Have you ever found yourself at a stoplight sitting next to a vehicle identical to your own? This is one reason people customize their cars, as it will make them unique.
However, there are other options besides going out and getting a new paint job. You can also have your vehicle wrapped.
How much does it cost to wrap a car?
Well, it depends on the type of wrap (vinyl, chrome, matte, vinyl gloss, carbon fiber), the brand, the condition of your car, its size, and how much of it you want to get wrapped. Examples include:
- 40% Coverage – $700-$1000
- 60% Coverage – $1,500-$2,000
- 100% Coverage $2,500-$3,500
Thankfully, I will cover everything you need to know about wrapping a car, including what a wrap is, what the pros/cons are, and how much you can expect to pay.
Let’s get the essentials down first!
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What Is A Car Wrap?
Wrapping a car consists of covering it with a thin vinyl layer. It was first used as a way for companies to advertise their goods and services.
However, over the last decade, it has become popular as a means of personalizing exterior aesthetics.
There are several different types of car wraps, including vinyl, vinyl gloss, chrome, matte, and carbon fiber. Each has its own unique look and price point, allowing you to choose which best fits your style and budget.
Regardless, wrapping a car is a great way to revamp its styling for a fraction of the cost of a paint job. However, while there are many benefits, there are also several negatives.
Pros Of Using A Vinyl Car Wrap
Can Cost Less Compared To Painting
Depending on the quality of the paint and finish, a paint job can cost as much as $4,000. While a full wrap made from the highest quality can exceed this amount, the average cost to wrap a car is significantly less than a paint job.
Takes Less Time To Complete VS Painting
It takes about a week to have a car painted. As for a vinyl wrap, three days is the average. However, if your vehicle has many complex curves, it may take another day or two.
Endless Number Of Aesthetic Possibilities
There’s only so far you can go with painting, unless you’re willing to pay someone to create something akin to the Mona Lisa across the length of your vehicle. With a car wrap, the aesthetic possibilities are endless. You can even design your own wrap using photo editing software like Photoshop.
Easily Removable
Removal is not an option with a paint job. However, if you ever change your mind about a car wrap, you can have a shop restore it to its original condition in a matter of hours. The cost? Expect to spend between $500-$600.
Superior Paint Protection
Will a car wrap damage your paint? Nope, in fact, it will actually help protect it from things like UV rays, bird droppings, light scratches, and small dings or rock chips.
Cons Of Using A Vinyl Car Wrap
Cheap Brands Yield Cheap Results
This one shouldn’t be too much of a surprise. If you decide on a budget brand, know that the quality will likely match.
This applies not only to the look and fit of a wrap but its durability.
Improper Application
Here’s another one that’s not hard to piece together. The more experienced the bodywork professional, the better the results will be.
For this reason, we suggest thoroughly doing your research before deciding who will perform the application.
Damage Can Ruin The Aesthetics
Car wraps look great up until the point they start showing signs of wear. Damage can stem from several things, including UV rays, scratches, and chips.
Maintaining a car wrap is a great way to ensure it stays looking great for as long as possible.
How Much Does It Cost To Wrap A Car?
As we mentioned earlier, the cost of wrapping a car depends on several factors. These include the type of wrap (vinyl, chrome, matte, vinyl gloss, carbon fiber), the brand, the condition of your car, its size, and how much of it you want to get wrapped.
How much do car wraps cost?
Here’s what a professional wrapping service will likely charge:
- 40% Coverage – $600-$1200
- 60% Coverage – $1,200-$2,200
- 100% Coverage – $2,200-$3,500
To help you visualize these numbers, picture the low-end as a regular sedan being wrapped in a medium-tier product and the high-end as a full-size SUV being wrapped in a premium product.
As you might have guessed, there are always ultra-premium options, like wrapping an exotic sports car in carbon fiber or a color-changing product. This can run around twice the price, closing in on the $10,000 mark.
Is Wrapping Your Car Right For You?
If you want a less expensive option than paint that you can personalize however you want, a vehicle wrap is a good choice. But if you park outside often and can’t maintain the wrap adequately, it may only endure for a couple of years.
