Should I wrap or paint my car? This is a question car enthusiasts and owners often encounter after owning their very own cars. And yet, this question is mostly overlooked and not given importance at all. Our cars deserve the best care and maintenance, so if ever you are in need of immediate answers, this post is definitely for you.
In this article, we will be taking you on a quick yet informative drive around car wrappings, and how it work, and we will be answering the question of is wrapping a car is cheaper than painting.
What is Car Wrapping?
Car wrapping is a process that usually involves wrapping your car, either fully or partially, in special vinyl decals on the exterior only. Its primary purpose is to help people change the look of their car without the price and the hassle of a full paint job.
The vinyl used on the car wrap consists of an adhesive on one side, and a laminated coat on the other. These wraps come in differing sizes, colors, designs, and various finishes as well. Moreover, there are some special vinyl wraps that mimic the appearance of leather, carbon fiber, stainless steel, and chrome, to name some.
Car wraps have become quite famous nowadays and car owners and enthusiasts actually prefer using them rather than the traditional way of repainting a car. This is because car wraps offer versatility and a wide range of options to choose from, giving you the opportunity to customize and put a unique stamp on your car.
How Does Car Wrapping Work?
If ever for a moment you thought that you could wrap your own car, then think again. Car wrapping is a meticulous and tricky job, so best leave it to people who are experts and experienced in the field of car wrapping. While you can still choose what car wraps to use, you may want a professional to do the job for you.
So, how do car wraps work?
It’s fairly easy. The first step is to decide whether you want a full or partial wrap, as well as the color, design, texture, and style of the wrap.
Every square inch of the car’s paintwork is covered by a full wrap, giving it an entirely new appearance. A partial wrap is made to cover one or more panels, such as the roof or bonnet, while still displaying the majority of the original paintwork.
Then, your automobile is measured incredibly precisely so that the covers may be created to the exact specifications of your make and model. Some vehicle wrap suppliers base dimensions solely on your registration number, but we believe it’s important to double-check the numbers because sizes vary from model to model.
The manufacturer will print your wrap after laminating it, as you’ve chosen. Your car’s bodywork is protected and the wrap won’t begin to fade when exposed to the weather thanks to a unique treatment that maximizes UV and scratch resistance.
The wrap will then need to be applied to your automobile. As was already stated, you can do this yourself, but a professional will have the tools and knowledge to complete the task much more effectively.
Preparing the paintwork is the first stage in putting a car cover. Before application, the car needs to be completely cleaned and dried. The surface is then prepared for the wrap by being sprayed with water and a unique solvent.
Things become difficult at this point. Once the adhesive side of the wrap has been exposed by removing the backing, a second application fluid is applied to the vinyl. Once the wrap is lined up with the appropriate panel, it is simply a matter of pressing it into position and smoothing it out to get rid of any air bubbles.
As you can see, the process of car wrapping is no joke. If you are experienced in it, then you can go and give it a try. But we suggest leaving it to the experts to assure you that your car is in the best shape.
Is Wrapping A Car Cheaper Than Painting?
It was mentioned earlier that there are two options for changing the color of your car, you can go the traditional way of repainting your car, or you can try the modern way of using car wraps. Both have their own advantages and disadvantages, but here we will be talking about the overall costs of both options.
What’s A Paint Job?
Paint jobs could change the overall color of the car or restore the original paint on the body. The body is thoroughly cleaned, degreased, and then sanded. The surface needs to be cleaned one more before painting. A sprayer tool is used to evenly apply one color to the vehicle’s surface. Once all coats have been applied and dried, the body is treated with a clear coat.
A new coat of paint can restore a car’s appearance to the day it was originally driven off the lot. Paint jobs maintain the original appearance of high-end and collector cars, preserving their authenticity.
When deciding between wrapping and painting a car, price is probably a deciding factor.
Paint jobs start at $500 for low-quality work and go up to $5,000 for high-quality work.
The cost of a professional car wrap, on the other hand, is from $2,500 to $5,000. The work to take off the wrap could cost between $500 and $600.
To withstand the harsh effects of the physical and natural environment, car wraps are made of durable PVC material. The price of wrapping an automobile is influenced by a variety of factors. The price might range from $2000 to $6000 if you choose to have your entire car wrapped by a professional. But this is only a rough estimate. The price increases from $10,000 to $12,000 as well if you own a fancy exotic car that is in immaculate condition.
A car cover costs between $5 and $15 per square foot if we take that into account. Add installation fees to it, which can range from $3 to $4 depending on the car’s kind, condition, and desired wrapping method.
To Sum It Up!
Cars require our utmost attention, whether it’s the inside or the external part of it. Car wraps and paint jobs have their own pros and cons which some car owners prefer. We hope that this article has provided you with the necessary knowledge to make an expert decision on what to do with your car.
