Posted By Vinyl Frog On May 08 2024

Can You Wrap A Car With Dents?

In recent years, car wrapping has become a sought-after method of personalizing vehicles. However, a question raised by car owners is whether a car with body damage can be wrapped effectively.

You can wrap a car with dents but they will not vanish under it. As the vinyl fits smoothly over the body of your car, the dent will become more visible.

Let us explore the complications that may arise if you choose to cover a dented car with vinyl and what the correct procedure for wrapping such a vehicle is.

Can You Wrap A Dented Car?

The short answer is yes, you can but a wrap will not hide dents, scratches, or hail damage.

Vinyl is thin enough and offers a snug fit to the exterior of your car, just like a second skin, hence any imperfections on its body become prominent even after being wrapped. Your car needs to be assessed properly for the following factors before a vinyl wrap is applied to it:

1. Types And Severity Of Dents On Your Car Before Wrapping

Dents come in various forms, ranging from minor surface-level ones to more severe damage. Minor dents may include door dings, hail damage, or scratches, while more severe dents could involve creases, folds, or even punctures in the car's body.

The severity of the dent plays a crucial role in determining whether you should wrap your car or not. Keep in mind that wraps accentuate the car’s contours which can make the damage more visible. Hence all imperfections have to be fixed thoroughly before wrapping a vehicle.

2. Impact On The Wrapping Process

When considering wrapping a dented car, you need to understand how the presence of dents or any other body damage affects the process. Minor dents may be less of an issue, as they can often be smoothed out or filled before applying the wrap.

However, larger or deeper dents may require thorough preparation, including dent repair, surface treatment, and priming, to ensure a smooth and seamless finish.

3. Risks Associated With Wrapping Dented Cars

Wrapping a dented car comes with risks, particularly if the dents are not properly addressed beforehand. Dents that are not repaired or smoothed out can cause the vinyl wrap to adhere unevenly or create air pockets, leading to an unstable finish. Moreover, if the underlying dent is not addressed, it may worsen over time, causing the wrap to peel or bubble.

4. Durability Concerns

Another crucial factor to consider when wrapping a dented car is the durability of the wrap. While high-quality vinyl wraps are designed to withstand the elements and maintain their appearance for years, wrapping a dented car may compromise their longevity. Dents that are not properly repaired may cause the wrap to fade, peel, or tear prematurely.

Paintless Dent Repair Before Wrapping A Car

This is an excellent eco-friendly dent repair method that you can use before wrapping your car in the vinyl of your choice. Paintless Dent Repair (PDR) can fix hail damage, door dings, creases, bodyline dents, and minor collision damage by reshaping the panel without using paint.

For PDR, you need to make a pathway to gain access to the backside of the dent. This may involve removing lights or other body panels. Then using special tools you will push out the dented metal from behind. It is both time and cost-efficient.

You will not be spending hours and a lot of money on removing dents and your car will be damage-free in an instant ready for a makeover in a captivating wrap color and finish.

How To Use A Paintless Dent Puller?

This is another method of paintless dent repair. The dent puller comes with the PDR kit. To make the most of it, ensure that the paint of your car is not chipped or cracked. Here’s how you can remove the dents making your car ready for vinyl wrapping:

Do a Thorough Assessment: Begin by carefully examining the areas with dents. You need to assess the severity of the damage to determine what repairs should be done before wrapping. Answer the questions: Where is the dent and how big is it?
Use the Paintless Dent Puller: Wash the panel of the car that has dents thoroughly. Get the plastic tabs that come with the paintless dent repair kit and put some glue on it with a glue gun. Attach it to the dent and let the glue dry.

Now take the puller tool and adjust it by using the dial at its back. Attach the puller to the tab and tighten it so that it holds up on its own. Now press down its lever so it pulls the glued tab that is on the dent.

As the tab is removed, the dent will be pulled out and that area of the car will become smooth again. The glue will leave some residue behind that can easily be cleaned without damaging the paint.

Preparing And Applying Vinyl Wrap To A Dented Car

This guide outlines the crucial steps involved in prepping and applying vinyl wrap after removing dents from a car.

Prepare a Clean Exterior: Wash the entire car's surface, including the dented areas, using a gentle soap or cleansing solution and a microfiber cloth. Make sure the surface is completely free of dirt, debris, and grease.
Create a Smooth Surface: A smooth and clean canvas is key for proper adhesion of your wrap and a professional-looking result. If removing the dent has created an uneven surface, use fine-grit sandpaper or a sanding block to gently smooth out any rough areas.
Prime your Vehicle: Apply a high-quality primer for vinyl wrap application to the dented areas. This primer will promote superior adhesion and strengthen the overall durability of the wrap. Allow the primer to dry completely before continuing.
Prepare Your Vinyl: The next step is to measure and cut the vinyl wrap to the appropriate size for each section of the car. Leave some extra material for the edges and any mistakes during the application process.
Applying the Wrap: You may now start to carefully apply the wrap to the surface. Use a squeegee with slight pressure to guarantee adhesion and remove any air bubbles or creases.
Apply Heat: When tackling curved surfaces, use a heat gun to gently warm the vinyl wrap. This will allow it to stretch and conform more easily to the car's contours. Remember to exercise caution and avoid overheating the vinyl, as it can cause damage.
Trim Excess Vinyl: Once the vinyl wrap is applied to the entire car surface, trim off any excess material using a sharp utility knife or a vinyl cutter. Pay close attention to the edges and corners to achieve a clean and precise finish.
Final Touches: If you are satisfied with the application, use a heat gun or hairdryer to gently heat the entire surface of the vinyl wrap. Allow the wrap to cure and bond for at least 24 to 48 hours before exposing the car to water or extreme temperatures.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can wrap a car with scratches but the vinyl will not hide them. The scratches will be visible as the wrap sits tightly over them making them more pronounced.

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Final Thoughts

While wrapping a dented car is possible, it is better not to do so because the vinyl will not hide the imperfections on the body of your car. The best way to go about this is to consult with a professional car wrap installer and conduct a thorough assessment of the dents. You will have to get any damage fixed and make the body of your car smooth before applying the vinyl wrap.