How much does it cost to wrap a car in the UK?

A full car wrap in the UK typically costs between about £1,500 and £4,000, depending on the size of the car, the finish you choose and the condition of the paint underneath. A small hatchback in a standard gloss colour sits at the lower end; a large SUV, a premium finish or a tricky shape pushes towards the top. Partial wraps and single panels cost far less. This guide breaks down the prices and what moves them.

Typical UK car wrap prices

These are typical ranges, not a quote. The only way to get an accurate price is for someone to see the car, because the finish and the state of the paint change the figure a lot.

What changes the price

• The size and shape of the car. A bigger vehicle needs more film, and deep curves, recesses and bumpers take more time to wrap cleanly.
• The finish. Standard gloss vinyl is the cheapest. Satin, matte, colour-shift, chrome and textured films cost more per roll and are less forgiving to lay, so they push the price up.
• The condition of the paint underneath. Vinyl needs a clean, sound surface to stick to. Chips, peeling lacquer, rust or dents have to be sorted first or the wrap will lift at the edges, so prep can add to the job.
• Full versus partial. Wrapping just the roof, bonnet or mirrors is a fraction of a full wrap. A colour change is the most expensive because the door shuts, edges and sometimes the boot and bonnet undersides are wrapped too, so the new colour shows everywhere the old one did.

Is it cheaper to wrap or respray a car?

For a colour change, a quality wrap is often a similar price to a good respray, sometimes a little less, but the real differences are reversibility and the paint underneath. A wrap can be peeled off later to return the car to its original colour, and it protects the factory paint from stone chips and light scratches while it is on. A respray is permanent and changes the car's actual colour, which you then have to declare. We compare the two in detail in car wrapping versus respray, and if you decide paint is the better route our car respray service covers panel and full resprays.

A wrap changes the look and protects the paint underneath. A respray changes the paint itself. Which is cheaper depends less on price and more on whether you want it to be permanent.

How long does a wrap last?

A quality vinyl wrap typically lasts several years with normal use. How long depends on the film, the colour and how the car is parked and cleaned. Cars kept out of strong sun and washed by hand hold their finish longest. When you want a change, the film comes off, and a wrap that has been looked after leaves the original paint protected underneath.

Do I have to tell the DVLA if I wrap my car?

If the wrap changes the car's colour, yes. You should update the V5C logbook so it shows the car's new main colour, which is free to do, and it is worth telling your insurer as well so your cover matches the car. A partial wrap or graphics that do not change the overall colour generally do not need declaring, but if in doubt, declare it.

Get a wrap quote in Tottenham Hale

We wrap cars and vans at our garage in Tottenham Hale, from full colour changes to roofs, bonnets and chrome deletes, and because we also do paint and bodywork we can put right any chips or dents before the film goes on. Our car wrapping page has the full range of finishes. Tell us the car and what you are after and we will give you a free, no-obligation quote. We serve drivers across North London and are open every day from 08:00 to 22:00. Call 07349 766832 or message on WhatsApp.