How Vehicle Wrapping Works
Vehicle wrapping transforms any van, car or truck into a mobile advertising platform. If you have never been through the process, this guide explains every step — from the first idea to the finished result on the road.
Vehicle wrapping transforms any van, car or truck into a mobile advertising platform. If you have never been through the process, this guide explains every step — from the first idea to the finished result on the road.
Vehicle wrapping is the process of covering part or all of a vehicle's exterior with self-adhesive vinyl. Unlike paint, vinyl can be removed cleanly without damaging the original finish, making it an increasingly popular choice for businesses of all sizes.
There are three main types: full wraps, which cover the entire vehicle; partial wraps, which target specific panels such as the bonnet, doors or rear; and cut-vinyl lettering, which adds text, logos or simple graphics without covering the base colour. The right choice depends on your budget, vehicle size and the visual impact you want to achieve.
It all starts with a briefing. You share your corporate identity — logo files, colour codes, brand guidelines — and the Original Graphics design team sizes the artwork to fit your vehicle's exact dimensions using vehicle-specific templates that account for every panel, curve and recess.
Once the design is approved, the vinyl is printed on a wide-format printer with UV-resistant inks and then laminated for extra durability. Before installation the vehicle is deep-cleaned and degreased: any dust or grease trapped under the vinyl will create bubbles or lifting edges later on.
Installation takes between one and three days depending on vehicle size and wrap complexity. The vinyl is applied panel by panel, stretched carefully around curves with a heat gun and squeegeed flat to eliminate air pockets. Edges are wrapped inside door jambs and wheel arches for a seamless, factory-finish look.
A professionally installed vinyl wrap lasts between five and seven years outdoors with basic care. Wash the vehicle by hand or in a touchless automatic wash — brush rollers can lift seam edges over time. Avoid high-pressure jets aimed directly at edges, and park in the shade whenever possible to slow UV degradation.
Minor scratches or scuffs in the vinyl can usually be repaired by replacing individual panels rather than the whole wrap, keeping maintenance costs low. Avoid wax or silicone-based products; use vinyl-specific detailing spray instead.
"It damages the paint." Not true. Quality vinyl with a proper air-release adhesive actually protects the original paint while it is in place. Professional removal leaves no residue and does not affect the paintwork, provided the vehicle's paint was sound to begin with.
"It won't pass the ITV technical inspection." A wrap does not alter any structural or safety feature of the vehicle, so it does not affect the inspection. The only requirement is that the licence plate and lights remain fully visible.
"It's only worth it for large fleets." A single vehicle is enough to see real results. Many sole traders and small businesses in Girona wrap one van and report a noticeable increase in enquiries and brand recognition within weeks.
One of the biggest advantages of vinyl over paint is flexibility. When you rebrand, update your contact details or simply want a fresh look, the old wrap is removed cleanly and a new design installed. The process takes one or two days and the vehicle is ready to use immediately afterwards.
If you would like a no-obligation quote for your business vehicle, get in touch with the Original Graphics team in Girona.
If a brand wants to be
remembered on the street,
they call us.