America’s most popular car colors tend to be boring, with white, gray and black taking the top three spots. This can be a real disappointment if you’re buying a used car and want something a little flashier, but the good news is that you can easily add more color to your life with a vinyl wrap.
When wrapping a car, vinyl films are used with an adhesive to bond them to the paint. Modern bandages are cheaper than a paint job from a reputable store, last for years, and won’t cause a hernia if you decide to change something. They also come in wild colors not typically offered by mainstream automakers and can be customized with patterns or graphics if you use your vehicle for business purposes. However, foiling, just like painting, comes in different quality and price variants. So you need to think about your needs and budget before getting started.
How much does a wrap cost?
The cost of a wrap depends on several factors, including the color, finish (matte, glossy, metallic) and size of the vehicle. For small cars like a Volkswagen Golf GTI, wrapping costs around $3,000, while a Ford Expedition can cost $4,000 or more. If you choose a color-changing paint job or a wrap with a complex pattern, this cost could double on some vehicles, and you’ll pay more for a full wrap that includes the engine compartment and door jambs.
Although they require more attention and care than traditional car finishes, films provide protection from the elements and can extend the life of a factory finish, even if you care about the color. However, keep in mind that leaving it on for longer than recommended may make it more difficult to remove and more likely to damage the underlying paint. Wrapping can also be a good way to cover fading paint, as it is a cheaper option than a new coat of paint. However, keep in mind that this is only a temporary solution and you will have to disclose the condition of the film and paint if you decide to sell the car.
How long does it take to pack a car?
In general, if you take your vehicle to a specialist workshop for wrapping, you should expect the work to take one to two days. However, working hours may vary depending on the size of the vehicle and type of wrap. Doing the job alone can take much longer, especially if you are inexperienced or want to pack remote areas such as door jambs and under-hood components. If you want to pursue a home improvement job in the future, you should allow yourself time to make mistakes. While some parts are forgiving, packing is a tricky job that requires patience that many of us lack. Wrinkles, bubbles, and misaligned panel pieces are all part of the job, so you’ll want to allow a little extra time to curse and figure things out.
How long do car wraps last?
High-quality films can last between five and seven years, although the type of film material and processing can influence this length of time. Home bonding may fall a little short of this benchmark as you may not have access to the same materials or adhesives and the home work environment is typically not as clean (dust, outdoor air, etc.) , which can make bonding difficult, affect work and affect durability. And keep in mind that leaving the film on the car longer than recommended can cause problems when it comes time to remove it.
Which parts of a car are packaged?
There are a few options for you to choose from here, as you can go for the simplest wrapping job possible and leave out more hidden areas like door jambs. If you go this route, you’ll have to live with the fact that you’ll see the old paint every time you open the doors, hood, or trunk. On the other hand, wrapping the hard-to-reach areas may cost more and take more time, but you will achieve a more desirable and attractive end result if you try it with enthusiasm. A simple wrap may be fine for a weekend race trip or a quick paint job on a project car, but you should spend the time or money on a more extensive job if you plan on keeping the car or displaying it after the wrap.
Is it cheaper to paint or wrap a car?
You get what you pay for, but a super simple paint job can be had for as little as $500. Getting this cheap now may make your aging paint look bad few better, but you’ll probably just get a quick spray that won’t stand the test of time. Shops that offer this work use only the bare minimum for the cheapest paint possible, so you may find yourself needing another spray job in no time. Higher-end paint jobs can cost $1,500 or more depending on the vehicle, and purchasing a paint job similar to some of today’s more elaborate wrap jobs costs thousands.
Professional wrapping work can cost about the same as a proper paint job, but you’re not committing to a long-term commitment to a color. This would be a good option if your car’s paint is not in bad shape or you want a unique color or pattern. If you’re the DIY type, you can spend a lot less money, but consider the quality and longevity of your work.
Finally, paying a shop to remove a film can cost $500 or more. So factor this into your budget if you want to go this route.
Disadvantages of vinyl wrap for your car
Wraps look great and can add a quick pop of color or unique pattern to your car, but they aren’t always the best choice. You need to consider the disadvantages of a vinyl wrap, which can be significant depending on where you live and how you use your vehicle. Vinyl requires attention and care, and you cannot park it in direct sun or in extremely hot places for too long.
You’ll need to clean the surface regularly, especially if you see bird droppings, insects, or salt/sand – but automatic or touchless car washes are a big no-no, and you can’t use harsh abrasive cleaners. Although foils look and feel like regular paint, you should treat them like a sticker, which is what they are. The hassle might outweigh the benefits you get.