From vehicles to desks, special‑effect vinyls and smarter print technology

What better place to talk vehicle wrapping than Mercedes‑Benz World in Surrey? Our team recently attended the Spandex Summit, an industry‑only event packed with live demos, hands‑on testing, new product launches and in‑depth discussions with specialists — including Spandex themselves, one of the leading manufacturers of wrap materials. So, what did we learn? What are the wrap trends for 2026, and what can we pass on to you?
Architectural Film – transforming interiors and exteriors
A growing wrap trend we are seeing in the wrap bay isn’t a vehicle, but a desk! Architectural wrapping films come in ranges such as woodgrain, stone, marble and leather, offering a cost‑effective alternative to full refurbishment. These allow items such as bathroom cubicles, reception desks, tables and doors to be wrapped and thus change their appearance.
Architectural film is ideal for offices, retail spaces, hospitality venues and even homes looking for a modern refresh without the disruption of traditional renovation. With hundreds of textures and finishes available, it’s becoming a go‑to solution for designers and businesses wanting a premium look with minimal downtime. We’ve recently launched our own architectural film service page, and we’re excited to bring this technology to clients.
ORAFOL ProSlide – premium, with blister-free hold
One standout product at the Summit was ORAFOL’s premium wrapping cast, 970RA+ProSlide. This vehicle wrapping film is available in high-gloss and matt, manufactured with air-pockets. These air pockets are part of the Rapid Air adhesive system, which uses microscopic air channels that allow installers to slide, reposition and smooth out the film with ease. Trapped air escapes cleanly, reducing bubbles and speeding up installation while still achieving a factory‑quality finish.
We already work with similar technologies, and with ORAFOL’s new range offering faster installs, it’s a win for anyone considering a wrap.
Digital Printing for Vehicle Wraps – sharper, faster, more accurate
Our team also saw demonstrations of the latest large‑format digital printers offering improved colour accuracy and quicker drying times. These machines — from brands like Epson and Roland — provide environmentally friendlier ink systems while still delivering durable, high‑performance prints.
For our industry, this is huge. Digital print is increasingly used not just for signage and exhibition graphics, but for full‑coverage vehicle wraps featuring photography, illustrations and large‑scale branding. We’re always exploring new machinery to boost productivity and give our clients the best possible results, so developments in this area are exciting.
Want to explore these trends?
We offer all of these materials and services to our clients.
For a free quotation or more information, call 01403 255442 or email info@belsigns.com.
Wrapping 2026 Gallery