RDW for both a wrap and a respray?
Yes, in both cases the colour of your car changes and you have to report that to the RDW (the Dutch vehicle authority), free of charge.
Deciding between a wrap and a respray?
Send us a few photos of your car. We will tell you honestly whether a wrap makes sense or whether you are better off having the paint repaired first.