Metallic vinyl contains fine metallic flake within the film, so the surface sparkles and shimmers as light moves across it. The effect is similar to metallic paint and adds depth to a colour.
It suits owners who want more life in their colour than a solid shade can give, particularly on vehicles with flowing curves where the flake catches the light.
About this service
Metallic films are available with gloss, satin or matte top finishes, which changes the overall look a great deal. A gloss metallic is closest to typical metallic car paint, while a matte metallic gives a flat surface with a subtle sparkle underneath.
The flake can appear slightly different depending on the direction the film is laid. To keep panels looking consistent, we install metallic film in the same orientation across the vehicle, which can affect how much material is needed. For the same reason, repairs are easiest to blend when film from the same batch is available.
Metallic flake can make light dust and very fine marks a little less obvious than on a solid gloss colour, but it will not hide chips, dents or a rough surface underneath. As with any wrap, the result depends on the paint condition beneath.
Suitable vehicles and common uses
- Full colour changes on sedans, SUVs and coupés
- Luxury vehicles where a deep, rich colour is wanted
- Sports cars with curves that show off flake movement
- Owners who want a metallic look different from the factory colour
- Contrast bonnets or roofs in a metallic shade
- Vehicles where a solid colour feels too flat
Available options
- Gloss metallic colours, subject to material availability
- Satin metallic for a softer sparkle
- Matte metallic for a flat finish with subtle flake
- Full wrap or selected panels
- Door jambs and shuts on full wraps, where practical
- Combining metallic body colour with gloss black or satin trim
Options depend on the material available at the time of your project and on your vehicle. We confirm exactly what is possible in your quotation.
Why choose it
- Adds depth and movement to a colour
- Flake can make light dust less noticeable than solid gloss
- A metallic look without a respray
- Gloss, satin and matte variants give a wide choice
- Original paint remains underneath
Things to consider
- Film must be laid in a consistent direction, which may use more material
- Repairs are easiest to match with film from the same batch
- Does not hide chips, dents or uneven surfaces
- Matte and satin metallic films must not be polished or waxed
Preparation and installation process
- Colour selection in sunlight. Metallic flake looks very different indoors and out, so we review samples on your car in daylight.
- Paint assessment. We check for chips, clear-coat problems and resprayed areas that could affect the result or later removal.
- Layout planning. We plan film orientation so the flake reads the same way on every panel.
- Preparation and install. Panels are cleaned and parts removed where needed, then film is applied in the planned direction.
- Panel-to-panel check. We compare adjacent panels from several angles to confirm the flake looks consistent.
What affects the price
- Vehicle size and shape
- The metallic film and top finish chosen
- Extra material needed to keep flake orientation consistent
- Full or partial coverage
- Paint preparation and disassembly needs
Every vehicle is different, so we quote each job individually. Your final quotation depends on the vehicle, the material, how much of the vehicle is covered, any artwork, and the condition of the paint once we have assessed it.
Turnaround
Timing depends on the vehicle’s size and complexity, the coverage chosen, the planning needed to keep flake direction consistent and the condition of the paint. We confirm the timing with your quote once the vehicle has been assessed.
Care and maintenance
- Hand wash with a soft mitt and pH-neutral shampoo
- Gloss metallic can take vinyl-safe detail sprays; do not use abrasive polish
- Satin or matte metallic must not be waxed or polished
- Keep pressure washers away from edges
- Keep a note of your film colour in case a panel needs replacing later
Frequently asked questions
Does metallic vinyl look like metallic paint?
Gloss metallic film looks similar to metallic paint from normal viewing distance. The flake size and depth differ between films, so we show you samples first.
Why does film direction matter?
Metallic flake can reflect light slightly differently depending on how the film is laid. Installing in one direction keeps adjacent panels looking the same.
Can a damaged metallic panel be matched later?
Usually, but slight batch differences are possible. Keeping a record of the exact film helps, and in some cases rewrapping adjacent panels gives a better match.
Is matte metallic harder to look after?
It follows matte care rules: no wax, no polish and matte-safe products. The flake does not change that.
Can I choose a metallic close to my caru2019s factory colour?
You can, but an exact match to factory metallic paint is unlikely, because flake size and tint differ. If you are wrapping the whole car, this does not matter. For a partial wrap, a clearly different metallic shade usually looks more deliberate.
Areas we serve
Customers bring their vehicles to our workshop in Rivonia, Sandton from across Gauteng. All installations take place at the workshop.
