HRL Graphics Wraps 28-Year-Old Porsche 911 with 3M 2080

A Porsche 911 already has plenty of road presence, but HRL Graphics’ latest colour-change project proves that the right wrap can make even an automotive icon...

Categories: Case Studies

Published by Ryan Taylor on 04/08/2026

Home Stay informed with recent industry news HRL Graphics Wraps 28-Year-Old Porsche 911 with 3M 2080

A Porsche 911 already has plenty of road presence, but HRL Graphics’ latest colour-change project proves that the right wrap can make even an automotive icon stand out further.

The team transformed this 28-year-old Porsche from its original silver into a bright new finish using 3M Wrap Film Series 2080 Gloss Light Green, supplied by William Smith.

Completed over five days, the project required careful preparation, some stubborn spoiler bolts and approximately 19 metres of film. Mid-smoke rear light tints and new badges provided the finishing touches.

A Colour Better Suited to the Car

The customer wanted the Porsche to be bright and bold, taking inspiration from some of the more distinctive colours offered by Porsche itself.

While the original silver gave the car a classic appearance, it did not deliver the impact the owner was looking for. Product quality was also an important consideration, leading HRL Graphics to recommend 3M Wrap Film Series 2080.

Gloss Light Green provided the answer. Bright without feeling out of place on the Porsche, the colour completely changed the character of the car and helped its familiar shape make a much stronger impression.

Preparing a 28-Year-Old Vehicle

Good preparation is important on every colour-change wrap, but an older vehicle can require an especially considered approach.

Despite being 28 years old, the Porsche’s original paintwork was in surprisingly good condition. However, HRL Graphics still needed to address an area of lacquer peel and fill several stone chips before wrapping could begin.

The vehicle’s age also made preparation more delicate in certain areas and added time to the process. Components and fixings that may not have been disturbed for many years need to be handled carefully, particularly when dismantling is required to achieve the most complete finish possible.

Taking the extra time at this stage gave the team the clean, stable surface needed for the installation while protecting the condition of the vehicle beneath.

Tackling a Particularly Challenging Spoiler

The rear spoiler proved to be the most demanding part of the project.

To wrap it properly, HRL Graphics needed to dismantle the component. That was easier said than done, as the bolts appeared not to have been removed during the car’s entire 28-year life and had become badly rusted.

Once the spoiler had been carefully taken apart, the team still needed to plan the installation itself. The positioning of the wrap cut tape had to be considered before application began, ensuring the lines would remain clean and symmetrical across the finished spoiler.

It was a part of the vehicle where rushing would have quickly become visible. Careful dismantling, planning and teamwork allowed HRL Graphics to complete the spoiler to the standard required.

Why Use 3M Wrap Film Series 2080?

Developed for vehicle personalisation, 3M Wrap Film Series 2080 is a multi-layer cast film designed for applications ranging from accents to complete colour-change wraps.

Its 3M Controltac technology reduces initial tack, allowing installers to position and reposition the film before applying final pressure. Updated 3M Comply technology uses non-visible air-release channels to help remove trapped air and achieve a smooth application.

The film is also designed to conform around curves and into channels, particularly useful on a vehicle with the shape and detailing of a Porsche 911. Gloss colours include a removable protective surface layer that helps reduce scratches and surface impressions during installation, before being taken away to reveal the finished appearance.

For this project, the combination of installation performance, finish quality and a distinctive colour made 3M 2080 Gloss Light Green a natural choice.

A Porsche Ready to Stand Out

With the full colour change complete, HRL Graphics added mid-smoke rear light tints and new badges to bring the overall look together.

The result is a Porsche 911 that retains its unmistakable original character but now has the bold appearance its owner wanted. From carefully preparing the 28-year-old paintwork to overcoming the challenges posed by the rear spoiler, every stage contributed to a finish worthy of the car.

Looking for a premium film for your next colour-change project? Explore the 3M Wrap Film Series 2080 range available from William Smith or contact our team for product and application advice.