Did you know that the car wrapping business is expected to reach $10.8 billion by the year 2025? If you are considering wrapping your own vehicle but are wondering how much does it normally cost to wrap a car, you are in the right place.
Keep reading to learn more about pricing and more tips about wrapping your vehicle.
How Much Does It Usually Cost to Wrap a Car?
Honestly – it depends. There are so many factors that go into the final cost that it is difficult to give you one specific price. Factors such as how large your vehicle is, the kind of wrap material you prefer, location, how simple or complex your design is, the color car wrap you prefer, etc.
To give you a rough idea a car that is around the size of a Ford Mustang can cost between $3,000 to $4,000 to wrap with a matte or satin wrap finish. For a truck you can expect to pay around $4,000+ and a compact crossover will average around $3,500.
If you opt for a metallic or a chrome wrap finish, it will cost more because the material is more expensive and it is also more difficult to install. A chrome wrap can cost you between $6,500 to $8,000, but keep in mind that a chrome wrap might get dull when it is overheated or when it is stretched on a curvy surface.
For luxury vehicles, you can also expect to pay more because the installers have to be extra careful and usually higher-end cars have more complicated panels and parts to remove.
How Long Does a Wrap Last?
One of the main questions people have is if it will last or not. The less you have your wrap exposed to mother nature and its elements the longer the wrap will last. It can last up to five years when it is maintained properly and with less sun exposure.
The more sun it has the more the vinyl wrap will “bake” and it will not only shorten its lifespan but also will make it harder to remove when you are ready to take it off.
There is an option to add a ceramic coating to help the wrap last longer. This is a liquid coating that is put on top of the wrap and it will harden and protect it from water damage, minor scratches, and UV exposure. Keep in mind that this ceramic coating will not come with a cheap price tag.
This extra protection for a compact car can cost around $1,500 extra and for an SUV you can expect to pay around $1,800 on top of the wrap costs.
Wrap Material Costs
For those looking for matte wraps for their cars, the average price will be between $2.00 to $3.50 per square foot. A mid-size sedan with four doors will cost around $2,000 and the bigger the vehicle the more you can expect to pay.
If you prefer a vinyl gloss wrap the costs will be between $1.50 to $3.50 per square foot. A carbon fiber wrap option will cost you between $3 to $7 per square foot. The most expensive is the chrome option which starts at $8 per square foot and can be even higher if the chrome quality you choose is more expensive.
Graphics
If you have a business, you might want to get creative and use custom graphics as an advertising platform. You can design the graphic yourself or have the auto shop design it for you.
Maintaining a Wrap
If you choose to get your car wrapped, it is a good idea to get informed on how to keep it looking its best. If you have a garage, it is best to keep your car in there when you are not using it, this will give you the longest lifespan. If you do not have a garage then invest in a really good car cover.
When you wash your car, make sure to wash it by hand with soft microfiber towels to avoid scratching it. If you prefer to go to a car wash, make sure that it is a touchless one because if it’s not the harsh brushes in most car washes will scratch or lift the wrap off the car.
Vehicle Condition
You want to make sure that you current car’s condition is at its best, if not, it will affect the performance and how well the wrap stays on. Even if you are wrapping the car, any dents, dings, and scratches will stick out.
Chipped paint and corrosion will keep the wraps from sticking correctly. There are some shops that will not apply a wrap if the paint is peeling or if there is noticeable oxidation on the exterior of your vehicle. Any rust, scratches, and dents have to be fixed before getting your car wrapped.
Wrapping Motorcycles
If you have a motorcycle and are considering wrapping it, the good news is you can. You just have to find a professional that is willing to tackle this task because many stay away from wrapping motorcycles because of the look of the seams. The price for wrapping motorcycles starts at around $1,500.
Ready to Wrap Your Car?
Now that we answered the question “how much does it cost to wrap a car?” you can make an informed decision whether or not you want to move forward with wrapping your own vehicle.
Although you can wrap your own vehicle we do not recommend it unless you have the experience that goes with it.
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