How Much Does It Cost To Wrap a Car?
November 5, 2022

I am a serial entrepreneur and a consumer advocate. When I’m not helping car buyers, I love working on ventures that have a positive impact.
I run a cause marketing agency and serve on the board of Vayu Global Health where we are disrupting the medical industry and preventing the needless deaths of mothers and babies during childbirth.
Although it seems like a relatively simple task, wrapping a car is a complex process that requires a lot of patience and expertise.
Due to the popularity of car wraps, they have become a common choice for people who want to alter the appearance of their vehicles.
Aside from allowing them to change the look of their car, a wrap can also protect the surface of it against dirt and other harmful effects.
Let’s talk about how much it costs to wrap a car, how long a car wraps last, as well as maintenance tips.
Table of Contents
- How Much Does It Cost To Wrap a Car?
- How Long Does a Car Wrap Last?
- How Often Should I Wash My Car Wrap?
- Can I Take My Car Wrap To a Drive-Thru Car Wash?
- Can I Pressure Wash My Car Wrap?
- Can I Park My Car Wrap Outdoors for Long Periods?
- What To Do If My Car Wrap Turns Rusty?
- How To Clean Bird Droppings and Other Difficult Stains
- Are Car Wraps Worth It?
- Best Car Deals by Category
How Much Does It Cost To Wrap a Car?
The materials used for car wraps are durable and can withstand harsh environments. The cost of wrapping can vary significantly depending on the type of car.
For instance, if you have a luxury car in excellent condition, the price of wrapping it can go up to $12,000.
The cost of a car wrap depends on the type and condition of the vehicle.
In addition to the materials used, installation charges and the kind of car wrap are also taken into account to determine the final cost. Most of the time, the cost of wrapping a car is done by labor.
Vehicle | Cost of wrap |
Family sedan | |
Small car | |
Coupe | |
Compact crossover | |
Full-size SUV | |
Jeep | |
Truck (depending on the size) | |
Commercial vehicles | |
Luxury cars (like Lamborghini, Ferrari, and Audi) |
How Long Does a Car Wrap Last?
A car wrap can be a considerable investment for a company that wants to establish its brand. It can boost its visibility and increase its sales without traditional advertising.
Besides being a mobile billboard, car wraps can protect the vehicle's paint job from various damages and wear.
Depending on the type of car wrap used, it can last up to seven years.
So, if you're planning on using a car wrap design that promotes your business, be aware that high-quality wraps can last longer than thinner films.
How Often Should I Wash My Car Wrap?
If your vehicle is exposed to dirt and pollutants, you must wash it one or more weekly.
If necessary, use a gentle automotive detergent. Always use a soft and clean cloth or sponge to wash your wrap.
After washing, use a bottle of clear water to clean the vehicle thoroughly. To minimize water spots, use silicone or chamois to remove water.
Can I Take My Car Wrap To a Drive-Thru Car Wash?
Hand washing is safer; brush car washes can potentially damage, lift, and even peel the film.
If you're planning on using an automated wash, make sure it uses water spray instead of brushes.
You can take your car wrap to an automatic car wash, but you must ensure the car wash uses water spray and no brushes.
Can I Pressure Wash My Car Wrap?
If you're planning on using a pressure washer, make sure it uses water spray instead of brushes.
You can use a spray nozzle with a 40-degree wide-angle pattern to wash your wrap.
Keep in mind that the water temperature should not exceed 140 degrees Fahrenheit.
Can I Park My Car Wrap Outdoors for Long Periods?
Heavy exposure to the elements, such as rain, smog, and road pollutants, can negatively affect the film on the roof, hood, and trunk lid.
These horizontal areas are prone to get damaged by the effects of UV rays. If you're planning on keeping your vehicle parked outside, try finding a parking area close to a shelter or a garage.
What To Do If My Car Wrap Turns Rusty?
The prolonged exposure to pollutants can also negatively affect the film on your car wrap.
If you notice that the outer layer of your wrap has turned brown, it's essential to remove it to prevent further damage to the paint underneath it. Usually, this issue only requires replacing the affected panel.
How To Clean Bird Droppings and Other Difficult Stains
To remove difficult stains and bird droppings, start by soaking them in warm water for a couple of minutes. After that, use a microfiber cloth to clean the affected area thoroughly. However, if your car happens to get infested with ants, you can read here how to get ants out of your car.
Finally, you can use a combination of denatured alcohol and citrus base cleaner for stubborn contaminants.
Follow these steps to ensure the cleaning solution won't harm your wrap. Always test the effectiveness of the product on a small area to avoid damaging the film.
Are Car Wraps Worth It?
When choosing between paint and vehicle wraps, you'll find that the former offers numerous advantages over the latter.
Some of these include better quality, durability, and lower costs. In addition, learning more about the various benefits of vehicle wraps can help you make an informed decision when choosing between them.
These are some reasons why wrapping your car is worth it:
1. Durability
Although the quality of both wraps and paint can vary depending on the type of vehicle you choose, car wraps are typically higher quality than their counterparts.
Even though a poorly executed paint job can look good on the first try, it can eventually fade, crack, and scratch, eventually becoming unusable again.
Paint jobs with better quality can offer better protection against the elements, but they can also suffer damage once exposed to road hazards and weather.
A good vehicle wrap can keep your car looking its best after a paint job has already been completed.
A durable and long-lasting product can be constructed by a car wrap supplier, which uses materials designed to protect and enhance the appearance of your vehicle.
Unlike other paints, vehicle wraps do not fade as quickly as they can with other types of coatings. This level of quality is attractive to car owners, as it allows them to get more for their money.
2. Cost
Aside from choosing the suitable wrap for your vehicle, you might also want to learn more about the costs associated with the process.
For example, most people don't want to spend a lot of money on a paint job, and imaging companies can provide them with high-quality vehicle wraps at a lower price.
Typically, a paint job costs around $3,000 to $10,000. On the other hand, a car wrap can be found for around $2,500 to $5,000.
Many companies with fleets choose to use vehicle wraps instead of paint due to the lower costs.
This eliminates the need for them to spend more money on a paint job and allows them to achieve an attractive and attractive look for their customers.
In addition, vehicle wraps are easier to maintain than their paint counterparts.
3. Options
One of the most significant advantages of vehicle wraps over paint is their number of options.
Most people who buy cars off the lot often have limited options when choosing a new color. With a good vehicle wrap, you can easily pick a color you like.
You can customize your car's appearance by choosing from various colors and designs with vehicle wraps.
These can be done with the help of various materials, such as vinyl. You can also add custom designs to the vehicle wrap to enhance the appearance of your vehicle.
Aside from these, you can also outfit a vehicle wrap with various graphics and designs to promote your business.
4. Maintain Paint Job
When it's time to sell your vehicle, quality vehicle wraps can help you maintain its value.
One of the most important factors buyers consider when choosing a car is the condition of its original paint.
If your vehicle's original paint gets scratched or worn, it can reduce its resale value. In addition, exposure to the sun can also cause the color to fade and eventually wear.
If you're planning on selling your vehicle, vehicle wraps can help you maintain its resale value and keep it looking its best.
They can protect and enhance the appearance of your car's original paint, and they won't scratch or wear it.
Then, when you decide to sell the car, the color will look like it did when you first wrapped it.
5. Faster Than Paint Jobs
Another advantage of vehicle wraps over paint is their ability to get the car back in its hands much faster.
Usually, a new paint job takes about a week to complete, and the wait can be inconvenient for both the individual and the company. By comparison, vehicle wraps can take as little as a few hours up to about 3 days.
This can also affect the operations of a fleet company since it can take longer to get the job done.
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