What is a Car Wrap and What Does it Cost?

If you're not happy with the exterior appearance of your car, there is an alternate solution to getting it painted. A car wrap is a treatment for the outside of your car that can give it greater eye appeal and clean up the looks of old and fading paint. If you've been considering this option but are concerned about the cost we have some information that might be helpful in making your decision.

What is the cost of a car wrap?

The cost to have a car wrap depends on several different things. First, the type of wrap that you choose, the materials used and the cost of labor for the professionals who are doing the wrap. The size of the vehicle also affects the total cost to have it done.

The average cost to have a car or small SUV wrapped ranges between $2,000 to $3,000. For large SUVs, vans and trucks, the average price range is between $3,000 and $5,000. If you want to have a bus or tractor trailer wrapped you can expect to pay between $5,000 to $8,000 and spot graphics wraps are usually between $200 to $500.

Some garages charge by the foot

Not all installers will charge you per the job. Some offer their services by the square foot. If you choose a calendared vinyl wrap, the cost is between $5 to $8 per square foot. For cast vinyl wraps the cost runs between $12 and $15 per square foot.

The differences in vehicle wraps

Cast vinyl is a material that gives your vehicle a finish that is more like paint. On average this kind of wrap will last from one to five years. This is the more expensive option because it is the most durable and long lasting of the two.

Calendared vinyl only lasts for three months to one year. This is why it is most often used for vehicles that wish to display some type of short-term advertising with the wrap.

Graphics wraps are available for any type of vehicle that you can imagine. You can have your company's slogan, logo or other forms of advertising or images on the graphics wraps. You also have the choice of wrapping the whole vehicle, just a few spots or half. Many business owners choose graphics wraps as a way to promote their businesses as they become a moving billboard of sorts.

Professional or do it yourself?

Car wrapping requires the proper tools and experience to make it look like it should. It's not really something that a person who doesn't have both should attempt. The materials are expensive and it could lead to better disappointment and a waste of improperly used wrap materials. It's better to have a professional installer do the job. A professional can also provide consultation services and can even help you with the design. This is almost necessary if you're doing a graphics wrap. It's easy for a vinyl wrap to wrinkle when you're applying it and it's expensive when you have to tear a section off and replace it.

How to find a car wrap provider

It's a good idea to consult with local businesses in your area. Before you make personal contact with them, do an online search and see what you can find out about the quality of their work. Another consideration that you should make is the cost. What do they charge for their services? If you find a provider that is a hundred dollars cheaper but has negative or no reviews, it may be worth paying a little extra to ensure that the quality is high. These are the things that you should consider before scheduling a time to meet for a consultation on wrapping your vehicle. Also look for providers who have been in business for several years. New companies that are not yet established still have a lot to prove to the local community. It's generally a good idea to go with a trusted provider with good ratings and to compare costs between these types of providers. Ask for a quote that includes the cost of design, proofing, and installation. It's always good to cover all of your bases.