How Much Does it Cost to Wrap a Car in 2024?

Have you ever wondered how much does it cost to wrap a car?

If you are planning for wrapping your car, this Dbd guide will help you make an educated decision before getting your car wrapped.

Wrapping a car is not cheap, at least not if you want it done correctly. The price depends on several different factors.

We have the latest information on what factors affect the price of wrapping and how much it costs for different types of cars.

You will also find out why people choose to do this and whether or not it is worth doing in the first place.

So, if you want to know more about what goes into determining the cost of wrapping a car, then this guide will be a good starting point for you.

Before we go any further, let’s understand what exactly car wrapping is?

What is car wrapping, and how it works?

Car wrapping is a process where a vehicle is covered with vinyl wrap. However, the term ‘wrapping’ may be slightly misleading because a car can be wrapped with a large sheet of material – this is not the case.

Instead, it usually involves lots of small pieces of vinyl that are stuck to the vehicle.

The pieces of vinyl are then cut to perfectly fit the body shape of your car. This means they are stuck to the vehicle so that they do not come off when driving or go weak over time.

The vinyl that is used is usually made from a special material – resistant to outdoor conditions. This is because it needs to be stuck to a car for a long time, and if it were not weather-resistant, it would start to peel off.

The material is also usually very thin, meaning it does not feel any different to the touch.

The vinyl also comes in several colors – hundreds of them, and even thousands if you want. This means that your car can be wrapped in the color of your choice. It can be wrapped in a single color like black, white, etc, or it can be done in a multicolor print.

If you own a business or company, your car can even be wrapped with advertising. This is done by applying vinyl signs on your vehicle’s body, and they can contain logos or any other advertising material that you want.

One of the most significant benefits of vinyl wrap is that it can be removed easily at any time. This means you can have your car wrapped in a specific color to suit the occasion and then have another design when you do not need it.

Having said that, let’s explore why people would want to have their car wrapped.

Why would someone choose to get a car wrapped?

There are several reasons why people prefer to get their car wrapped:

• Car wrapping is a cheaper option compared to painting. This means that it makes more sense if you want your car to have a different color with a new appearance but do not want to spend money on paint.
• Wrapping a car also offers protection for the body of your car. When your car is not wrapped, it can easily get damaged if no additional protection is given. This happens due to road debris and weather conditions. We will talk more about how vinyl wrapping protects your car later on.
• It is a valuable way to advertise and market a business or product. If you are running a business, your car can be wrapped with advertising material that can help you bring in customers.
• It is also the easiest way to add a unique touch to your car. This means that it is easier than painting and other ways of customizing cars.

With this in mind, let’s jump on to our primary objective of finding how much does it costs to wrap a car and what factors influence the price.

What are the main factors that influence the cost of car wrap?

As you already know, there are various intricacies involved in wrapping a car, and it is not as simple as applying a sticker. Before knowing exactly how much does it cost to wrap a car, let’s look at the aspects that influence pricing.

We have breakdown the factors that are influencing the car wrap cost as follows.

i. Make and model of your vehicle

The first component responsible for the significant increase or decrease in the car wrap cost is the make and model of your vehicle. Your car’s style, size, and shape is the major contributing factor for the price variation. ^[1]CK Wraps, “5 Reasons why your vinyl wrap is expensive, https://youtu.be/HBRaqM8djH8?t=79″

A full-size SUV will cost you more to get it wrapped than a small sedan. It is because the material required will also vary according to the size of your car.

It will take about 400 square feet of vinyl for any full-size SUV, whereas a mid-size sedan like Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, Nissan Altima, etc, will take about 300 square feet of vinyl to get wrapped.

In addition to that, the complexity of the design of a car is also another reason for the difference in cost. If the surface is more curved, then the vinyl wrap is more challenging to install correctly. This will increase labor costs, which automatically influence the final price of your car. ^[2]CK Wraps, “How to price out a full vehicle car wrap, https://youtu.be/TKypBha_nmI?t=116″

For example, Tesla Model 3 will have minimal works compared to the Chevrolet Corvette as Corvette has many curves and detailed designs. Thus it is cheaper to get Tesla Model 3 wrapped as compared to a Chevrolet Corvette.

ii. Color of your vehicle

Another factor that influences the car wrap cost is the color of your vehicle. ^[3]CK Wraps, “5 Reasons why your vinyl wrap is expensive, https://youtu.be/HBRaqM8djH8?t=79″

If you have a darker color vehicle, it will cost you less compared to brighter car color.

For example, darker colors like black or navy blue will not require much work as lighter ones since they can be easily covered.

On the other hand, lighter cars will require more work to cover them with vinyl, so it costs more. For example, white color cars will need two layers of vinyl to protect the original color, whereas black color cars will need only one layer.

In addition to that, It is also determined by the color palette of vinyl car wrap with your vehicle’s color. The cost of a car wrap will be expensive when the color of your car does not match with the vinyl. This means that if you want to get a car wrap in your car that is white, but you have a blue car, it will be more expensive.

However, if the color of your car matches the print, then it will cost you less.

iii. Condition of your vehicle

Another important factor responsible for the variation in car wrap costs is the condition of your vehicle. If you have a brand new car, then the cost of wrapping will be less than a used car.

This is because there are some flaws and scratches on the body of a used car. So, this will also take more time and material to get wrapped compared to a new one.

This is also the reason why your car dealer wraps new cars while selling them. The cost of wrapping a brand new car will be low since they get a discount from the car wrap companies.

In addition to that, the condition of your vehicle will also affect the labor cost. If there is any dent, crack, rust on the body of your car, then it will take more time to fix them before starting work.

For example, if you want a specific section of your car covered with vinyl, it can take up more time and material if there is any rust or crack on that small piece. Thus it will cost you more.

iv. Full vehicle wrap vs partial wrapping

The expense of a car wrap is also determined by whether you have your entire vehicle wrapped or just certain parts.

Full-vehicle wraps are the most expensive of all. It includes wrapping your entire car, windows, and wheels with complete coverage of vinyl. It is a time-consuming procedure and involves a lot of labor as well as it takes a lot of material since the entire body of the car will be covered. Usually, it will take around three to four days to complete the full wrap.

On the other hand, partial covers are much less expensive than full car wraps. However, it will not cover the windows and wheels of your car. This is because those two parts require a lot more attention than the other parts of the vehicle. Therefore, this process will require less time and material, which causes a price reduction. Also, partial covers are much easier to do than full car wraps.

v. Quality of vinyl and wrap finishes

The quality of vinyl also affects the car wrap cost. More durable and quality vinyl brands cost you more money. However, it is a worthy investment since the lifespan of vinyl will be longer.

In addition to that, you can also get a better warranty if you are using better quality vinyl wraps. The warranty will vary with the brand, type of material, and the quality of vinyl used to apply to your car.

In general, companies provide a one-year warranty for vinyl wraps. However, the guarantee may range from six months to three years, depending on the brand and quality of vinyl used and each vinyl retailer.

For example, if you are using 3M material, it will offer a warranty for up to three years.^[4]3M, “3M commercial solution, https://multimedia.3m.com/mws/media/640364O/mutoh-valuejet-1204-1304-1604-1614-printers-eco-ultra-inks.pdf”

The majority of the well-known brands today are 3M, Avery, Oracal, Arlon, Vivid, etc. Thus, the cost of wrapping a car depends on the brand of vinyl used.

In addition to that, there are also different styles of wraps available in the market. Depending upon the vinyl finishes that you will wrap a car, the expense will also be different.

Usually, gloss, satin, and matte finishes are cheaper choices as compared to metallic and chrome finishes.

Also, other special effect wraps are available in the market. They cost much more because of their unique features.

These are some popular vinyl wrap finishes in the market:

• Gloss – It is one of the most popular finishes. The cost of placing gloss finishes vinyl wrap on a car is relatively cheap than other finishes. It will be suitable if you want a shiny look for your car.
• Satin – It is another popular finish that is less expensive than metallic and chrome finishes. Also, this finish will be a better choice if you want less shiny than a gloss finish.
• Matte – It is one of the cheapest finishes than other ones. It is not shiny, which makes it perfect if you want to give your car a dull look. However, the main disadvantage of a matte finish is that it does not give clear reflections.
• Brushed – This finish is similar to satin finishes. However, the main difference between the two is that brushed has lines and grooves on its surface. It is also less expensive than metallic and chrome finishes.
• Carbon fiber – This is a special effect wrap, and as such, it will cost more than other finishes like gloss and matte. The carbon fiber finish makes your car look like it is made of a combination of metal and carbon fiber.
• Metallic – Compared with the other finishes, metallic is much more expensive. It will give your car a sparkling look like that of precious metal. It is the best choice if you want a sparkling and lustrous look for your vehicle.
• Chrome – It is one of the most expensive finishes. However, it is very shiny but not as glossy as the gloss finish. If you want unique look, chrome is the most high-end choice for your car wrap.
• Special effects – Special effects give your car a special effect and look. There are several special effects vinyl available in the market. Some popular finishes include holographic, reflective, glow in the dark, color changer viny finishes, etc.

vi. Time of the year

Many of the folks out there are unknown about the fact that there is a reason behind the higher car wrap costs in the early summer.

This is mainly because there is a high demand for wraps during the summer season, and hence the prices are comparatively higher between April and May. Usually, these times people get their tax returns, and they want to do something different with their cars.

If you are planning for car wraps and want to save money, the ideal time to do it is any other month rather than the early summer months.

vii. Professional installation vs DIY installation

Another factor that decides the expense of your car wrap is whether it will be professionally installed or not.

The price of a professional installation is generally higher as compared to that of a DIY installation.

The higher price is that it takes professionals several hours to complete the car wrap, which in turn increases their labor cost.

Even though the expense of hiring a professional for installation is higher than DIY installation, there are several benefits.

• It will be finished on schedule, so you do not lose any time.
• Also, professionals have experience in installing car wraps so that you will get the best results.
• They will carefully handle your car, and hence it is less likely that there will be any scratch on the car.

But if you opt for DIY installation, you will save money since most costs incurred in professional installation are for labor.

Keep in mind that having a car wrap installed by yourself is not an easy task. It requires you to have exact technical skills and knowledge. It will take more time and effort than you can imagine. You may end up with mistakes that will cost you a lot of money to fix them.

So, as you see, there are several factors that influence the cost of wrapping a car. Now, let’s look at exactly how much does it cost to wrap a car by a professional.

How much does it cost to wrap a car?

The average cost of having a professional installation of basic car wrap for any mid-size car will cost you around $2,500 to $3,000. If you want to have metallic or any other higher-end chrome car wrap for any mid-size car, it will cost you around $5,000 to $6,000. ^[5]Paradox The Wrapper, “How much does car wrap cost?, https://youtu.be/HFh9TZzonkQ?t=262″

---

1. How much does it cost to wrap a compact car or coupe?

The average cost of basic car wrap for a compact car or coupe is around $2,000 to $2,500. If you want to wrap with metallic or other higher-end chrome vinyl wraps, it will cost around $4,000 to $5,000.

2. How much does it cost to wrap a sedan?

The typical cost of wrapping a sedan is about $2,500 to $3,000. If you want higher-end car wraps such as metallic or chrome, the average price will be around $5,000 to $6,000.

3. How much does it cost to wrap a compact crossover?

It will cost you around $3,000 to $3,500 to wrap a compact crossover on average. For higher-end car wraps such as metallic or chrome, the cost will be around $6,000 to $7,000.

4. How much does it cost to wrap a full-size SUV?

The average expenses to wrap a full SUV will be around $3,500 to $4,000 in the current market rates. For the metallic or chrome vinyl wrap, the cost will be about $7,000 to $8,000.

5. How much does it cost to wrap a truck?

The average cost to wrap trucks vary depending on the compartments and wheel wells; the average price for wrapping a truck will be around $3,500 to $4,500. If you want the metallic or chrome vinyl wrap on a whole vehicle, it will cost approximately $7,000 to $8,000.

6. How much does it cost to wrap a jeep?

The average cost to wrap a Jeep will be around $3,000 to $4,500, depending upon whether you have a two-door or four-door vehicle. The average price of metallic or chrome vinyl wrap will be around $6,000 to $7,000.

7. How much does it cost to wrap a van?

If you want to do a partial vehicle wrap on a van, it will cost around $1,500 to $2,000. For full vehicle wrap of vans, the average cost will be about $2,500 to $3,500.

8. How much does it cost to wrap a luxury sports car?

In general, the average cost of luxurious sports car wrap will start around $8,000 and go up to $15,000, depending upon the complexity of the design style. If you want to wrap with chrome color, the average cost starts from $15,000 and goes up to $20,000. ^[6]Business Insider, “Meet the guy who wraps celebrities’ luxury cars, https://youtu.be/FzDe0IYMskk?t=320″

9. How much does it cost to wrap a car yourself?

The average costs will range from $800 to $1,000 for a DIY vinyl car wrap for the mid-size family sedan. It is just the material cost, not counting labor.

Besides the viny material expense, you need to have various tools and accessories such as a heat gun, squeegee, blades, spray adhesive, and so on to complete a DIY car wrap. ^[7]CK Wraps, “Wrap tools you needed for car wrap, https://youtu.be/s_0Oesc_G2Q?t=10″

If you do not have all those tools, it is recommended to go for a professional car wrap to save time and costs incurred for arranging the tools required for the DIY process.

Learn More: How to Check the Transmission Fluid of a Car

What tools do you need for DIY car wrap?

If you want to do a DIY car wrap, you will need several tools for the entire process. The essential pieces of equipment that you need are as follows:

• Microfiber towels – an absorbent towel for removing water or dust from the paint surface.
• Spray bottle – to spray water or soapy solution to reduce adhesive residue.
• Scissors – to cut vinyl wrapping material into smaller pieces.
• Tape measure – to measure the surface area.
• Isopropyl alcohol or Windex – to clean the paint surface before applying the vinyl wrap.
• Digital thermometer – to measure the temperature during the post-heating process.
• Gloves – not to leave fingerprints and have better grips during installation.
• Squeegee – to remove air bubbles and wrinkles.
• Squeegee angle tool – help you get the perfect squeegee angle to remove air bubbles and wrinkles.
• Knife and blades – cutting the wrap and for wrap removal when the application is complete.
• Blade box – to have the used blades collected in a safe place.
• Wrapstick flex – to work on tight curves and difficult areas of the vehicle and stick new vinyl properly.
• Bodyguard vinyl cutter – to cut the vinyl in exact shapes with extra precision with higher protection.
• Wrap defender – to protect the paint while cutting the wrap.
• Beavertail – easy to work on corners and sharp edges.
• Tucking tools – to adjust the vinyl on tight body lines of vehicles.
• Replacement squeegee buffer – to replace the squeegee head for graphics or work for another special type of wraps such as chrome or metallic wrap.
• Masking tape – to protect the areas where the vinyl should not be applied.
• Cutting tape – to cut the vinyl without a knife and protect the paint.
• Heat gun – to heat the vinyl for easier application. ^[8]CK Wraps, “Wrap tools you needed for car wrap, https://youtu.be/s_0Oesc_G2Q?t=10″

Besides these tools mentioned above, you might need to have the disassembling equipment to remove the original car emblems, logos, and other body parts for the wrap installation process. Most of the vehicles come with disassembling tolls, so do not require to purchase them separately. But if it is not, then you can buy them in a set with the tools mentioned above.

How long does it take to wrap a car?

Depending upon the size of your car and the design complexities, it might take about two to five days to wrap a car.

Sometimes the design includes small details, curves, and elegant lines, which is why wrapping vinyl in such cars takes longer than other vehicles.

Every wrap is custom designed, which means no two cars will be the same.

Pros and cons of vinyl car wrapping

Several factors make car wrapping a popular choice for many motorists. When you get it done correctly, a car wrap will protect from scratches and dents while adding a flashy new look to your car. It is also arguably the quickest and cheapest way to give your car a makeover without breaking the bank or masking any part of it.

However, not everything about wrapping a car is attractive, especially when you get it done wrong. To get the most out of it, here are some pros and cons to consider.

Pros

i. Non-permanent solution

There are two key things to consider about car wrapping: it is not permanent, and it is a low-cost approach to have your vehicle a new look. You can even get it done in your garage or driveway with the right supplies and know-how. When you get tired of your car’s new look, you can easily remove the wrap and restore it to its original look.

ii. Ability to generate attention

Another significant benefit of wrapping a car is that it allows you to add flashy car paint and patterns. If it has done well,, it can attract a lot of attention wherever you go. This inevitably leads to more opportunities in terms of advertising, be it for your business or yourself.

iii. Protection from scratches and dents

As long as you get a high-quality wrap, it will protect your car from minor scratches and dents. It will also safeguard your car’s paint from UV rays, small rock chips, road salt, and other debris you might find on the road.

iv. Versatility

It does not just protect your car; it can also give your ride a unique look. There are many color and pattern choices so that you can opt for something flashy or subtle. Additionally, if you get it done professionally, you can also opt for special effects like chrome or carbon fiber. However, they are a bit costly option as compare to other glosses and satins.

v. Cheaper than a custom car paint job

The vehicle wrap process is generally cheaper than a custom paint job. While it does take some time and effort to do it yourself, it can still be quite affordable. Even if you opt for professional installation, it is still cheaper than a paint job.

vi. Less time consuming than a new paint job

It might take a week or more to get your car painted. The basic wrap applications, on the other hand, usually take only three days. So if you are short on time, this is a good alternative.

Cons

i. Might not look good if poorly done

If you want good looking appearance of your car, make sure you choose high-quality vinyl and make sure you get the right installers. Otherwise, your car will not look great and might require a lot of maintenance to make it look good again.

ii. Shorter lifespan than a car paint

Unfortunately, the wrap does not last long. They typically need to be replaced after three years or so. This type of product is meant to be temporary, and that’s the trade-off for its affordability and ease of installation.

iii. Can be tough to remove

The only way to get rid of the wrap is by peeling it off. This can sometimes ruin the car’s paint underneath, so it is best to have a professional do it for you, and you will get charged to do this.

iv. Not as durable as a paint

Even if you have a high-quality vinyl wrap, it will not be as durable as a conventional car’s paint. This is especially true for heavy rainfall and hail, which can cause the wrap to peel off.

v. Dulls over time

Another issue with a vinyl wrap is that they tend to dull over time. They also lose their texture as time passes. This means that, eventually, your car will not look as flashy as it used to.

vi. Not as easy to maintain as compared to a car’s paint

This is one of the major disadvantages of having your vehicle wrapped, at least until you get used to it. Unlike paint jobs, car wraps require more attention and maintenance to keep them looking new.

FAQs about car wrap

Final thoughts

This Dbd guide has taught you about car wrapping, how much does it cost to wrap a car, and the various factors that affect pricing.

You now know what to expect when getting your car wrapped by professionals or doing it yourself. 

We hope this information is helpful for all of our readers considering vinyl wraps on their vehicles! 

If you feel this information is valuable to others, please do not forget to share it.