How Much Does It Cost To Wrap A Small Car?
Mendy
May 31, 2022
When it comes to your wrapping car you’re probably interested in two things: making it look great and keeping costs under control. Is that even possible?
Why, yes! In fact, if you have a small car, wrapping it could be a perfect solution that meets both qualifications!
If you’re looking to change up the look of your car without painting it, you may be interested in car wrapping. Car wrapping is a process where a vinyl wrap is placed over the exterior of your car.
This can be done for aesthetic purposes or to protect the original paint job. This article will provide you with all you need to know about the cost of car wrapping, how long it lasts, and tons of other useful info and tips.
What is car wrapping?
Car wrapping is a popular way to change the exterior appearance of your vehicle without the permanence or cost of painting it.
First, you choose a wrap. You can select a solid color to mimic paint, a print, or even a design with business info as a mobile advertisement.
Vinyl car wraps also come in different finishes. You can get ones with glossy finishes to mimic paint, chrome finishes to mimic the metal parts on luxury cars, or trendy matte and satin finishes.
How does car wrapping work?
The car wrap process begins with the vehicle being cleaned and prepped for the wrap. Once the car is clean, a solution is applied to the surface to help the vinyl wrap adhere better.
The vinyl wrap is then cut to size and applied to the car, using a unique heating and stretching method. Once the vinyl wrap is in place, it is smoothed out and trimmed as needed.
Cost to wrap vs paint a car
One of the benefits of car wrapping is that it is often more cost-effective than painting your car. The cost of car wrapping will vary depending on the size and type of vehicle, as well as the amount of vinyl wrap needed.
So how much does it cost to wrap a small car?
Generally speaking, you can expect to pay between $500 and $3000 to have your small car wrapped. Meanwhile, the average cost to paint a car is between $2000 and $5000.
Partial vs full car wraps
Another cost consideration is whether you want a partial or full car wrap. The smallest amount of coverage on your vehicle can be provided with vinyl decals.
Partial car wraps usually cost less than full car wraps, as they only cover certain sections of the vehicle. Full car wraps cover the entire vehicle and tend to be more expensive.
Professional vs DIY car wrapping
If you’re considering doing a DIY car wrap, it’s important to know that it is a time-consuming and difficult process. We recommend leaving car wrapping to the professionals.
Not only will they be able to do a better job, but they will also have the proper tools and equipment. Expect to pay around $200 per hour for professional car wrapping services.
While you can potentially save money by wrapping your car yourself, you may make a mess of things and waste money by damaging the wrap. or worse, by damaging your vehicle!
Can you save money by wrapping a car at home?
As we mentioned, we recommend leaving car wrapping to the professionals. Not only is it a difficult and time-consuming process, but you will also need to purchase the necessary tools and materials.
This can end up costing you more in the long run than if you had just paid for professional services. Additionally, you may not be as happy with the final product. Safer to go the pro route from the beginning and factor it into your budget.
What are the benefits of car wrapping?
There are several benefits to car wrapping, including the following. Car wraps:
– are (sometimes) less expensive than painting your car.
– can be done in a wide variety of colors and designs.
– protect the original paint job on your vehicle.
– are removable, so you can go back to the original paint job at any time.
– and last up to five years (or more!) with proper care.
How much does it cost to wrap a small car?
The cost of car wrapping will vary depending on the size and type of vehicle, as well as the amount of vinyl wrap needed. Generally speaking, you can expect to pay between $500 and $3,000 to have your car wrapped.
However, make sure you budget for any special upgrades. For example, even if you have a small car, you may have costly additions like a rear spoiler to cover. Or you may want to upgrade your wrap with chrome accents or window tinting (which is actually a separate but similar process).
When you budget, start with the base cost and consider from there what additions you’re interested in and what’s financially feasible. Again, the biggest factor will be the amount of coverage, so if you can’t afford a full wrap now, get some decals or a half car wrap so you can start generating leads today.
Cost of car wrap explained
There are two major aspects of car wrap pricing: the material itself and the labor to apply the material to your vehicle. The cost of the vinyl wrap will depend on the quality of the material. The labor cost will vary depending on the size and type of vehicle, as well as how many hours it takes to apply the wrap.
A small car has the benefit of less body to cover. So typically, a small car will cost less to wrap than a truck or van might. However, small luxury vehicles tend to cost more to wrap, because of the intricacy, attention to detail, and the high-value product being tended to.
Additionally, you may opt for a less expensive vinyl wrap, which can save you money, especially if you don’t intend for it to last as long. If you want a longer-lasting wrap, you may as well invest in a higher-quality vinyl material from the get-go.
How long does a car wrap last?
Car wraps are made from high-quality materials and can last up to five years with proper care. But it’s important to understand the different types of car wraps and the variety in materials quality.
Car wrap materials
There are two primary types of car wraps: pre-cured wraps and digitally printed ones. Pre-cured wraps come in solid colors with a variety of finishes and textures. These are the ones most commonly used to mimic car paint.
Alternatively, digitally printed car wraps are kind of like vinyl banners you can apply to your car! Like banners, they are printed on traditional wide-format printers and can come in any pattern or design a graphic designer creates.
Additionally, there are two different categories of vehicle wrap films known as calendared vinyl and cast vinyl. Both of these film types can be used for either pre-cured or digitally-printed car wraps.
However, because calendered vinyl is thicker and less flexible, it is not recommended for car wrapping. So if someone offers to wrap your car with this material to save a few bucks do not go along with it! Always ask what category of vinyl wrap your installer or seller is offering to avoid this pitfall.
How car wrap materials impact quality and longevity
It’s important to understand that there is a huge difference in quality when it comes to the different car wrap material manufacturers.
For example, 3M and Avery Dennison Car Wraps are two American-made lines of products that are generally considered to be the best car wrap materials. Beware of replica vinyl wraps made overseas, as these knockoffs are not the same level of quality and will not perform to the same standards as 3M and Avery.
Again, it’s best to choose a reputable professional car wrap shop and ask about their materials. In this case, brand names will hold up much better than knockoff replicas.
Protect your investment with proper vehicle wrap maintenance
To extend the life of your car wrap, it’s important to take proper care of it. A well-kept, small wrapped car can maintain its look for 5 to 7 years!
The key is to avoid things that can damage the vinyl: heat/UV rays, abrasive chemicals, dirt/grime, other irritants like rocks, high-pressure sprays, scratchy sponges, etc.
How do I protect my car wrap?
This includes washing the wrap regularly with soap and water, as well as avoiding harsh chemicals and abrasives.
It’s also important to keep an eye out for any sign of wear or damage, such as cracks or peeling. At the first sign of a problem, you may be able to make quick repairs to maintain its longevity.
As much as possible, park your car in the shade, in a garage, or use a car cover. Heat and UV rays can break down the vinyl material, causing it to deteriorate more quickly.
Additionally, some kinds of dirt like tree sap or bird dropping can accelerate the deterioration. if you notice these things on your vehicle wrap, it’s best to carefully spot treat the area right away. Use a soft sponge or cloth to avoid scratching or tearing the vehicle wrap.
You should also avoid automatic car washes, as the spinning brushes and high-pressure water sprays can damage the vinyl wrap.
Why should I wrap my car?
Most people opt to wrap their car for two main reasons: it’s an affordable way to change the look of your car (and it’s temporary), and it can protect your car’s original paint job.
Car wrapping is a cost-effective way to change the color or design of your vehicle. And since it’s temporary, you can change up the look until you tire of it. This also works even if you’re only leasing the vehicle, or if you want to maintain the factory color for resale purposes.
And speaking of resale… A car wrap can also protect the original paint job on your car. Which can help you hold value in your car if you plan to sell or trade it in later!
Are car wraps worth it?
Yes, car wraps are definitely worth it! They are less expensive than painting your car and can be done in a wide variety of colors and designs. Car wraps can also last up to five years or more with proper care.
Additionally, if you are using your vehicle wrap to advertise your business, it is money well spent! Research has shown that such mobile advertising is one of the best ways to get your business name out there.
What kind of cars can be wrapped?
Most cars can be wrapped, but some are easier to wrap than others. For example, it’s generally easier to wrap a sedan than an SUV.
So if you want to wrap a small car like a coupe or sedan, you’re in luck! A vehicle wrap on a small car is about the most affordable option out there.
What constitutes a “small car” for car wrapping purposes?
A small car is typically any vehicle that is less than 20 feet long. However, for car wrapping, “small car” typically means a sedan, compact SUV, or coupe.
While some sports cars may be considered “small”, they usually don’t fit into this category for car wrapping. That’s because the more premium the vehicle, or more elaborate the vehicle design, the more difficult (and thus expensive) it is to wrap.
How long does it take to wrap a small car?
It usually takes between two and four days to wrap a small car. However, sometimes a small car can be professionally wrapped in as little as a day!
Another cost-saving benefit of car wrapping is that it can be done in a shorter time frame than painting. While the car wrap process usually takes between one and five days, car painting can take up to two weeks.
How long does it take to paint a small car?
It usually takes between three and seven days to paint a small car. This includes the time it takes to prep the car and allows the paint to dry. Depending on the specifics of the paint job, it can be much longer, up to two weeks.
How long it takes and how much does it cost both come down to factors related to your specific job. Make sure you get quotes and ask for specifics, especially if you want any custom or specialized work done.
Can you remove a car wrap?
Yes, car wraps are removable. However, it’s best to have a professional remove the wrap. Otherwise, it’s possible that the original paint job on your car may be damaged when the wrap is removed. This is likelier if the paint job was already compromised, such as with damage or chipping.
Additionally, like with installation, while you may try to remove your vehicle wrap yourself, it’s best left to professionals with the right tools. We’ve seen DIY jobs gone wrong when someone uses a blade or other sharp tool and ends up damaging their pristine car surface!
Are car wraps bad for your car?
No, car wraps are not bad for your car. In fact, they can actually protect the original paint job on your vehicle. However, it’s important to take proper care of your car wrap to ensure that it lasts for the full five years.
You may have heard that car wraps can damage paint. That’s only an issue if the paint was already damaged. For example, if the paint was peeling or flaking away when you peel off the vinyl, the adhesive might take some more paint off with it.
However, as long as you apply a vinyl car wrap to a good quality, undamaged paint job you should not have to worry about it being bad for your vehicle at all.
Get Your Small Car Wrap Started Today!
As you can see, many factors affect the cost of wrapping a car. The size and type of vehicle, as well as the amount of vinyl wrap needed, will all play a role in determining the cost. However, car wraps are definitely worth the investment, as they can last up to five years with proper care.
So, if you’re looking for a cost-effective way to change the color or design of your small car, car wrapping is the way to go. If you have any questions about car wraps or would like a quote, contact us today! We would be happy to help you choose the perfect wrap for your car.