Wrap vs. Paint: What’s Best for My Car?

Wrap vs. Paint for My Car

Are you bored of the way your car looks? Do you want to get excited about the colors and appearance of your bodywork again? Well, then you could benefit from getting a wrap or a paint job. 

When it comes to wrap vs. paint, you should consider a few things before making your decision. Both options have their upsides and downsides, and you should always take wrap vs. paint pros and cons into consideration. 

Here’s your guide to which one is right for you. 

What Is a Wrap?

A car wrap is done using a specially made vinyl material that is made to conform to the shape of your vehicle by being heat-treated during the application process. 

Wraps are also known as decals, and they do not interfere with the original paintwork of the car, and you can remove them later if you want to revert to having the original paint job.

What is a Paint Job?

Conversely, a paint job is when you pay someone to alter the physical paintwork on the body of the car. This can either be done to restore the car’s original paintwork to make it look factory new again, or it can be done to completely change the vehicle’s color. 

Paint jobs are usually applied in several layers of primer and color until the vehicle looks as if it has just been purchased brand-new. 

Which Is Cheaper?

When it comes to car wrap vs. paint, the first thing to consider is cost. Both will set you back a fair amount of money if you want the job done properly, but overall, paint jobs are the cheaper option. 

A low-quality paint job can set you back around $500, with top-end paint jobs coming in from anywhere between $2,000 and $5,000. 

Wraps, on the other hand, tend to start at around the $2,500 mark and can go as high as $5,000 if you’re paying for a top-end car wrap. You can check out the prices over at Supreme Car Wraps for an idea of how much the job will cost. 

Time it Takes

Next up in the car wrap vs. paint debate is the time it takes to do the work. Wraps take the edge here. 

Paint jobs can be a very complex and lengthy process, and you might have to leave your car with the people painting it for over a week to get a high-quality job done. 

Wraps are usually a much quicker process than can be completed in just a few days if done by a professional working at a reasonably high speed. 

Time it Lasts 

So the next question is one of durability, which will last longer? Well, it almost entirely depends on the quality of the work. A low-quality paint job will probably last you a few years if you’re lucky. A high-quality paint job, though, can last you a lifetime if you look after it properly. 

Vinyl wraps, unfortunately, can’t last quite so long as good-quality paint jobs. If maintained well and done by a high-end professional, your wrap should last around 5-10 years. 

Wrap vs. Paint Depends on Your Preferences

When it comes to wrap vs. paint, there isn’t too much in it. At the end of the day, it all comes down to your preferences and what you’re willing to spend. 

If you’re after a matte look or intricate patterns and designs that you want to customize and change every few years, then a wrap is the way to go for you. If you want to get your car looking brand new again, you should opt for the paint job.

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