Have you ever found yourself at a traffic light sitting next to a vehicle identical to yours? This is one of the reasons people customize their cars because it will make them unique.
However, there are other options besides going out for a new paint job, you can also wrap your vehicle.
How much does it cost to wrap a car?
It depends on the type of wrap (vinyl, chrome, matte, gloss vinyl, carbon fiber), the brand, the condition of the car, the size, and how much you want to wrap. Examples include:
- 40% Coverage – $600-$1000
- 60% Coverage – $1,500-$2,000
- 100% coverage $2,500- $3,500
Luckily, in this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about car wrapping, including what a wrap is, what the pros/cons are, and how much you can pay.
Let’s start with the important stuff!
What is Car Wrap?
Wrapping a car consists of covering it with a thin layer of vinyl. 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 types of car wrapping, including vinyl, gloss vinyl, chrome, matte, and carbon fiber. Each has a unique look and price point, allowing you to choose which one best fits your style and budget.
Regardless, wrapping a car is a great way to change its style for a fraction of the cost of a paint job. However, apart from the many benefits, there are also some negatives.
Pros of Using Vinyl Car Wrap
Can Cost Less Than Painting
Depending on the quality of the paint and finish, a painting job can cost up to $4,000. While a full wrap made of the highest quality can exceed this amount, the average cost for a car wrap is much less than a paint job.
Takes Less Time To Complete VS Lukisan Painting
It takes about a week to paint the car. As for vinyl wrap, the average is three days. However, if your vehicle has a lot of tricky corners, it may take another day or two.
An Infinite Number of Aesthetic Possibilities
There’s only so much you can do with painting, unless you’re willing to pay someone to make something similar to the Mona Lisa along your vehicle. With a car wrap, the aesthetic possibilities are endless. You can even design your own wrap using photo editing software like Photoshop.
Easy to Remove
Removal is not an option with a paint job. However, if you change your mind with the car wrap, you can have the shop return it to its original state in a matter of hours. Cost? Expect to spend between $500-$600.
Superior Paint Protection
Will the car wrap damage your paint? No, in fact, it will actually help protect it from things like UV rays, bird droppings, minor scratches, and minor bumps or rock chips.
Cons of Using Vinyl Car Wrap
Cheap Brands Produce Cheap Results
This one shouldn’t come as much of a surprise. If you decide on a budget brand, know that the quality may match. This applies not only to the look and fit of the wrap but also to its durability.
Incorrect Application
Here’s another one that isn’t hard to put together. The more experienced the bodywork professional, the better the results. For this reason, we recommend that you do your research thoroughly before deciding who to apply to.
Damage Can Ruin Aesthetics
Car wraps look good until they start showing signs of wear and tear. Damage can come from several things, including UV rays, scratches, chips. Caring for car wraps is a great way to make sure it stays looking good for as long as possible.
How Much Does Car Wrapping Cost?
As we mentioned earlier, the cost of wrapping a car depends on several factors. This includes the type of wrap (vinyl, chrome, matte, gloss vinyl, carbon fiber), the brand, the condition of your car, its size, and how much you want to wrap.
How much does car wrap cost? Here’s what a professional wrapping service is likely to charge you:
- 40% Coverage – $500-$1200
- 60% Coverage – $1,200-$2,200
- 100% Coverage – $2,200-$3,500
To help you visualize these numbers, think of the lower end as a regular sedan wrapped in a mid-range product, and the high-end as a full-size SUV wrapped in a premium product.
As you might have guessed, there are always ultra-premium options, like wrapping exotic sports cars in carbon fiber or color-changing products. This can run for about double the price, close to the $10,000 mark.
Is Wrapping Your Car Right For You?
If you’re looking for a less expensive paint alternative that you can customize indefinitely, car wraps are a great option. However, if you park outside a lot and don’t have the time to properly care for the wrap, then no, as it will likely only last a few years.