Is It Cheaper To Wrap Or Paint A Car?

If you are looking at changing the appearance of your truck for personal or business-related reasons, you have likely considered paint and vinyl truck wraps. While vinyl wraps used to be considered an exclusive and costly option, they have become far more affordable and can be installed at a price that is on par with most paint jobs. When answering the question “is it cheaper to wrap or paint a car?”, there are several major factors to keep in mind. As experts in vinyl vehicle wraps, we’ve compiled some information on each of these factors.

What to Consider When Comparing Vinyl Wraps and Paint

Vinyl wraps and repainting services are the most common methods of altering the appearance of trucks and other vehicles. Though they are both effective for personal alterations and business advertising, but they are significantly different in the following ways:

Customization and Complexity

When it comes to painting your truck, the final price will be heavily dependent on the level of customization and the complexity of the design. While simple paint jobs are often on par with vinyl truck wraps, complex jobs and unique metallic colours typically cost much more. Vinyl wraps are far easier and cheaper to customize as the images, logos, and designs can all be printed on the same layer of vinyl. While paint jobs will drastically vary in price due to complexity, vinyl truck wraps will remain fairly consistent regardless of the colour or design. Vinyl wraps can also be applied over certain windows of your truck while paint can not, further increasing value. Vehicle wraps accomplish the same goal as painting your car but offer more options for finishes that paint simply can’t match:

• Matte – A matte wrap is the non-reflective finish that is often described as a “flat” type of aesthetic that brings out a sleek look for your car.
• Gloss – A gloss vinyl wrap gives off the same look and feel as a regular gloss paint finish but is easier to apply and maintain.
• Satin – A satin vinyl wrap finish is a mix of both gloss and matte. It’s a unique combination that gives off a subtle metallic shine.
• Carbon Fibre – A carbon fibre wrap is designed to match real carbon fibre car parts and are popular finishes for roofs, hoods, and mirrors.
• Textured– A textured vinyl wrap offers a variety of textures to create a unique contrast between sections of your vehicle.

Installation and Removal

To repaint your truck, the old paint will need to be removed first. The truck can then be repainted, but it will require multiple coats, and each will need to dry. This is a time-consuming and costly process. For vinyl truck wraps, the vehicle simply needs to be cleaned and dried before application. No paint removal is required to apply a vinyl wrap, allowing you to easily “undo” the wrap if you change your mind. If you decide the alter the appearance of your truck due to changes in preference or rebranding, painting takes longer and often costs more. With vinyl, you can simply remove the wrap and clean the vehicle before applying a new one.

Durability and Maintenance

Paint jobs will vary in durability depending on the quality of the paint and how it was applied. Paint can chip and will require more maintenance over time due to washing and waxing. Vinyl, on the other hand, simply requires the occasional wash with a wet cloth. Vinyl is also a great method for protecting your existing paint from scratches and chips.

If you are torn between painting or wrapping your truck, a vinyl wrap is a simple and easily reversible choice that often costs less. To learn more, reach out to us through our online contact form. We are always happy to help.

Cost Of Vinyl Wraps vs. Paint

The overall quality of finish will vary depending on your budget. Both painting as well as vinyl wraps can have a great end result. However, if you are looking for an affordable way to update the exterior aesthetic of your car without compromising on quality, vinyl wraps are your best bet. Painting a full vehicle can range anywhere from $3,000 – $10,000 depending on the type of paint, application methods, and how many coats are applied. On the other hand, a full vehicle wrap typically can range from $2,500 – $5,000 – with more customizability and quicker results. Whether you’re looking to update your own car, or to brand your business vehicles, a vinyl wrap offers practicality and customization with an overall lower cost. If you’re interest in getting your vehicle wrapped and want a quote, contact us today and we’ll give you the full run-down on our process, the timeline, and an accurate quote.