FAQS 2025
These FAQs provide a quick overview of the most common questions we’re asked. For a deeper dive into materials, techniques and best practices, read our comprehensive eBook: Yacht Wrapping Bible: The Ultimate Guide to Yacht Wrapping by LuxWrap®.
WHAT IS YACHT WRAPPING?
High-performance marine films are applied to painted or varnished substrates to change colour/finish or to protect surfaces. Wraps are reversible, fast to install, and can be replaced in sections without disturbing the underlying paint.
WHY CHOOSE LUXWRAP?
We specialise exclusively in large-yacht interiors, exteriors and protection films, delivered by an engineering-led team with long-tenured installers. Our processes, templating, and on-site digital plotting keep complex projects precise, efficient, and repeatable—afloat or ashore.
LUXWRAP® is trademarked in the UK, EU, and USA, reflecting our permanence and reputation with owners, captains, managers, and shipyards worldwide.
For independent feedback, see verified reviews and project features referenced across our site and media channels.
HOW LONG DOES A FULL HULL WRAP TAKE?
For a 40–80 m yacht, a hull colour change typically completes in about 10–20 days, subject to design, access, and hull geometry. Our programmes are planned to minimise disruption to operations and charter schedules.
DOES THE YACHT NEED TO COME OUT OF THE WATER?
No. We routinely execute large projects afloat using floating rafts, mobile scaffolds and cherry pickers—covering hulls and superstructures without shipyard dependence, where appropriate conditions exist.
WHERE CAN WRAPS AND PROTECTION FILMS BE USED?
Exterior: hull sides, superstructure zones, cap rails, garage doors, high-traffic areas, polished metals, and varnished timber.
Interior: architectural finishes (e.g., wood, stone, metals, specialty textures), stainless workspaces, bar tops, refrigeration fronts, and other service areas. Clear surface-protection films (SPF) shield against abrasion and chemicals while remaining visually discreet.
HOW MUCH CAN I SAVE VS. PAINT?
On 50 m+ yachts, a wrap-led refresh is often an order of magnitude lower than a full repaint, with drastically shorter downtime. Owners increasingly use wraps between paint cycles to preserve paint condition and avoid cumulative polishing losses.
VINYL VS. PAINT—WHAT’S THE RIGHT WAY TO THINK ABOUT IT?
They’re complementary. Paint provides the structural, long-term substrate; wraps provide speed, flexibility, and sacrificial protection. Regular wrap renewals keep the paint “frozen in time,” deferring or reducing future paint scope.
HOW DURABLE ARE THE FILMS (INCLUDING UV)?
Lifespan depends on colour, finish, exposure, maintenance, and geometry. As guidance on vertical exposures: black/white films can reach multi-year service lives; coloured films are typically mid-range; metallics and exotic finishes trend shorter. Clear protection films (SPF) are UV-stable and optically clear; they are intended to be renewed as part of a proactive care plan.
HOW TOUGH IS THE MATERIAL IN PRACTICE?
Films resist day-to-day abrasion and impact within design limits. Where paint might scratch (and then require polishing that thins it), films may scuff; the remedy is simple—replace the affected section to restore a flawless finish.
WHAT ABOUT FINISH QUALITY—CAN VINYL MATCH PAINT?
Modern high-gloss films are visually indistinguishable from paint at viewing distance. Vinyl also unlocks effects that are impractical with paint—brushed metals, camo, specialty textures, and branding—at far lower cost.
MAINTENANCE: HOW DO I CLEAN IT? CAN I POLISH IT?
No abrasive polishing. Wash with neutral soap and water or approved vinyl-safe cleaners. Add clear SPF on top for easier cleaning (hydrophobicity) and additional scuff resistance; this is especially valuable on service areas and high-touch zones.
WHAT IS PROTECTION FILM AND WHY DOES IT MATTER?
NinjaShield® PPF is our flagship surface-protection film, tried and tested in the superyacht environment. It is optically clear, ultra-tough, UV-stable, and self-healing against minor scuffs and swirl marks.
By applying NinjaShield to vulnerable zones—cap rails, service counters, stainless trims, painted topsides—you extend the life of your paint, reduce maintenance costs, and preserve flawless surfaces even under heavy charter use.
Unlike paint or varnish, NinjaShield™ is sacrificial and replaceable: once it has done its duty, it can be renewed without disturbing the substrate beneath. It is the ultimate partner to paint, delivering invisible armour where yachts need it most.
REPAIRS: CAN DAMAGED SECTIONS BE FIXED?
Yes. Small scuffs can be patched onboard using spare material we leave with the yacht. For larger or complex areas, we perform sectional replacement to return the surface to a uniform finish.
ARE JOINS VISIBLE?
Joins are generally hidden within natural lines and geometry of the vessel. Unless you know where to look, they are discreet and visually unobtrusive.
IS REMOVAL CLEAN?
Yes. Films are designed to be removed with moderate heat and technique. Any residual adhesive is cleared with approved mild solvents without harming sound paint beneath.
WHAT SURFACE PREPARATION IS REQUIRED?
Substrates must be smooth, stable, clean and dry: no flaking or exfoliating paint. Scratches or fairing defects print through thin films; cracks must be sealed and moisture-free before application. Correct prep directly drives the final finish.
WHAT MATERIAL OPTIONS AND SIZES ARE AVAILABLE?
Exterior colour/finish films: rolls are typically 1.52 m wide (lengths ~23–50 m). Interior architectural films: usually 1.22 m wide and supplied by the linear metre. Clear SPF (including NinjaShield™) is available in gloss, satin, and matt.
HOW DO YOU PRICE A PROJECT?
Scope and access drive cost: vessel length/geometry, surface condition, chosen film (colour/metallic/specialty/clear), design complexity, location, and schedule. After a technical review—drawings, photos, and where necessary a site visit—we issue a detailed programme and fixed price where scope is defined.
CAN YOU WORK WORLDWIDE AND TO TIGHT WINDOWS?
Yes. Our teams mobilise globally and routinely deliver afloat during operational seasons. We coordinate with captains/managers to integrate with yard slots, guest movements and charter turnarounds.
WHAT ABOUT CLASS/FLAG, FIRE, AND SAFETY?
We specify reputable, marine-appropriate films and install to manufacturer guidance. For interior spaces with specific fire/smoke requirements, we align film choice with the yacht’s standards. Your manager can share any Class/Flag constraints for review during technical planning.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT FROM THE EBOOK “YACHT WRAPPING BIBLE”?
It’s a guide for owners, captains, crew and managers covering use-cases (exterior, interior, and clear protection), preparation, materials, durability, logistics, contractor selection, and real project examples—structured to help owners, captains and managers plan with confidence.
HOW DO I START?
Share vessel details (LOA, beam, photos/drawings), target scope (areas, colours/finishes or clear protection), location window, and any standards to satisfy. We’ll revert with options, sample programmes, and—if desired—design visualisations.