How much does it cost to wrap a car?

Car wrapping has become an increasingly popular way to customise and protect vehicles. But many car owners wonder how much it will cost to wrap their car. The answer depends on several factors, such as the size and type of the vehicle, the quality of the vinyl, the design and colour chosen, and the brand of the vinyl.

In this blog post we've outlined some of the benefits of vinyl wrapping, compared vinyl wrapping to repainting, outlined some of the cost factors involved and additional costs, and provided some average costs so that you can make your assessment.

 

The benefits

Other than covering your car's original paint and giving your vehicle a whole new look, there are a range of additional benefits to vinyl car wrapping.

Vinyl wrapping a car can protect the underlying paint of your from scratches and chips and things like bird droppings. This can be especially beneficial for long-term leased vehicles, as it can help prevent expensive repair costs when returning the vehicle to the dealer.

It also protects your car's paint from the sun. UV protection on its own is not necessarily a cost effective reason to get vinyl wrap but along with the other benefits, it's worth being aware of.

Vinyl wrapping can help to customise the appearance of the vehicle completely. If that's what you're trying to achieve, it's recommended to invest in a high-quality vinyl wrap, which may cost more but will provide better durability and longevity.

With vinyl wrap you have endless design options from metallic wraps to graphic or exotic wrap jobs. If you're after a completely unique look, vinyl installation is a great option.

 

Is it cheaper than repainting?

Vinyl wrapping a car is typically more affordable than painting it. According to the BorisDoes Taskers we surveyed, the cost of vinyl wrapping for a car can vary from $1,500 to $5,500, depending on the size of your car and the type of vinyl used. For example, wrapping a small hatchback will cost less than wrapping a larger 4WD or a van. This compares to between $3,500 and $8,000 for a typical full repaint, though again it depends on the size and type of car in question.

While paint condition is not a key factor in a quote for car wrapping, it is a consideration and if you need to have previous paint stripped or treated (which would happen as part of a repaint anyway) that's something to think about. New car paint will likely last longer than vinyl wrap so if you want a look that will last for years, it can be worth paying a bit extra for painting.

Professional car wrapping is generally cheaper than painting and in most cases, repainting a car will be the more expensive option. But it is worth considering the difference in price and whether a paint job or vinyl wrapping will produce the result you are looking for.

One last consideration is a half-half result. If you have good quality paint, you could get a partial wrap, allowing you to keep some of your car's original colour while still giving your car a distinct style. A partial car wrap is particularly useful if you're considering a commercial wrap with a few key contact details but don't need 100% coverage.

 

Cost factors

When assessing the costs associated with wrapping your car, there are a number of factors that should be considered.

The quality of the vinyl used plays a significant role in the cost of the car wrapping process. Higher-quality vinyl is more durable and will last longer, but it is also more expensive. Lower-quality vinyl may be less expensive, but it may not last as long or provide the same level of protection for the underlying paint. Cheap vinyl wrap can also damage paintwork if you later want to remove it.

The design and colour of the wrap are also factors that can affect the cost of the car wrapping process. A simple design and a single colour will generally be less expensive than a complex design with multiple colours. Custom designs will also add to the cost of the wrap.

Brand loyalty can also affect the cost of car wrapping. Some brands are known for producing high-quality vinyl that is more expensive, while others offer more affordable options.

Modifications to your vehicle can impact the price of wrapping it. For example, custom body kits can be more difficult to work around and so can add to the material and labour costs of getting your car wrapped.

Current paint surface is a consideration, but only if the paint quality is so bad that it needs to be treated or removed before vinyl wrapping can be added. For most professional installations, you should be able to get some idea if your current paint will affect your new wrap over time.

 

Prices

Car wrapping prices can range from $1,500 to $5,500, but it's important to consider other things that might make your project more expensive (as outlined above). As most wrap jobs are quoted on the basis of car size first, we've provided some indicative costs on the same basis:

• Small passenger car: $1,500 to $2,800
• Medium passenger car: $2,500 to $3,600
• Large passenger car: $3,500 to $4,500
• Sports car: $3,000 to $3,800
• 4WD: $4,500 to $5,100
• Large 4WD: from $5,000 to $5,500

It's important to note that these are just estimated prices and the actual cost of vinyl wrapping a car will depend on various factors, including the size of the vehicle, the quality of the vinyl, and the complexity of the design (as listed above). It's always a good idea to get a quote from a professional vinyl wrapping service to get an accurate cost for your specific vehicle and desired design.

 

Conclusion

In conclusion, the cost of wrapping a car varies depending on several factors, including the size and type of the vehicle, the quality of the vinyl, the design and colour chosen, and the brand of the vinyl.

BorisDoes has a range of experts that specialise in vehicle wraps and can give you an accurate estimate of wrap cost for your car. Whether you're looking for a textured wrap or a single-colour vinyl car wrap, BorisDoes can help you find the right wrap installer for your job.