Hexis Car Wrapping

[Lee]

So in conversation with @GazHyde the other evening whilst under his car he thought it would be a good idea to show some of you guys what goes into wrapping a car.

I took various photos long the way as well as problems we encountered.

As you know buying a car wrapped is a risky thing to do (not knowing bodywork conditions etc) The brand of wrap use is called "HEXIS" another brand is "3M". Both good brands but you get a better finish with Hexis. Most guys who wrap cars really hate using hexis becuause its difficult to get right, but the end result is worth it.

In my case i was removing the old bumper wrap because the weather/stones had got the better of it, but don't be fooled thinking what a waste this was on for over 2 years. The first stage was to heat the existing wrap and gently pull off.





What did happen was the laquor came off the N/S. This was due to a cheap front end respray. Hexis wrap wont hide any imperfections in the body work so any stone chips or un even surfaces will show through.
This had to be sanded down before a new wrap can be applied.









Finally the end result, they also wrapped the mirrors.







Lee

 

[mini]

So in conversation with @GazHyde the other evenis peeling , about a thumb nail size , be interesting seeing how much to wrap it .ng whilst under his car he thought it would be a good idea to show some of you guys what goes into wrapping a car.

I took various photos long the way as well as problems we encountered.

As you know buying a car wrapped is a risky thing to do (not knowing bodywork conditions etc) The brand of wrap use is called "HEXIS" another brand is "3M". Both good brands but you get a better finish with Hexis. Most guys who wrap cars really hate using hexis becuause its difficult to get right, but the end result is worth it.

In my case i was removing the old bumper wrap because the weather/stones had got the better of it, but don't be fooled thinking what a waste this was on for over 2 years. The first stage was to heat the existing wrap and gently pull off.

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What did happen was the laquor came off the N/S. This was due to a cheap front end respray. Hexis wrap wont hide any imperfections in the body work so any stone chips or un even surfaces will show through.
This had to be sanded down before a new wrap can be applied.

View attachment 10285

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Finally the end result, they also wrapped the mirrors.

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Lee

Looks great lee , just been quoted around 200 for respray on front bumper as the laquer on a small bit I

 

[GazHyde]

I'm beginning to research this a bit more now as I'm hoping to cover the rough bits on my car up next year.

Having seen yours in person I think it's got to be a better and cheaper alternative than a full respray.

 

[zedonist]

Awesome thread, mine is going in for a full Respray next year at £1500 plus new roof plus new wind shield and spoiler fitted. That said wrapping at this quality level should be looked at.

Also good to see your Z is Silver Lee.

 

[barone]

I've done the same thing with mine! i wrapped the car with a 3M orafol oracal azure metallic gloss film 970RA.
how many time have the wrap of your bumper? my after 2 years is still perfect.

but now i'm thinking after the wrap to respray it in estoril blue. i love it!

 

[Dino D]

Interested to hear how many and what sort of miles have your cars done in the 2yrs with the wraps on?

 

[barone]

mine done in 2 years 20k of km. all year drive, all weather included snow

 

[t-tony]

So what special type of care is required for a "wrapped" car please?

Tony.

 

[barone]

the main thing is wash the car by hand with soft cloth. you cannot go on automatic car wash.
is particularly resistant to salt
instead isn't resistant by stones and girls..... like traditional paint ;-)

 

[Michaelpase]

Yes I simply use water and a couple mircrofibre cloths as shampoos may stain

 

[Googy]

dont use hand car washers my first z wrap started coming of after it

 

[Lee]

As said above I tend to wash by hand with Auto Glym shampoo then shine her up with meguiers detailing spray.

I re-wrapped the front of the car in February because there was some big stone chips that had let the weather get under the wrap.

The rest of the wrap has been on for nearly 3 years now, HEXIS themselves guarantee their wraps for 5 years. So far this year I have done just over 20,000 Miles with no marks or any lifting.
Lee

 

[Jack Ratt]

I have never heard of wrapping until I read this thread. How much does it cost? Is it a serious alternative to a respray?

 

[Lee]

All depends on the colour you choose and type. Anything from £600 for the whole car up to over £2000.

Lee

 

[Googy]

go to say id never respray again wrap is to good

 

[Lee]

@Dino D

 

[Daytriff]

how much original paint prep do you have to do before wraping

 

[Althulas]

From what I have seen on videos is the same a fresh respray will show up every dent and stone chip not addressed.

 

[Daytriff]

Thank you for that information. I will take my car to the wrapper and see what they say

 

[IanA]

I've never wrapped a complete car but then I've always done it on my own. A heat gun and some proper wipers are essential. Also, make sure you use a quality product. Some that you get are like the old Fablon or Contact sticky backed plastic and are a waste of time on a car.