How Much Does It Cost to Wrap a Car?
Nowadays, it is very convenient to have a car especially for emergencies. It can provide you independence, privacy, freedom, and safety. Driving to work, school, home, or tourist attractions is already considered a huge part of people’s lives. Cars can also symbolize your status which is probably the reason why you’re always concerned on how your car looks. Its appearance may reflect on who, and what kind of person you are, causing you to ask—how much does it cost to wrap a car?
How to find a Car Wrap Near me
Before actually start wrapping your car, you have to make a decision whether you will do it by yourself, or you will let a professional do it. By doing so, you can have rough estimations of how it will cost.
DIY car wrapping can take a lot of patience, effort, and energy. However, it costs less than the installation of a professional. You should do the wrapping installation if you do not have a dust-free space. Dust may affect the installation process, and ruin your desired result. If you choose to do car wrapping personally, you need to prepare the proper tools below:
- Safety glasses for protecting your eyes.
- Gloves, not only for protection, but also for better installation, and to avoid leaving fingerprints on your work.
- Surface cleaner is used to clean your vehicle’s paint before the wrapping.
- Isopropyl alcohol, also used to clean the painted part.
- Clay bar gets rid of the dirt, or stain from the exterior before the installation.
- Squeegee prevents creases, and air bubbles form.
- Heat gun is what heats up, and makes the adhesive secure.
- Infrared thermometer is used after heating to measure the temperature.
- Masking tape is to cover the areas that don’t need to be wrapped.
- Snitty blade, which is the vinyl car wrap’s safety cutter.
- Tape measure for measuring the areas you’re going to wrap.
- Cutting tape cuts the car wrap smoothly.
- Blade is for removing the vinyl after the wrapping is done.
- Small magnets set the wrap’s position
- Spray bottle sprays cleaner, or water if needed.
- Tweezers prevent small pieces of vinyl from narrow gaps.
- Microfiber cloth is used to wipe off water, or dust.
- Wrapstick flex is used to wrap around the curves.
On the other hand, installation done by professionals gives you assurance that the job will be done on schedule. They will make sure that you are satisfied, and your money will not go to waste. They have the tools, skills, and expertise to do the job so you may save time, and energy if you need their services.
Car wrapping installation can take time depending on what kind of wrapping you will do. It consumes about two to three days to be able to finish a full wrap. For half wraps, or wraps done on one to four sections, it will take about two to four hours. For partial wraps, it may take half an hour to two hours.
How Much Does It Cost to Wrap a Car?
It is time to ready your wallets. Now, let’s officially talk about how much does it cost to wrap a car.
Personally doing the car wrap can approximately cost you from $1,000 to $2,500. On the other hand, professional installation may charge you from $2,000 to $6,000 and above for a regular car. It may reach from $10,000 to $12,000 if you own a luxury exotic car.
In terms of doing a partial or full wrap, prices may vary. Installation of car wraps for door handles can cost $60 each, and around $300 for spoilers. Wrapping the roof, hood, and trunk can be worth $300 each. For side-view mirrors, it will cost you $100 each.
Per square foot, a vinyl car wrap can cost from $5 to $15. The installation of the car wrap may start from $3 to $4, depending on the type of car, and its condition. It also depends on how you want your car to be wrapped, making it possible to reach $19 per square foot. To also determine how much it will cost, you have to consider your vehicle’s size, condition, and the type of vinyl wraps that will be used.
Car wrap installation for a family sedan can cost approximately $3,000. For a compact car, it can cost $2,000.The cost of wrapping a truck can start from $1,000 to $5,000. A coupe can cost from $2,000 to $3,000, depending on its size. The SUV can cost approximately $4,000. Fully wrapping a commercial vehicle van can range from $3,000 to $5,000. Commercial wraps can range from $3,000 to $10,000.
Vinyl car wraps have various finishes. There is satin that costs $17.99 for 5 square feet, and matte that starts from $9.88. In addition to that, there is glossy that range $3.40 per square feet, metallic which estimates from $11.99, and chrome that starts around $6,000.
Benefits Under the Wraps
Wraps are not just for appearances; it can also provide protection to the vehicle’s exterior, and paint. Small scratches can be avoided because wraps can be considered as your car’s second skin. You can use them if you don’t want to repaint your vehicle since it is cheaper than repainting. In addition to that, they can last up to five to seven years, depending on the quality of the wrap used, its installation, and how you take care of it.
Moreover, car wraps are changeable which gives you an opportunity to experiment, and design your vehicle. You have the choice if you want to do it partially, or fully.
Car wraps can also be helpful to advertise businesses. It is usually used by various companies to promote their brands, services, and products. Driving around with a well-wrapped car can be a good marketing strategy.
Wrap It Up
Car owners commonly ask the question about how much does it cost to wrap a car. The answer varies on what type, size, and condition of the car is. Prices depend on what kind of vinyl wraps will be used, and how the wraps will be installed. You can wrap your car on your own if you want to save money. Consider the labor costs if you want a professional installation.
Always remember not to use your vehicles immediately after the car wrap installation. You should let it dry first before driving to secure its durability.
