So, don’t you think it is time to offer your vehicle a brand-new look with vehicle wrapping? Wrapping your car changes your vehicle’s color, finish or can even have custom designs on it without repainting. However, you should know how much to wrap a car before you jump in.
The cost to wrap a car in the U.S. is between $500 and $6,500. The price can vary depending on the type of wrap, detailed design, and how large your car is. Here is a guide to determine how much it costs to wrap a car and choose the best option.
Car Wrap Costs by Type, Condition, and Car Model
There are a number of factors that can affect how much you will pay to wrap your car. The cost is mostly dependent on the size of your car and also the type of wrap that you choose. Below is a breakdown of what goes into the price.
Size and Type of Vehicle
The cost of wrapping is determined by the size and shape of your vehicle. The more materials and the longer it takes to wrap, the bigger vehicles, the higher the prices.
- Small Cars (e.g. Honda Civic, BMW M2): Small cars which need less vinyl for wrapping purposes. Estimated cost: $1,900 – $2,600
- Sedans (e.g. Toyota Camry): More materials and longer wrapping time because their larger surface area surpasses small vehicles. Estimated cost: $3,100 – $4,900
- Coupes (e.g. Chevrolet Camaro ZL1): Same size as sedans requires detailed wrapping work on their identical dimensions to sedans. Estimated cost: $2,900 – $4,500.
- Trucks (e.g. Ford F-150): They are bigger trucks that require additional time and materials for wrapping. Estimated cost: $3,300 – $5,700
- SUVs and Vans (e.g. Mazda CX-5, Hyundai Tucson): Sizes of SUVs can cost up to $5,700. However, the surface area of vans are larger and they tend to be more complicated in shape. Estimated cost: $3,100 – $4,600
Cleaning and Surface Condition
The surface of a car must be clean and in good condition before wrapping it. In order to clean the car, dust, dirt, and oils need to be removed.
- Simple Cleaning:Shops use special cleaners such as degreasers or alcohol. Pollen or tree sap can even keep the wrap from sticking well even if it is a small thing. This step is very important and can affect your car wrap cost greatly.
- Extra Cleaning Steps: Detailers may use clay bars or microfiber cloths for a deep clean if the car is very dirty or if it has been outdoors a lot. It takes extra time and may increase the cost.
- Paint Condition Matters: If the paint is peeling, flaking or damaged, it must be fixed before wrapping. In addition, old or damaged paint can cause bubbles or the wrap to peel later. Wrapping should be done after about a month of new paint jobs drying.
- Plastic & Textured Surfaces: Special adhesive care is required for parts such as plastic trims or textured panels. They are more time and effort intensive and therefore add to the cost.
- Environment Conditions: All wrapping should be done in a climate-controlled space. The wrap can stick better or worse depending on the humidity and extreme heat or cold.
Type of Wrap Material
The cost of your car wrap depends a lot on the type of vinyl wrap you choose. The following is a simple breakdown of the most common types and what to expect.
- Glossy Wraps (Most affordable): This is glossy, shiny and smooth gloss wraps. It looks amazing and also budget wise. Cost: $730 – $800.
- Matte & Metallic Wraps (More Stylish): These wraps provide your car a special end result. This adds to the cost as they need careful handling. Matte wraps cost: $1,300 and Metallic wraps cost: $900.
- Chrome Wraps (Luxury Look): Chrome wraps have a mirror shine and are noticeable. Cleaning and care is of the essence to keep them in good shape. Cost: $1,150 – $1,400
- Printable Wraps (Custom Designs): You can be stylish and add your own design, company branding. Good for shorter term wrap or marketing use. Start from $350.
- Paint Protection Film (PPF): It is clear and is used to protect your paint and not to change how it looks. This is good to prevent scratches and chips. Cost: $1,300 – $2,000
How to Save on Car Wrapping Costs
Car wrapping can be a great way to customize your vehicle, but it can also be expensive. Here are some smart tips to help you save on costs without compromising quality.
Opt for a Partial Wrap
Instead of wrapping your entire car, consider a partial wrap. This is a more affordable option, with costs typically ranging from $600 to $2,600 depending on the areas you want covered. Popular choices include the roof, hood, or mirrors. A partial wrap gives your car a unique look at a fraction of the cost of a full wrap.
Choose Standard Vinyl
Generally, standard vinyl wraps, such as gloss, matte, are less expensive than specialty options like chrome or metallic finishes. Although these materials still have a number of colors and finishes, they give you the option of styling your vehicle without paying more for premium.
Choose Simple Design
The installation costs are lowered by applying a single color wrap, which is easier to apply and takes less labor. Options like gloss white and matte black leave your car with a timeless, sleek look that costs less than complex designs or custom artwork.
Shop Around
Contact different wrap shops and compare the price. The prices or package offers may be better. There is no cheapest option but getting several quotes may give you the balance between quality and cost.
Get Service in off peak seasons
Off peak seasons like winter also offer discounts in many car wrap shops. Wrapping your house during these months will help you save up money. Do not purchase during busy seasons like summer or before a big auto show because demand is up and prices to follow.
Conclusion
One of the best ways to change the appearance of your vehicle in a short time without spending money for a paint job is to wrap it. However, cost can vary depending on vehicle size, type of wrap and complexity of design. Understanding these factors that affect the price will help you be more informed to select the right wrap for your vehicle and budget.
Feel free to reach out to Izzy’s Auto Detailing for more tips on protecting your car wrap or to get help with maintenance.
