A car wrap is perfect for those who want to keep their cars protected from chips and scratches without compromising the look and style.
But…
Is it within your budget?
Here, we’re going to talk about how much does a car wrap cost. We’re going to give you the factors that determine the cost, as well as the standard cost you can expect.
On top of that, we’ll also talk about whether or not you really need a car wrap.
So let’s get started right away!
Factors that Determine the Cost of a Car Wrap
To determine the cost, there are several factors that need to be considered.
Let’s look at these now.
The make and model of your car will be a determining factor in the overall cost of a car wrap. The more complex the design, the more difficult it will be to finish the task. This means extra working hours and above-average expertise.
Your desired vinyl finish also contributes to the final cost. A gloss, matte, or satin finish all differ in price.
For example, matte finish vinyl wraps are more popular as it gives a classy, sophisticated look to any car, but they may cost a bit more than the other types of finishes.
The parts that you want to be covered are going to be a point for consideration as well. Of course, covering your entire car will cost higher. If you’re doing just partial coverage, you might be able to save up a little.
Upgrades such as applying a specialty vinyl, wheel wrapping, or design customization may also incur additional costs to a car wrap service.
Lastly, as this process is labor-intensive, the pricing for a car wrap is often influenced by the service provider’s technical skills and expertise. It may be cheaper to hire a newbie, but an experienced professional might be a better choice if quality is your priority.
Standard Cost of Wrapping a Car
As you probably guessed by now, there is no one set price for car wraps.
But don’t worry.
We’re here to give you a rough estimate of the cost.
The standard cost for a car wrap made of heavy-duty vinyl material sits around $5 to $15 per square foot. If you add the installation cost, which is around $5 per square foot, that will mean $20 per square foot at most.
To give you an idea, here are the average baseline costs of having a professional apply a wrap to specific types of vehicles:
- Compact cars or coupes – starts around $2,000
- Family sedan – about $3,000
- Compact crossovers and larger coupes – start around $3,50
- Full-size SUVs – about $4,000
- Luxury sports cars – start around $5,000 and can go as high as $10,000
- Trucks – from 1,500 up to $5,000.
Meanwhile, here are the basic prices for the vinyl types:
- A vinyl matte costs around $2 to $3.50 per square foot.
- A standard gloss vinyl material cost ranges from $2 to $3 per square foot.
- A Carbon fiber wrap costs around $4 to $9 per square foot.
- A custom chrome wrap’s base price is around $8 per square foot.
All things considered, an average full car wrap can range from $2,500 to $8,000.
Will DIY Car Wrap Cost Less?
To be sure, doing it yourself will allow you to save A LOT on installation costs.
However, you could end up buying the materials at a higher price. Plus, you’ll have to spend on the different tools that you’ll need to apply the wrap.
And that’s not yet a guarantee it will turn out great.
Nevertheless, we’d say that it’s still cheaper.
With an average car requiring around 250 square feet of vinyl to cover its entire surface, standard DIY car wrap sums up to only about $500 to $750 in vinyl costs.
Do we recommend it?
If you have what it takes to wrap your car yourself, then why not?
Do You Really Need A Car Wrap?
Yes, car wraps are expensive.
But it can also be worth the investment.
So before you take the plunge, consider if you really need one.
Here are some things you can think about.
Why consider a car wrap?
If you want a chrome-like finish or a highly stylized color scheme that’s not available in the factory, you’re in the right direction. A car wrap is perhaps the most ideal way to achieve this. Even if your car is on a lease, it will be easy to remove the wrap once your lease is up.
How’s your car’s condition?
Although wrapping a car is supposed to improve the appearance of an old car, it won’t cover up for a badly beaten vehicle. The paint and the surface of your car must still be in good condition to get a desirable outcome.
Have you considered painting your car instead?
Depending on the quality, a paint-over might be a cheaper option for you. A car wrap gives you a variety of creative designs to choose from. However, there are times when the make of your car will make it more difficult for a customized wrap.
Where do you intend to drive your car?
Maintaining the wrap on your car is not going to be easy if you live in a place where it’s constantly snowing or has a hot climate. Exposure to elements will shorten the lifespan of this investment. So better consider that as well.
Conclusion
How much does a car wrap cost?
Well, it can go from $2,500 all the way up to $8,000.
It is expensive as wrapping a car is a process that requires intensive labor, as well as creative and technical skills. It is also time-consuming.
If you want to go cheaper, you can do it yourself. However, you need to be confident that you will make it look great.
If not, then just go for the professionals if you really need a car wrap.
So that was it.
Our guide on the cost of car wraps.
If this article was helpful, don’t forget to check out our website for more car tips!