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Raptor Paint vs. Car Wrapping vs. Car Lacquering
What’s Best for Your Campervan?
If you’re driving a van or converting one into a camper, the exterior finish plays a big role in both appearance and durability. Should you choose Raptor coating, a vinyl wrap, or a classic paint job? Each option has different benefits depending on your needs — whether you’re aiming for style, toughness, or long-term value. In this guide, we compare the pros and cons of all three so you can decide what’s best for your van project.
Get inspired!
Raptor paint: for rugged, offroad campervans
What it is:
Raptor paint is a polyurethane-based coating originally designed to protect truck beds. It’s now widely used to coat entire vehicles — especially those expected to face rough use.
Pros:
- Highly resistant to damage – Protects against scratches and light dents, stone chips, and UV damage.
- Can be applied at home – Rough texture hides paint imperfections; van owners can choose do it themselves.
- Excellent body protection – Helps prevent corrosion, rust and other damage.
Cons:
- Rough texture – Has a rugged, industrial look that’s not for everyone.
- Limited colour choices – Mostly matte, muted tones.
- Hard to undo – Once applied, it’s nearly permanent.
- Difficult to clean thoroughly – Dirt can cling to the textured surface, especially after off-road use.
Recommended for:
Van owners who need durability for outdoor use, work vans, or adventure builds that see off-road conditions with high risk of paint damage.
Car wrapping: flexible style without permanent commitment for your campervan
What it is:
A vinyl wrap is a coloured film applied over the van’s surface. It can completely change your van’s appearance without altering the original paintwork.
Pros:
- Highly resistant to damage – Protects against scratches and light dents, stone chips, and UV damage.
- Can be applied at home – Rough texture hides paint imperfections; van owners can choose do it themselves.
- Excellent body protection – Helps prevent corrosion, rust and other damage.
Cons:
- Rough texture – Has a rugged, industrial look that’s not for everyone.
- Limited colour choices – Mostly matte, muted tones.
- Hard to undo – Once applied, it’s nearly permanent.
- Difficult to clean thoroughly – Dirt can cling to the textured surface, especially after off-road use.
Recommended for:
Those who want to personalise their van’s look or advertise a business, without making permanent changes.
Car Lacquering: Classic and Long-Term finish for your campervan
What it is:
Car lacquering is the traditional respraying method using paint and clear coat. This is how vehicles are painted from the factory and offers a smooth, high-gloss finish.
Pros:
- Top-quality finish – A professional job looks polished and clean.
- Durable – A well-done respray can last more than a decade.
- Unlimited colour options – From subtle tones to custom blends, flat, metallic, pearl and flipflop effect.
- Looks factory-made – Seamless and high-end.
Cons:
- Expensive – Usually the costliest of all three options.
- Takes longer – Often requires one to two full weeks.
- Not reversible – Any changes later require full repainting, damage requires repainting one panel and usually color-matching several others.
- More visible damage – Chips and scratches show more clearly.
Recommended for:
Van owners seeking a permanent, high-end finish — especially for full restorations or premium camper conversions.
Overview Table
| Feature | Raptor Paint | Car Wrapping | Car Lacquering |
| Durability | Very High | Medium | High |
| Visual Style | Rugged, rough, matte | Wide variety | Glossy, smooth |
| Customisation | Limited | Extensive | Extensive |
| Reversible? | No | Yes | No |
| Lifespan | 5–10+ years | 3–5 years | 10+ years |
| Cost Estimate* | €1.000–€2.500 (DIY) | €3.500–€5.500 | €5.500–€10.000+ |
| Ideal Use Case | Tough/outdoor builds | Flexible styling | High-end conversions |
*This is an indication and can vary significantly.
Which Option is Right for You?
- Choose Raptor paint if your van will be exposed to rough roads with trees overhanging, nature, or worksite conditions. It’s practical, durable, and cost-effective.
- Choose a wrap if you want a clean, modern look, custom branding, or a temporary finish you can switch out later.
- Choose lacquering if you’re going for a permanent, factory-level finish — and you’re ready to invest in a premium result.