Car Color Change with Vinyl Wrap: Everything You Need to Know
Vinyl wrapping is the smartest way to give your car a completely new color. It costs less than repainting, it is fully reversible, and it gives you access to colors and finishes that paint simply cannot match. Here is everything you need to know about changing your car's color with vinyl wrap.
Dreaming of a car in a completely different color? Maybe you bought a white Tesla because that was what the dealer had in stock, but you really wanted matte grey. Or maybe your company car needs a fresh look. Vinyl wrapping lets you change your car's color without touching the original paintwork, and you can choose from hundreds of colors and finishes that traditional paint simply cannot replicate.
At Show Off AS, we have done color change wraps on everything from daily drivers to luxury vehicles. Here is what you need to know before making the decision.
Can You Change Your Car's Color with Vinyl Wrap?
Yes, absolutely. A full color change wrap means the entire vehicle is covered in vinyl film in a new color. The result looks identical to a professional paint job, but the film can be removed at any time without damaging the original paint underneath. The process typically takes 3 to 5 working days for a complete car.
Why Choose Wrapping Over Repainting?
There are several compelling reasons to choose vinyl wrap over traditional paint when you want a new color.
Reversible. A vinyl wrap is not permanent. If you change your mind or decide to sell the car, the film is removed and the original paint is as pristine as the day it was applied. This is particularly valuable for leased vehicles and cars with high resale value.
More affordable. A full color change wrap typically costs between NOK 29,950 and 40,000 (excl. VAT), depending on vehicle size and film type. By comparison, a professional full respray starts at around NOK 60,000 and can easily reach NOK 80,000 or more.
More choices. With vinyl film, you have access to colors and surface finishes that paint cannot reproduce. Matte, satin, metallic, chameleon, carbon fiber, brushed metal. The combinations are nearly endless.
Protects the paint. The vinyl acts as a shield against stone chips, scratches, bird droppings, and UV radiation. When the film is removed after 5 to 7 years, the paint underneath is in the same condition as when the wrap was applied.
Faster. A full wrap takes 3 to 5 days. Repainting can take 1 to 2 weeks, sometimes longer.
Vinyl Wrapping vs. Repainting: Comparison
| Vinyl Wrapping | Repainting | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost (full coverage) | NOK 29,950 - 40,000 | NOK 60,000 - 80,000+ |
| Turnaround time | 3-5 days | 1-2 weeks |
| Reversible | Yes, no damage to paint | No, permanent |
| Color options | Hundreds of colors and finishes | Limited selection |
| Durability | 5-7 years | 10+ years |
| Resale value | Preserves original color underneath | Can reduce value |
| Paint protection | Yes, protects against chips and UV | No |
All prices excl. VAT. Prices apply to standard passenger vehicles with premium film from 3M or Avery Dennison. See our complete vehicle wrapping price guide.
What Colors and Finishes Are Available?
The selection of wrap colors is enormous. Here are the most common surface types:
Gloss
The classic finish that resembles standard car paint. It delivers a deep, shiny surface with clear reflections. Popular for timeless colors like black, white, red, and blue. The easiest of all wrap finishes to maintain.
Matte
A subdued, modern look with no reflections. Matte black and matte grey have been among the most sought-after wrap colors for years. Matte finish requires a bit more care when washing, but it gives the car a truly unique character. Read our complete matte wrap and satin finish guide for details on maintenance and colour options.
Satin
The middle ground between gloss and matte. A silky surface with soft reflections. Satin has become hugely popular because it delivers a sophisticated look that stands out without being flashy.
Metallic
Contains metal particles that add depth and shimmer to the color. Particularly striking in sunlight. Combined with a matte or satin finish, you get the trendy matte metallic look that dominates in 2026.
Chameleon / Color-Shift
Films that change color depending on viewing angle and lighting conditions. From deep purple to blue-green, or from gold to emerald. These films have gone from a niche product to one of the strongest trends in 2025 and 2026.
Carbon Fiber and Brushed Metal
Textured films that imitate carbon fiber or brushed aluminum. Often used for details like the roof, mirror caps, sill trims, and interior accents to add a sporty edge.
Popular Wrap Colors in 2026
Color trends for vehicle wrapping in 2026 show some clear directions:
- Matte black remains the undisputed classic and the most popular choice overall
- Nardo Grey (matte/satin grey) holds steady as one of the most requested colors
- Matte olive/army green is big on SUVs and pickup trucks
- Chameleon colors (especially Aurora Purple, which shifts between purple, blue, and green) are growing rapidly
- Matte metallic finishes combine the subdued with the shimmery
- Deep burgundy and midnight purple for those who want something exclusive
- Satin navy blue delivers a sophisticated and timeless elegance
Not sure about the color? At Show Off AS, you can view physical film samples. We are happy to apply a test piece on your car so you can see the color in natural daylight before committing.
How the Color Change Process Works
The process from start to finished car follows these steps:
1. Consultation and color selection
You visit our workshop, view film samples, and discuss your preferences. We provide a quote based on vehicle type, color, and film type.
2. Preparation
The car is thoroughly hand-washed, degreased, and treated with clay bar to remove all contaminants from the paint surface. We inspect the paint for stone chips, scratches, or rust damage that should be repaired first.
3. Disassembly
Trim pieces, door handles, mirror caps, lights, and other components are removed to ensure clean film edges with no visible seams. This is what separates professional wrapping from amateur work.
4. Wrapping
The film is applied panel by panel using specialized tools and heat guns. The vinyl is stretched and formed around curves, recesses, and edges. A climate-controlled workshop is essential for proper adhesive bonding.
5. Inspection and reassembly
Every panel is checked for bubbles, wrinkles, and poor adhesion. Disassembled parts are refitted. The car receives a final inspection before delivery.
6. Curing time
The adhesive needs 24 to 48 hours to reach full bond strength. During this period, you should avoid washing the car or driving in heavy rain.
What About Resale Value?
This is where wrapping has a clear advantage over repainting. When you repaint a car in a new color, you permanently remove the original factory finish. For many buyers, a repainted car is a red flag because it can hide rust or collision damage.
With a wrap, the original paint stays intact beneath the film. When the wrap is removed, the factory finish is revealed in its original condition. For buyers, this means confidence. For you, it means you can enjoy a completely new color without sacrificing the car's value.
Color Change and Vehicle Registration in Norway
If you wrap the entire car in a new color, you are legally required to update the color in the vehicle registration document. This applies to full wraps with a clear color change, not partial wraps or commercial graphics where the base color is still visible.
How to register the change
- Book an appointment at an approved inspection station via Statens vegvesen (the Norwegian Public Roads Administration)
- Present the vehicle in its new color
- The inspector updates the color in Autosys (the national motor vehicle register)
- You receive an updated registration document by post
The process costs a few hundred kroner and is quick. But failing to register can cause issues during inspections, insurance claims, traffic stops, or when selling the vehicle.
Tip: Take a photo of the car after the wrap is completed and keep the receipt from the workshop. Several insurance companies want documentation confirming that the wrap was done professionally.
How Long Does a Color Change Wrap Last?
With quality film from 3M or Avery Dennison and professional installation, you can expect the wrap to look great for 5 to 7 years. Several factors affect the lifespan:
- Garage parking extends the life significantly (UV radiation is the wrap's biggest enemy)
- Proper washing with mild car shampoo and hand washing, not automatic brush washes
- Quick removal of bird droppings and insect residue that can stain the surface
- Film quality from established manufacturers lasts longer than budget alternatives
- Color and finish: Darker colors and specialty films may show wear faster in strong sunlight
Find more maintenance advice in our guide: 5 smart tips before wrapping your car.
Frequently Asked Questions About Color Change Wrapping
Can wrapping damage the original paint?
No, not when done professionally with quality film. Premium vinyl from 3M and Avery Dennison is engineered to be removed without leaving adhesive residue or damaging the paint. The condition is that the paint was in good shape when the film was applied, and that the film is not left on significantly longer than its recommended lifespan.
Can I wrap a car with existing paint damage?
Technically yes, but it is not recommended. Vinyl conforms to the surface and will make stone chips, scratches, and dents more visible. Major paint damage or rust should be repaired before wrapping to achieve a good result.
How much does a color change wrap cost?
A full color change wrap starts at approximately NOK 29,950 excl. VAT for a small car (such as a VW Golf) and from NOK 35,950 for a large SUV. Specialty films like chameleon, chrome, or textured finishes will cost more. See our complete price guide.
Can I choose a color that does not exist as car paint?
Yes, and this is one of the biggest advantages of wrapping. Colors like matte army green, satin lavender, chameleon color-shift, or brushed gold exist only as vinyl film. The selection is far larger than anything a car paint supplier can offer.
Do I need to register the color change with the authorities?
In Norway, yes. If you fully wrap your car in a clearly different color, you are legally required to update the color on the vehicle registration. Book an appointment at an inspection station, present the car, and have the color recorded in the national register. The process is straightforward and takes very little time.
Ready for a Color Change?
Wrapping gives you the freedom to change your car's appearance without committing to a permanent decision. You protect the original paint, preserve the resale value, and gain access to a color palette that paint can never match.
At Show Off AS in Sandnes, we have wrapped over 1,300 vehicles since 2017. We use only premium film from 3M and Avery Dennison, and all work is carried out in our climate-controlled workshop. From full wraps and color changes to detail work, we make sure the result is exactly what you envisioned.
Want to know what a color change costs for your car? Get in touch for a free quote, and we will help you choose the right color and give you an accurate price. Not sure whether you need a full wrap? Read our full wrap vs. partial wrap comparison. Just want to remove chrome trim? Check our guide on chrome delete.