How Much Does It Cost To Wrap A Car?

Car wraps definitely make your car look unique. But is auto wrap cost expensive? We'll discuss car wrapping, car wrap options, and the car wrap cost.

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 establish the fundamentals first!

Table of ContentsShow

What Is A Car Wrap?

putting car wrap vinyl foil or film on car front or back

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.

Nevertheless, in recent years, it has gained popularity as a way to personalize the outward appearance.

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

putting car wrap vinyl foil or film on car side

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

putting car wrap vinyl foil or film on car door

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?

putting car wrap vinyl foil or film on car near tire

As previously stated, the car wrapping price depends on some factors. These factors are the kind of wrap (vinyl, chrome, matte, vinyl gloss, carbon fiber), the brand, the car’s condition, its size, and the amount to be 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 assist with your understanding of these numbers, imagine the lower range as a typical car covered with a middle-range item, and the higher range as a large sport utility vehicle covered with a top-quality item.

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.

You Might Love These Too

car with dented side
What Is Frame Damage On A Car?
Joshua Barrett

Josh Barrett is a writer hailing from the great state of Alaska. While describing himself in the third person is not his forte, writing about any and all things automotive – is. After 13+ years hustling in the exciting world of car sales, he took off to travel the world with his dog Teemo.