Are you bored looking at the same old color of your car? But do you worry that painting it fresh would be a huge commitment? Well, we have some good news for you! Simply wrapping your car with vinyl can change the entire look of your vehicle. Below we have got for you in detail how much it is to wrap a car. We have given in detail how much it would cost professionally and a complete guide to help you do it yourself too. Start scrolling down to know how to enhance the look of your car within a few hours!
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How much is it to wrap a car?
The cost of wrapping a car depends on whether you are willing to do it yourself or taking professional help. Since wrapping a car requires a lot of your time and labor – the price of doing it professionally varies vastly.
The cars which have lots of curves will take more time compared to vehicles with a smooth body. So, it is evident that the price and varies from one vehicle to another.
For instance, Tesla cars are the easiest to wrap in comparison to other vehicles. That is because it has a smooth body and possesses a simple exterior. The vehicle wrap pricing calculator multiplies enormously when you want custom designs, wheel wrapping, chrome deletes, part removal, or special vinyl.
Experts suggest that wrapping a car black is less expensive in comparison to other cars. If you wish to cover the red or white, it would cost much higher for the labor and time required.
How much is it to wrap a car professionally?
If you are searching for how much is it to wrap a car professionally, check out the estimate we have given below:
Sports car (luxury)
A sports car usually costs approximately $5000. Experts suggest that a Ferrari might cost you around $7000. The wrapping cost always depends on the specific car you own. However, the range of wrapping a sports car begins from $5000.
Sedan
If you happen to own a family sedan, the price of wrapping your car may begin at $3000. That is because the sedan, in general, lacks major curves and cuts. Hence, the price is lower in comparison to the sports car.
Compact crossover
The price of wrapping a compact crossover begins at $3500.
Big-size SUV
A big-sized SUV will cost around $4000.
Truck
The cost of wrapping a truck is similar to a big-sized SUV. Its prices begin from about $4000.
The prices we have made a list of above are approximate how much it is to wrap a car. But you should keep in mind that the price of car wrapping may vary. If you choose a customized design, unique vinyl sheets, change parts, etc., the cost might go up.
How much does it cost to wrap a car by yourself?
If you wish to save on the labor cost, wrapping the car yourself is the best solution. You can get the vinyl wraps from Amazon or other car stores and do it yourself to give your car a new look.
The approximate price for vinyl before shipping and tax may cost you approximately $17 for five square feet. If you wish to avail large roles that can cover 300 square feet may cost around $620. So, calculate the area of your car and buy the rolls accordingly. However, the price of the vinyl may vary from one retailer to another. Plus, it might change according to the design and color too.
Overview of wrapping a car
Now that you have an idea how much is it to wrap a car, let us take you through the guide of DIY. With our guide below, you can wrap the car in no time and with the utmost professionalism.
The approximate required to wrap a car
It can vary from a few hours to several days to wrap the car. However, with the tools and instructions given below, wrapping will be smooth and easy.
Safety equipment for car wrapping
Before we tell you in detail how to wrap your car, you must keep the safety equipment handy. Check out the following:
- Toe closed shoes
- Mechanic coverall
- Safety glasses
Equipment you will require to wrap your car
Before you start knowing the detailed instructions to wrap your car, here are the tools and parts you will require. Check out the following:
- Felt edged squeegee
- Wrap stick
- Heat gun
- Breakaway knife
- Tape measure (soft magnetic)
- Spray bottle
- Small magnets
- Back cutter (Teflon coated)
- Infrared thermometer
- Compressor
- Knifeless tape
- Lintless gloves (vinyl wrapping)
- Microfiber towels
Check the following parts you would require:
- Vinyl wrap
- Car washing materials
- Clay bar kit
- Car wax eliminator
- Isopropyl alcohol
Apart from all the equipment mentioned above, you would also require a friend who will assist you. Wrapping a car all by yourself is next to impossible. So, get all the equipment ready, and we set to give your car a new look.
Preparing and cleaning the surface of your car
Since you know sanding the exterior of a vehicle is essential to apply paint, cleaning your car is also equally vital before wrapping the car. It is vital to avoid creases, bubbles, or uneven distribution of vinyl. Check out the following ways to clean and prepare the exterior before apply vinyl:
- You need to wash the car thoroughly. Keep in mind not to miss out on any edge, crease, crevices, and corners. You should open the hood, trunk, and doors to clean the hidden parts of your car.
- If you have ever applied wax on the car, be sure to remove it. You can use a wax cleaner to wipe your car.
- To remove the pollutants from the surface of your car, you can use a clay bar.
- Finally, pour out the isopropyl alcohol into the spray bottle. Then spray it over the surface to clean the exterior.
- Lastly, wait until the car surface is dried out completely. But do not wait too long after the car is dry. That is because it may accumulate dust if left for a long time.
How to apply wrap on the car?
Besides keeping all the tools handy, don?t miss out on inviting your buddy to help you. That is because wrapping the car on your own is impossible.
So, clean the car, get your buddy, and you are good to go! Here is how you need to do it:
- It is best you start by choosing a starting area or point. If you are a beginner, then start from the easy surfaces. Select the trunk lid, hood, or doors. After you finish, you can slowly get into the challenging areas.
- Ideally, it is best to remove plastic inlets, grilles, logos, door handles, and more when applying the wrap. Those are the things that may interfere in putting the wrap.
- Now, the measuring tape comes into use. Try to use an extra six inches vertically and horizontally to avoid any mismeasuring.
- It is best you cut the material to avoid pasting vinyl on contaminated surfaces.
- Take the help of your friend and finally remove the back of the vinyl. Then, drape it all along the surface. When you place the vinyl over a curved surface, it is best to place it with a lot of tension.
- To avoid any crease, choose the central point and gradually move towards the sides. You should take the help of a squeegee to avoid any wrinkles and curves.
What to do when you see wrinkles while wrapping?
Even if you apply vinyl along with tension, you will see wrinkles and curves. That is the time when you will require a heat gun. By using a heat gun, you will conform and soften the vinyl onto the body of your car. If you see several creases and wrinkles, you can use the felt-edged squeegee to flatten the vinyl. Use both your hand to grip the vinyl end and then pull it out and up slightly. You should try this out until you see the vinyl is flattened completely. Always try to keep the tension when you are applying the vinyl. Finally, use a heat gun to secure it.
Post heating and detailing of the car wrap
The post-heating, finished-look and detailing of the wrapping is a vital key to the new look of your car. So, it becomes essential to pay minute attention to the detailing and adhesion correctly.
Since we have gone ahead and answered your question ?how much is it to wrap a car professionally, we hope you would not mind getting into the finishing in detail. Here are quick tips that will help to give your car that professional touch. Check out the following:
Edges and Cuts
Precise cuts and edges are the keys to give your car a professional look. So, check out the following tips to have accurate cuts:
- Always go for long straight cuts. And to do that, use knifeless tape, and you are sure to get what you want.
- If you see gaps or are placing the wrap on the edges, use a heat gun. By using that, you will be able to press the wrap onto the line. Finally, cut the opening center. Then, use a heat gun again to fold the edges. You can use the wrap stick to give the car a good finished look.
- When you see the vinyl is put in position, take a heat gun to secure the corners and openings. It will secure the vinyl on the surface to give it a perfect look you were searching for.
Bubbles
If you are a beginner, getting bubbles is a common thing. So, if you see a bubble, it can be because of expansion, poor squeegeeing, unclean surface, or gap tension. Bubbles do not always appear as you are applying them. They might even come up after you have put the wrap on completely.
If you find tiny bubbles after you put the wrap, ultimately, you can use a small need and poke it. Finally, the air will come out, removing the bubble from your car.
Pro tips to wrap your professionally
Wrapping your car is indeed difficult. But when you start using the quick tips given below, you are sure to do it like a pro in your first go. Check out the following:
- The heat level each vinyl can sustain varies from one manufacturer to another. It is always best you take a piece of the vinyl and test it before applying it to your vehicle. Once you test it, you can be sure that the vinyl is perfect. And the look of your vehicle is going to be mind-blowing.
- It is essential you keep in mind that several companies produce their vinyl differently. The adhesives and technologies vary from one company to another. So, you must go through the instructions, pressure details, and temperature recommendations before using the vinyl.
- If you want a precise cut, it is best you place the squeegee and then use the blade against it. In this way, you will have extra stability, controlled cut point, and blade length.
Final Thoughts
We indeed have answered your question, ?how much is it to wrap a car?. The guide given above will help you decide if you want to wrap your car yourself or by a professional.
If you are going to a professional, the look of your car is sure to be excellent. But if the cost does not suit your budget, you can always do it yourself. Use all the tips and tricks given above to give your car a striking look. Within hours of hard work, you can change the car color you were bored of looking at all this while.
So, follow the methods meticulously, and don?t miss out on leaving a picture of the new look in the comment section below!
