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Cost For Car Wrap
You have probably heard of wrapping a car and that it could be an easy and even temporary way to change the look of your vehicle.
Whether the wrap you choose is a solid color or an intricate design on a sedan or a truck, there are plenty of options to choose from.
As with any automotive customization, cost plays a big part when considering this kind of upgrade, so let’s see how much you will end up spending.
What Is The Average Cost For Car Wrap?
So how much does it cost to get your car wrapped?
Car wraps are made out of heavy-duty vinyl materials with a splash of PVC for strength and cost between $5 to $15 per square foot, with installation being between $3 to $4 per square foot.
So, if we go to the highest amount, the cost ends up at about $19 per square foot to wrap a vehicle.
This price tag does not account for the type of wrap you have to choose, as the quality or kind of material will be determined by the type and curvature of the vehicle you’re trying to wrap.
That being the case, the average cost for car wrap ranges from about $1800 to $6000, but it can get as expensive as $10K to 12k.
Again, how much it costs to wrap a car depends on the vehicle and type of vinyl.
To get a head start if you’re trying to figure how much it might cost you to wrap your vehicle you need to figure out the square footage of the exterior.
Another factor for price is whether you’re going with a partial wrap or a full wrap.
If you’re only looking to wrap a specific part of your vehicle, then measure the square footage of that particular part to give you a close estimate of the price you’d be paying.
One thing to keep in mind if you choose to DIY, you can save quite a bit of money.
You can buy vinyl wraps online for a low price and give your car a fresh look without worrying about labor costs.
The average cost can range from $500 to $750.
The only drawback is not having the right tools or experience to assist you in getting the job done.
If you are deciding to DIY, then you will need the following tools:
- Safety glasses
- Heat gun
- Felt Edge Squeegee
- Utility Knife
- Wrapstick
- Craft Magnets
- Magnetic Tape Measure
- Vinyl Cutter
- Spray Bottle
- Microfiber towels
- Vinyl Wrap Gloves
- Knifeless tape
- Compressor (Optional)
- Infrared Thermometer (Optional)
- Clay Bar Kit
- Vinyl Wrap
If you prefer, there is also the option to get a Vinyl Wrap Tool Kit, that includes all or many of the items listed above.
For a full DIY car wrapping tutorial, please check the video below:
Cost For Car Wrap According To The Types Of Finishes
There are a few different types of finishes for car wraps to be aware of:
- Metallic, this finish comes with an extra reflective shine and bright colors. For the Metallic finish, the price ranges from $11.99 for 5ft x 1ft up to $191.36 for a full car wrap roll (50ft x 5ft).
- Carbon comes with a textured finish of carbon layers. For the Carbon finish, the price ranges from $12.99 for 5ft x 1.5ft up to $249 for a full car wrap roll (50ft x 5ft).
- Gloss, that resembles the typical manufacturer’s paint job with a reflective shine. The gloss finish price costs $3.40 per square foot. You would expect to pay $59.99 for 25 Sq/ft (5ft x 5ft).
- Matte, which absorbs light and gives off very little reflective shine. Matte finish price costs $9.88 for 1ft x 5ft and $299.99 for a full car wrap roll (50ft x 5 ft).
- Satin, which meets a reflective shine between gloss and matte. For the Satin finish, you would pay $17,99 for 5 Sq/ft (5ft x 1ft) and $296,15 for 125 Sq/ft (5ft x 25ft).
Cost For Car Wrap Per Type Of Vehicle
The Car Wrap Cost varies according to the type of vehicle. If you were to wrap your car to a professional, here is the average baseline cost.
- Compact car or coupe: Prices start around $2000 but they vary according to the design
- Family sedan: For an average family sedan the cost would be about $3,000.
- Compact crossover: $3,500 would be the average cost for this type of vehicle.
- Full-size SUV: $4000 is the starting price for a Full-Size SUV wrap
- Luxury sports cars: $5000 would be the starting price for these types of luxury vehicles, but they can reach as high as $10,000.
- Truck – The starting price would be at about $4000
How Long Does It Take To Wrap A Car?
The time it takes to wrap a car depends on vehicle size, curvature, and whether the job is a partial wrap or a full wrap.
If you decide to go with a professional on this endeavor, then they’ll most likely ask you to drop off your vehicle the night before the actual wrapping.
That way they can clean and detail the exterior and all the areas that the wrap will stick to.
They’ll make sure your vehicle is ready for the highest quality and longest-lasting wrap.
In total, it could take about 2-3 days, including time to allow the adhesive to cure.
If you decide to DIY, please note there are extensive materials to aid you in wrapping your vehicle correctly to give you the best out of the wrap you purchase.
Depending on the tools you use and the time you have set aside for this project, you can complete the wrap in about 2-3 days.
Allow at least 12 hours for the adhesive to cure before taking your ride out for a spin to show off its new look.
How Long Does A Wrap Last?
If done correctly your new car wrap can last up to 5 to 7 years.
It all adds up to the quality of the wrap you use, the preparation before wrapping, the installation, and proper care.
Sometimes paying the right price for a long-lasting wrap is key.
Some things can damage your wrap if you don’t take care of it.
Sun damage is the biggest one to be aware of, extreme weather is the other.
Sounds like Mother Nature is jealous of your car’s new look!
You should invest in a car cover if you don’t plan to have your car in a garage.
Protecting the vinyl will help it last longer.
You should also wash your car regularly with the new wrap.
Dirt and grease can build up on the wrap and eat away at the protective coat and color, decreasing its life.
How To Remove The Wrap
Hopefully, you love your new car wrap and let it last for its full lifetime, but perhaps it’s time to remove it.
Whether you’re removing it because it’s starting to crack or fade, or you simply don’t want it anymore, then you can have it removed or remove it yourself.
To have a professional remove the wrap can cost about $500.
This price can increase if there are complications, like if the wrap has fused to the paint.
There are a few tools you will need to remove it yourself:
Start in a corner and start peeling the wrap off slowly and continue to pull it up consistently.
If you find some stuck on the adhesive once you’ve pulled up the vinyl, you can use the solvent to break down the residue and wipe it off.
FAQ
How Much Does Wrapping a Car Cost?
The average cost for car wrap ranges from $1800-$6000 and it can go as much as $10000.
You need to take into account the type of vehicle, its size, vinyl material, and more factors.
Is It Cheaper To Get A Car Painted Or Wrapped?
The Wrapping option would be cheaper, but there is also the option for a cheap paint.
Yet, if you would like a more quality paint with multiple coats the cost would be higher than wrapping the car.
Is Wrapping a Car Worth It?
Yes, it’s worth it because you can always change it and replace it much cheaper and easier than painting.
How Much Does It Cost To Wrap A Car Yourself?
The average cost would be between $500-$750.
You would need around 250 square feet of vinyl to cover the average car surface.
How Much Does It Cost To Wrap A Truck?
The cost would be starting at $1500 but can go as high as $5000.
You need to take into account its size, the material if it’s a full wrap, and other factors.
“Wrapping” Things Up
Car wrapping is an easy and effective way to change the look of your car and also protect the original paint job.
It can cost between $1800 to $6000 for a professional to wrap your vehicle and $500 to $750 to do it yourself. If you’re looking to give your car a new look, this is one of the best ways to do it.