How Much Does it Cost to Wrap a Car
Wrapping a car can cost as little as $2,000 or as much as $10,000. Whether you want to advertise your business, protect the paint job, or customize its look, read on to learn how much a car wrap may cost you.
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How Much Does a Full Car Wrap Cost?
In general, it costs $2,000—$5,000 to wrap a full car.
If you want a specialty vinyl wrap, it could cost $10,000 or more. Wrapping parts of the car, such as the hood or roof, typically costs $300 and up.
Read on to find out more.
High-quality vinyl wraps, such as 3M, can last as long as 7 years. However, the longevity of any wrap depend on how you care for it. Handwashing the car and keeping it out of the sun can help it last longer.
What Factors Affect the Cost?
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Wrap Coverage
Full wraps cost more than a partial car wrap, such as wrapping a hood, trunk, or door.
Size of the Vehicle
Larger vehicles, such as trucks and SUVs, cost more to wrap than sedans and coupes (more on this below).
Quality of Vinyl
You can choose between different types of vinyl. Some last for as long as 10 years, while others are temporary. Higher-quality wraps that last longer will cost more.
Complexity of the Job
Flat vehicle surfaces, such as trailers, are easiest to wrap. Curved vehicles, such as a pickup truck or sedan, require more labor, which results in a higher cost.
As with car wraps, the price of a paint job varies based on several factors. A basic one or two coat paint job may cost anywhere from $300—$1,200. That's likely less than you'll pay for most wraps.
But higher end or multi-paint work can cost anywhere from $3,000—$20,000. In that case, you can probably have your car wrapped for cheaper—and you'll have an easier time removing or changing it.
How Much Does It Cost to Wrap a Car Yourself?
Wrapping your own car might be cheaper IF you know what you're doing. Since there's no labor cost, the price will depend mostly on the types of materials and size of your car.
Here's a breakdown of the prices by type of wrap:
Carbon Fiber
You can typically purchase carbon fiber wrap for around $3–$7 per square foot. Many people use this wrap on the car's hood. Its textured finish gives the car a unique look.
Vinyl Matte
This typically costs between $2.00 and $3.50 per square foot. This less common wrap has a flat finish that does not reflect sunlight.
The popular matte black wrap can cost $2000 or more for a standard sedan. The price will be even higher for larger vehicles.
Vinyl Gloss
Vinyl gloss typically costs between $1.50 and $3.50 per square foot. The gloss material makes the vinyl look as if it's part of your car's paint and reflects the sunlight.
Chrome
Expect to pay up to $8 per square foot depending on the quality of vinyl that you purchase. These trendy wraps are also the most expensive per square foot.
Car wrap rolls come in 5 x 75 foot rolls.The amount you need will depend on the surface area of your vehicle. Here's an estimate based on type:
- Compact: about 50-55 ft
- Standard/Mid-size: about 60-65 ft
- Truck/SUV: about 75 ft (one full roll)
Pros of Wrapping a Car
Wrapping a car offers many benefits, including:
- Lower cost than painting
- More color and style options
- No need to wait for it to dry
- Can be easily removed if needed
- Protects your car's paint from chips and scratches
Cons of Wrapping a Car
There are a couple of pitfalls to watch out for.
- May not last long
- Can show discoloration if scratched or dented
- Hard hard to choose between thousands of options of colors and styles
Advertising with Car Wraps
Commercial car wraps can be a great way to help you advertise on a limited budget. The average cost-per-mile (CPM) for a vehicle wrap is $0.77, according to the Outdoor Advertising Association of America.
Car wraps earn 30,000–70,000 daily impressions. In an RYP & Becker Group study:
- 97% of people who saw vehicle ads remembered them.
- 98% thought the ads had a positive influence.
- 96% of respondents thought that vehicle advertisements were more effective than billboards.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to wrap a car?
On average, you can expect it to take between 1 and 5 days to wrap your vehicle. The time it takes depends on the size of the car, the complexity of the wrap, and the necessary cure time, which can vary between 12 and 24 hours.
Does wrapping a car damage the paint?
No. In fact, it helps protect it, especially if it's the factory paint job. Wraps protect against fading, scratches, and weather damage.
Can you apply a car wrap over scratches?
Your car's paint should be in Like New condition before having a wrap installed. Thin vinyl tends to take on the shape of the vehicle. If there are scratches or dents, the vinyl could accentuate those areas rather than hide them.
Does vinyl wrap prevent a car from rusting?
A wrap can protect the car's surface and prevent rust from occurring. However, if your car already has rust, vinyl won't stop it from spreading.
Does vinyl wrap fade?
Vinyl wrap can fade if you don't care for it properly. Leaving it out in the sun or neglecting to wash your car can let environmental pollutants build up on the vinyl, which can eventually cause it to fade.
Bottom Line
Wrapping a car can be a great way to advertise your business, customize your car, or just protect your car's paint.
Find a reputable auto body shop with extensive experience that uses high-quality vinyl for best results. It's always a good idea to shop around for quotes from a few shops to see how the costs compare.
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