Silver to Midnight Purple: A Nissan 350Z Colour Change
A Nissan 350Z already has a distinctive shape and plenty of road presence. However, the owner of this particular car wanted to make it even more individual by changing its original silver appearance to a rich Nissan inspired Midnight Purple.
A full colour change vinyl wrap
A Nissan 350Z already has a distinctive shape and plenty of road presence. However, the owner of this particular car wanted to make it even more individual by changing its original silver appearance to a rich Nissan inspired Midnight Purple.
The vehicle came to Printmonster for a complete vinyl colour change. Using high quality cast vinyl, we transformed the exterior while retaining the lines and character that make the 350Z such a recognisable Japanese sports car.
The finished vehicle has since been displayed at Japfest and can also be spotted at other motoring events, where its changing purple finish helps it stand out among other modified and performance cars.
Customers considering a similar transformation can find out more about our colour change vehicle wraps and wider vehicle graphics services.
Transforming a silver Nissan 350Z
The starting point for this project was a silver Nissan 350Z. Although the original paintwork gave the car a clean and familiar appearance, the customer wanted something with much more visual impact.
Midnight Purple was a natural choice. It is strongly associated with Nissan performance cars and creates a finish that can appear different depending on the light, viewing angle and surroundings.
In brighter conditions, the purple tones become much more noticeable. In lower light, the vehicle can appear deeper and darker. This gives the car a changing character without altering its original body shape.
A colour change wrap also provides a different route to changing a vehicle’s appearance than repainting it. The vinyl is applied over the prepared painted panels and can later be removed by a suitably experienced vehicle graphics professional.
For customers who want to change only part of a vehicle, rather than the full exterior, partial vehicle wraps may also be worth considering.
Why we used cast vinyl
For a vehicle with complex curves and shaped body panels, the type of vinyl is important.
We used high quality cast vinyl for this Nissan 350Z. Cast vinyl is designed to conform around curves, recesses and detailed sections more effectively than vinyl intended for simpler, flatter applications.
Correct preparation and application are equally important. Before wrapping begins, the vehicle must be thoroughly cleaned so that dirt, grease, wax and other contaminants do not become trapped beneath the material.
The vinyl is then carefully positioned, applied and worked around each section of the vehicle. Particular attention is needed around panel edges, joins, curves and detailed areas.
The objective is not simply to cover the car. It is to create a consistent finish that follows the shape of the vehicle and looks considered from different angles.
A finish made to be seen
The completed Midnight Purple wrap gave the Nissan a completely different identity.
The darker colour emphasised the shape of the 350Z, while the purple tones added depth and interest as the light changed. The result was distinctive enough for the vehicle to be displayed at Japfest and other automotive events.
Projects such as this demonstrate how a vehicle colour change can be used to create something personal without adding printed branding, lettering or promotional graphics.
Some customers want a dramatic transformation, while others prefer a more understated colour or finish. The right choice depends on the vehicle, the condition of the existing paintwork and the result the owner wants to achieve.
Printmonster also produces tradesman vehicle graphics, partial wraps and commercial vehicle branding for businesses across Cannock and the wider West Midlands.
Looking after a colour change vehicle wrap
A wrapped car needs appropriate care to help keep the vinyl looking its best.
After installation, the vinyl should be given time to settle. Washing the vehicle during the first few days should be avoided unless the installer has advised otherwise.
After this initial period, gentle hand washing is normally the safest approach. Use clean water, a mild vehicle shampoo and a soft cloth, sponge or wash mitt.
Strong chemicals, abrasive pads, solvent based products, cutting compounds and aggressive degreasers should not be used on the wrapped surface. These can mark the finish or affect the vinyl.
Bird mess, tree sap, fuel spills and stubborn dirt should be removed gently as soon as practical. Leaving contamination on the surface for an extended period may make it more difficult to remove and could affect the appearance of the wrap.
For more detailed advice, read our complete Vehicle Graphics Care Guide.
Washing a wrapped vehicle safely
Automatic car washes are not recommended for a wrapped vehicle. Brushes and repeated mechanical contact can mark the finish or place unnecessary pressure on exposed edges.
Pressure washers also require care. A strong jet directed closely at an edge, join or vulnerable section may lift or damage the material.
When using a pressure washer, keep the nozzle at a sensible distance and avoid directing concentrated pressure towards vinyl edges. A gentle hand wash remains the preferred option.
After washing, the car can be dried using a clean, soft microfibre cloth. Avoid rubbing dirt across the surface, as trapped grit can create fine marks.
If an edge begins to lift, do not pull or trim it. Contact Printmonster through our friendly contact team for practical advice before the affected section becomes worse.
How vinyl changes over time
Like paint, plastics and many other exterior materials, vehicle vinyl changes gradually as it is exposed to sunlight, weather, washing and everyday use.
The speed of this change depends on several factors, including:
- The colour and finish of the vinyl
- How often the vehicle is used
- Where the vehicle is parked
- Exposure to direct sunlight
- Cleaning products and washing methods
- Road dirt, salt and environmental contamination
- The direction and position of each panel
Horizontal surfaces such as roofs and bonnets can receive more direct sunlight than some vertical panels. As a result, different areas of a vehicle may not always age at exactly the same rate.
This does not mean that a wrap will suddenly become a completely different colour. However, gradual changes in tone, gloss and appearance should be expected during the life of the material.
Colour changing, metallic and pearlescent finishes can make these gradual differences more noticeable because their appearance already changes with the viewing angle and available light.
Replacing a damaged wrapped panel
One important consideration is that newly supplied vinyl may not match older vinyl perfectly.
If a door, wing, bumper or another individual panel is damaged several years after the original installation, replacing only that section can reveal a difference between the new material and the vinyl already on the car.
Even when the same manufacturer, product range and colour reference are used, several factors may affect the match:
- The existing wrap may have changed through sunlight and weather exposure.
- The newly supplied material will not have experienced the same ageing.
- Manufacturing batches can show small variations.
- Different panel angles reflect light differently.
- Metallic, pearlescent and colour changing finishes can exaggerate small differences.
For this reason, a single replacement panel cannot always be guaranteed to blend invisibly with an older colour change wrap.
Depending on the age and condition of the existing material, it may be sensible to replace an adjacent panel or a larger section of the wrap. The vehicle should be inspected before deciding on the most appropriate approach.
Customers who notice damage, lifting or deterioration can contact Printmonster for practical advice about the available options.
DVLA, insurance and vehicle account updates
Changing the main colour of a vehicle is not only a visual decision. Owners should also consider the official records, insurance policies and services connected with that vehicle.
Tell the DVLA
The registered keeper should update the vehicle colour shown on the V5C registration certificate when the main colour changes.
The latest instructions can be found on the official GOV.UK page covering how to change the details on a vehicle registration certificate.
Owners should follow the current DVLA process and keep the updated document with their vehicle records.
Tell your insurer before the work begins
A colour change wrap may be treated as a vehicle modification by an insurance provider.
The owner should contact their insurer before arranging the work and explain the intended change. Insurers have their own policy terms and assessment processes, so it is important to ask how the wrap will affect the policy.
Failing to provide relevant information about a vehicle modification could affect the cover provided.
Owners should ask their insurer to confirm that the colour change has been recorded and whether any additional terms or conditions apply.
Check toll road and vehicle accounts
Drivers who use services linked to a particular vehicle should also check that their account information remains accurate.
For example, customers using an M6toll Breeze account can manage the vehicles connected with their account. Although the vehicle registration number is normally the main identifier, customers should review their account after a significant vehicle change and update any recorded details where required.
The same principle applies to:
- Parking accounts
- Workplace parking permits
- Residential parking schemes
- Security systems
- Vehicle access systems
- Breakdown cover
- Motorway and toll road accounts
- Any service storing the vehicle’s colour or description
Considering a vehicle colour change?
A full colour change is a detailed project that requires suitable material, careful preparation and experienced application.
Before requesting a quotation, it is helpful to provide:
- The vehicle make, model and year
- Clear photographs of the vehicle
- The current paint colour
- The preferred new colour or finish
- Details of any scratches, dents, corrosion or paint damage
- Information about previous repairs or resprayed panels
- Details of accessories or body modifications that may affect installation
Existing paint condition is particularly important. Vinyl follows the surface beneath it and cannot hide dents, corrosion, loose lacquer or unstable paint.
Printmonster provides colour change vehicle wraps, partial vehicle wraps, tradesman vehicle graphics and other practical vehicle graphics services for customers across Cannock and the wider West Midlands.
To discuss a sports car, business vehicle or another vehicle graphics project, contact our friendly team with a few photographs and details of what you would like to achieve.
Vinyl colour change wraps FAQ
Do I need to tell the DVLA about a car colour change wrap?
The registered keeper should update the colour recorded on the vehicle’s V5C when the main colour of the vehicle changes. Follow the latest instructions on the official GOV.UK page for changing vehicle details on a V5C.
Should I tell my insurance company before wrapping my car?
Yes. Contact your insurer before the work begins. A full or partial wrap may be considered a vehicle modification, and the insurer should be given the opportunity to confirm how it affects the policy.
Do I need to update my M6toll Breeze account?
Customers should review the vehicle information held within their M6toll Breeze account after a significant vehicle change. Contact M6toll directly if you are unsure whether any details need updating.
Can I use an automatic car wash on a wrapped car?
Automatic car washes are not recommended. The brushes and repeated mechanical contact may mark the vinyl or place pressure on the edges. Gentle hand washing is normally the safer option. More information is available in the Printmonster Vehicle Graphics Care Guide.
Can I pressure wash a colour change wrap?
A pressure washer should only be used with care. Keep the nozzle away from edges and joins, maintain a sensible distance and avoid concentrating high pressure on one area.
Will replacement vinyl match an older wrap?
Not necessarily. Existing vinyl may change gradually because of sunlight, weather and washing. A new section can therefore appear slightly different, even when the same colour reference is ordered.
Can vinyl be applied over damaged paint?
Vinyl should not be treated as a way to repair poor paintwork. Loose lacquer, corrosion, dents, scratches and unstable repairs may remain visible or affect adhesion. The vehicle should be inspected before wrapping.
How long does a vehicle colour change wrap last?
There is no single lifespan that applies to every vehicle. Material choice, installation, storage, mileage, sunlight, cleaning and panel position can all affect how the vinyl ages.
Can a colour change wrap be removed?
Vehicle wrap vinyl is designed to be removable, but removal should be handled by a suitably experienced professional. The condition and history of the paint beneath the wrap can affect the removal process.
Planning your own vehicle transformation?
Whether you have a sports car, company vehicle or weekend project, Printmonster can help you explore suitable vehicle wrap options.
View our colour change vehicle wraps, explore our wider vehicle graphics services or contact our friendly team for practical advice about vinyl choices, vehicle preparation and installation.
Planning your own vehicle transformation?
Whether you have a sports car, company vehicle or weekend project, Printmonster can help you explore suitable vehicle wrap options.