Vehicle wrapping dates back to 1926 when the Goodrich Corporation stumbled upon the chemical vinyl chloride. Being in its infancy, only the wealthy could afford this chemical when advertising their businesses. Others were stuck with the tried and tested hand painting techniques of the time.
The use of vinyl saw further developments in the '50s and '60s in the form of PPF (paint protection film). PPF began rolling out across the era's military vehicles and sports cars – remember those retro racing stripes we've all come to love? This level of mass production saw prices for vinyl adhesives plummet. Today, vehicle wrapping is the ultimate form of vinyl usage. The early 2000s saw body shops far and wide tap into this cost-effective customization method, allowing owners to drape their vehicles in whatever color or material they see fit. So, how much does it cost to wrap your car? And is it worth it?
Is It Cheaper To Wrap Or Paint A Car?
Wrapping is undoubtedly cheaper than a complete repaint. According to J.D. Power, wrapping a smaller vehicle costs an average of $2,000. Car wrapping costs are usually affected by material choice and the size of the vehicle, meaning there is less emphasis on bodywork and labor.
The average vehicle paint cost is between $1,000 and $10,000. Many variables are at play when applying paint, such as body quality, paint color, and labor costs when removing the existing color. For example, a single coat of synthetic enamel paint costs roughly $300 – $700 on an average-size sedan. However, vehicles require three or four coats when completing a full-body paint job.
Paint cannot be applied to deeper scratches and dents, meaning bodywork costs alone on a used vehicle could surpass paint costs. Colors are also a pain; your simple whites and grays start at the lower end of the scale, while colors such as Lexus Structural blue cost owners an astonishing $2,000 per gallon!
How Much Does It Cost To Have A Wrap Put On A Car?
The average cost to wrap your car is $2,500 – $5,000. According to J.D. Power, car wrapping costs start at $2,000 for smaller-size vehicles, which can quickly climb to around $5,000 for full-size SUVs and travel further north for your exotic supercars.
On that note, the average cost to wrap a Ferrari is $7,000, whereas a full repaint can easily reach astonishing heights, such as $28,000 for three-layer paint on the SA Aperta.
Materials tend to control the cost of wrapping your car, with satin materials being cheaper than a matte finish. But, of course, there are exceptions, with some of the wackiest wraps costing $30k.
How Long Do Wrapped Cars Last?
The wrap on your car will last between five and seven years. Within this time, the material can begin to fade, crack and peel. But, of course, a high-quality wrap regularly maintained can reach a decade of service.
Although paintwork, on average, can last 10-15 years, a vinyl wrap counteracts this as it cannot be chipped like regular paint and will continue to protect the existing coat of paint beneath.
Is Wrapping A Car Worth It?
The cost of wrapping a vehicle is much lower than paint alternatives. A vinyl wrap will provide far more flexibility regarding materials and color choices. In addition, those opting for a wrap also protect the underlying paintwork for future use.
Sources: J.D. Power, Pixus