Can custom car wraps in Melbourne go over dents?
At Bon Vivant Auto Care, we get this question a lot: “Can I wrap my car if it’s got a few scratches or faded spots?”
The short answer is yes – but there are a few things you need to know first.
If you’re considering car wrapping to refresh your vehicle’s look or advertise your brand, it’s important to understand how existing imperfections – like dents, scratches, or tired old paint – can impact the final result.
And in a place like Melbourne, where weather and driving conditions vary from the coast to the suburbs, proper preparation is everything.
In this article we will unpack what really happens when you apply a car vinyl wrap over damaged or imperfect paint, and how to get the best result.
Can You Wrap Over Scratches?
Yes, you can. But whether you should depends on the type and depth of the scratch.
Minor surface-level scratches, such as swirl marks or light scuffs, generally won’t affect a wrap.
The vinyl conforms nicely to the paint and covers minor blemishes well.
These are often invisible under the wrap once installed, especially if you’re using textured finishes like matte, satin, or carbon fibre.
But deeper scratches, those that you can feel with your fingernail, are a different story.
These can show through the vinyl, especially under gloss wraps or light colours.
In some cases, the edges of the scratch can cause the vinyl to lift over time, leading to premature failure.
If your vehicle has deeper scratches, we usually recommend a quick paint correction or spot repair before wrapping.
It doesn’t need to be perfect paintwork, but giving the vinyl a smooth, even surface helps ensure a clean finish and long-lasting bond.
What About Dents?
This one’s tricky.
Yes, you can wrap a car that has dents. But the vinyl will follow the contour of the panel, including the dent.
It won’t hide the damage. In fact, with certain colours or finishes, dents can look even more obvious once wrapped.
If you’re considering car wrapping in Melbourne and your car has a few dings or creases, it’s worth asking us to assess them before we begin.
Small dents can often be fixed affordably with paintless dent removal (PDR).
It’s a quick and cost-effective way to get your panels smooth without the need for respraying.
Fixing the dent before wrapping will give you a much cleaner, more professional look, and help your wrap last longer, too.
Can Vinyl Wraps Cover Faded or Oxidised Paint?
They can, but here’s the catch: vinyl sticks best to healthy, well-maintained paint.
If the clear coat is peeling, or the paint is chalky and oxidised, the vinyl may not adhere properly.
This is especially common on bonnets and roofs of older cars exposed to Melbourne’s intense summer sun.
If your car’s paint is just slightly dull or faded, we might be able to machine polish it before wrapping. But if there’s serious clear coat failure, we’ll likely suggest respraying those panels first – or at least addressing the worst areas – before applying the wrap.
Skipping this step could result in poor adhesion, bubbling, or premature lifting of the wrap.
Why Surface Condition Matters for Car Wraps
Think of it like wallpapering a wall in your home.
If the wall is smooth, the paper goes on clean and stays in place.
If the wall is cracked or flaking, the wallpaper will struggle to stay flat and might peel at the edges.
The same logic applies with Melbourne car wraps.
The better the surface, the better the final result and the longer your wrap will last.
Whether you’re going for a full-colour change, a partial wrap, or branding for a fleet of business vehicles, proper surface prep is essential.
So, What’s the Best Approach?
At Bon Vivant Auto Care, we treat every vehicle individually.
Some cars with vinyl wrap look flawless even without paint correction.
Others need a bit of prep to get them looking their best. That’s why we always recommend an in-person assessment before wrapping.
Our team will walk you through what’s possible, what’s worth fixing beforehand, and how to get the most out of your investment.
We work with all kinds of vehicles – from prestige models to hard-working utes – and we know how Melbourne’s weather, road grime, and UV exposure affect vehicle surfaces.
It’s Not Just a Wrap—It’s a Transformation
A great car wrap can completely transform the look of your vehicle.
Whether you’re after a sleek satin finish, a bold colour flip, or something truly unique, a well-installed wrap turns heads and protects your paint underneath.
But to get that head-turning finish, it’s worth taking the time to prep your car properly.
That might mean a light polish, a dent repair, or addressing that peeling clear coat first. Think of it as setting the stage for the main event.
If you’re ready to explore car wrapping Melbourne options, come in and see us at Bon Vivant. We’ll assess your vehicle, explain your choices, and help you get the result you’re after – all without cutting corners.
Ready to wrap it right? Let’s talk. Whether you’re wrapping for style, protection, or business branding, Bon Vivant has Melbourne’s vehicles covered – literally.
Call us today on (03) 9681 9770 to organise a tailored.
