A partial wrap covers only part of your vehicle. Common choices are the roof, bonnet, mirror caps, pillars, boot lid or a lower section for a two-tone effect. The rest of the car keeps its original paint.
It suits owners who like their current colour but want contrast, people testing a finish before committing to a full wrap, and anyone who wants a noticeable change on a smaller scope of work.
About this service
The success of a partial wrap depends on where the film starts and stops. We plan edges to finish at natural panel lines, gaps or trim, so the wrapped area looks intentional. A black roof, for example, usually runs to the roof edges or the rubber seals rather than ending part-way across a panel.
Partial wraps work well as a deliberate contrast. Matching vinyl exactly to your existing paint is rarely possible, because paint colours vary between vehicles and age in the sun. If you want a panel to look the same colour as the rest of the car, a full wrap or paintwork is usually the better route.
Paint that has been under film for a long time is shielded from UV, while the surrounding paint is not. When a partial wrap is removed later, there can be a slight difference between the covered and exposed areas, especially on older or sun-faded paint. We mention this so you can plan with it in mind.
Suitable vehicles and common uses
- Contrast roofs on hatchbacks, SUVs and sedans
- Bonnets on sporty or older vehicles where a statement panel is wanted
- Mirror caps and A, B or C pillars as finishing touches
- Two-tone designs splitting upper and lower body sections
- Bakkies with a contrast bonnet or roof
- Owners trying a finish on one panel before deciding on a full wrap
Available options
- Roof wraps, with or without the pillars
- Bonnet wraps in a contrast colour or carbon fibre look
- Mirror caps, spoilers and trim pieces
- Two-tone splits along body lines
- Gloss, matte, satin, chrome, carbon look or textured films, subject to material availability
- Combining a partial wrap with a chrome delete for a coordinated look
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
- A visible change with a smaller scope than a full wrap
- Your original paint colour stays on most of the car
- Easy to reverse or change one area later
- Lets you try a finish before committing to the whole vehicle
- Contrast panels can highlight a vehicle’s lines
Things to consider
- Exact colour matching to existing paint is rarely achievable
- Edges need to sit on natural lines or the result can look unfinished
- Covered and exposed paint can age differently, which may be noticeable after removal
- Chips or damage on the selected panels will show through the film
Preparation and installation process
- Plan the coverage. We look at your vehicle with you and agree which panels to wrap and exactly where each edge will finish.
- Choose the film. You pick a colour and finish that contrasts well with your existing paint, using samples held against the car.
- Inspect and prepare. We check the selected panels for chips or clear-coat issues, then clean and degrease them, including the edges.
- Wrap and finish edges. Film is applied and edges are tucked behind seals, panel gaps or trim wherever the vehicle allows.
- Check and hand over. We inspect the wrapped areas in good light and explain how to care for them alongside the painted panels.
What affects the price
- Which panels are wrapped and how large they are
- Shape and complexity, such as roofs with sunroofs or rails
- The film chosen
- Whether trim, rails or mirror caps must be removed
- Condition of the paint on the selected panels
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
A partial wrap usually involves less work than a full wrap, but timing still depends on which panels are wrapped, how much trim needs removing and the film chosen. We confirm the timing with your quote after we have seen the vehicle.
Care and maintenance
- Wash the whole car as normal, taking care around wrapped edges
- Use products that suit both the paint and the film; matte or satin panels must not be waxed or polished
- Avoid aiming a pressure washer at the edges where film meets paint
- Park in shade where possible to reduce sun exposure on both paint and film
- Ask us to inspect any lifting edge before dirt gets underneath
Frequently asked questions
Can you match a wrap to my caru2019s paint?
Usually not exactly. Paint colours vary and fade over time, so even a close vinyl colour can look different in sunlight. A clear contrast colour usually looks more intentional than a near match.
Which partial wrap makes the biggest difference?
A contrast roof or bonnet tends to change a caru2019s look the most for the area covered. Mirror caps and pillars are subtler finishing touches. We can show you samples against your car.
Will there be a line where the wrap ends?
We plan edges to finish at panel gaps, seals or trim, so you should not see a film edge in the middle of a panel. On some vehicles, a visible edge is unavoidable and we will point this out before starting.
Can I add more panels later?
Yes. Many owners start with a roof or mirrors and add other areas later. Film batches can vary slightly, so for a consistent look we may suggest rewrapping the original area at the same time.
Areas we serve
Customers bring their vehicles to our workshop in Rivonia, Sandton from across Gauteng. All installations take place at the workshop.
