Is It Cheaper to Wrap Or Paint A Car?

Are you thinking about changing the way the exterior of your vehicle looks? If so, you have two main options. The first is a paint job, which involves applying a layer of special automotive paint to the exterior of your car. The second is a car wrap, which is a vinyl decal that is applied to the exterior of your car.

Both a paint job and a car wrap can drastically change the appearance of your car. If you’re trying to decide which one is right for your vehicle, it’s important to consider many different factors, including the cost of each option. Is it cheaper to wrap or paint a car? What are the main pros and cons of wrapping and painting a car? Here’s everything you need to know:

How Much Does It Cost to Wrap A Car?

The cost of a car wrap can vary depending on a number of factors, including the type of vehicle and the car wrap design.

Large vehicles require more material and take longer to wrap than smaller vehicles. For this reason, the larger the vehicle, the more it will cost to wrap.

The make or model of your vehicle may affect the cost of a car wrap, too. This is because it is harder to remove the front and rear bumper cover on certain makes and models. Labor costs might be higher for these vehicles since this part of the process takes longer.

The complexity of the car wrap design impacts the total price as well. If you want to spend as little as possible, choose a basic, sold-colored wrap with a matte or glossy finish. You could also opt for a partial car wrap, which only covers a portion of the vehicle. Since a partial wrap is easier to apply and requires less material, it’s not as expensive as a full wrap.

More complex car wraps, such as those with a carbon-fiber-look or a chrome treatment, will cost more. Covering certain parts of the vehicle, such as inside the door jambs, will also make the process more complex and increase the total cost.

How much will it cost? Here’s what you should expect to pay for a basic car wrap:

• Compact car/coupe: $2,000+
• Full-size sedan: $3,000+
• Compact SUV: $3,500+
• Full-size SUV: $4,000+
• High-end sports car: $7,000+

Remember, these costs will vary depending on the type of wrap you choose for your vehicle.

How Much Does It Cost to Paint A Car?

Just like the cost of a car wrap, the cost of a paint job can vary depending on several factors, including the type of vehicle. The larger the vehicle, the more it will cost to get it painted.

The color and quality of the paint you choose can affect the total cost, too. Traditional colors such as black, white, and red may cost less than rarer colors such as neon yellow, orange, or green. If you want to stick to a small budget, choose a synthetic enamel paint in a traditional color. Synthetic enamel paints are more affordable than other paints. However, they are also less durable, which means your vehicle may need a touch up sooner than expected.

The complexity of the paint job will impact the price as well. A simple, monochromatic paint job will cost less than a multi-colored paint job or pattern.

Some paint shops will ask if you want to wax or seal your new paint job. Waxing or sealing the exterior of your vehicle will protect the paint job so it lasts as long as possible, but these add-on services could increase the cost of your paint job by a few hundred dollars.

You also need to factor in the cost of any necessary repairs that need to be made before your vehicle can be painted. Issues such as dents, dings, and deep scratches can affect the quality and appearance of your paint job, so they need to be addressed before your vehicle is painted.

How much will it cost? You should expect to pay around $500 for a monochromatic paint job on a sedan or coupe. But if you add extras, such as a complex pattern or special finish, it will increase the cost to around $1,000. The cost of a paint job can reach upwards of $5,000 for larger vehicles or more complex designs.

What Are the Pros and Cons of Wrapping A Car?

A paint job is typically cheaper than a car wrap. Price is only one factor you should consider when deciding which one is right for your vehicle. There are a number of benefits to getting a car wrap rather than a paint job, including:

• Removable. Unlike a paint job, a car wrap can be quickly and easily removed from your vehicle. This gives you the flexibility to change the look of your vehicle multiple times.
• More options. Car wraps are designed using computer software, which means there are countless graphics, patterns, and colors to choose from. This gives you the power to create a completely custom, one-of-a-kind look for your vehicle.
• Protect your paint. If a car wrap is applied correctly, it can actually protect the layer of paint that is underneath it.

There are drawbacks to getting a car wrap, too. Some of these drawbacks include:

• High maintenance. If you want your car wrap to last as long as possible, you will need to park your vehicle in a shaded area or use a car cover. Exposure to environmental elements such as heat, rain, and snow could break the car wrap down over time.
• No car washes. You shouldn’t take your car through an automatic car wash if it has a car wrap. Automatic car washes can damage vinyl car wraps, so you will need to wash your vehicle by hand. 
• Cost. Car wraps are more expensive than paint jobs, so they may be out of your price range depending on your budget. 
• Difficult to apply. You may find it hard to find a professional who is capable of applying a high quality car wrap.

What Are the Pros and Cons of Painting A Car?

There are many benefits to getting a paint job instead of a car wrap, including:

• Protect your vehicle. A fresh paint job does more than just give your vehicle a new look. It can also protect your vehicle from corrosive damage. 
• Cost. Paint jobs are typically less expensive than other options, including car wraps. 
• Easier. Applying a fresh layer of paint is much easier than applying a car wrap, so you shouldn’t have trouble finding a professional for the job.

Some of the cons of a paint job are:

• Less flexibility. Unlike a car wrap, a paint job cannot be removed, so you will have less flexibility when it comes to changing the look of your vehicle.
• Takes longer. It takes longer to paint a vehicle than it does to apply a car wrap. If you need the job done right away, you should consider a car wrap rather than a paint job.

The bottom line? Paint jobs are cheaper than car wraps, but it’s important to weigh all of the pros and cons of each option before deciding which one is best for your vehicle and your budget.