Car Wrap vs. Car Paint

There are a lot of choices to make when it comes to customizing your car, but the two biggest decisions are whether to get a car wrap or go with car paint. Both options have their pros and cons, so how do you decide which is right for you? Read on to learn more about the difference between car wraps and car paint, and find out which option might be best for you.

A Car Wrap, What Is It?

Have you heard of car wraps? Are you wondering what it is? No more wondering then. A car wrap is basically a Vinyl wrap used to change the colour of cars. Nowadays car wraps are becoming more popular as compared to paints. As by these car wraps you can get a chrome-like finish. These car wraps can totally change the outlook of your car. Mainly, the wraps are customised decals that will perfectly fit your car. These decals will then cover the body of your car and give it a new look.

It is called a car wrap and it consists in wrapping your car with vinyl decals, also known as stickers. It's the most popular form of vehicle advertising as far as I know. You can see many such cars around town - they are easy to spot because their design usually sticks out, which makes them memorable too. Car wraps not only make your car more visible, but they also let you customize it as you want. It costs much less than making a custom paint job or having your car painted with a special design.

A very popular type of decals is what's called "racing stripes" - two thin lines often applied on the hood and rear trunk/hatch area. Racing stripes can take several forms - sometimes they are just a sequence of thin white lines, but usually there is a thicker line at the center which has a different color than the two lines that go from it. It's called "body-colored" because usually this stripe doesn't have any color in it and it looks as if it was painted on the car.

Another common design is a "ghost stripe" which is like the racing stripes but usually consist only of one color (so it's somewhat similar to a body-colored stripe, but it looks differently) and there is no thick centerline (it's pretty much like two thin lines next to each other).

There are more types of car wraps, for example there are some which have a grid-like pattern and others with a more complex design.

Car wraps can be easily removed from the car if you want to sell it or replace them for something else. You just have to clean the surface where they were applied and then remove them carefully with a blade. The vinyl used for car wraps is not as durable as paint, so if you remove a decal it will lose its adhesiveness and will eventually peel off.

Car wraps are very popular because you can make your car stand out from all the others. Many companies outsource their custom vinyl decals printing to professional wraps shops, because they understand how it works and don't want the design on their brand new car.

If you own a business, or if you are just interested in getting some ads for your company - consider using car wraps. They are very affordable and can help you generate a lot of interest.

Just make sure you find a good company to print your car wraps and make sure the design looks good on the included preview before placing an order!

A Car Paint, What Is It?

Car paints are always used to change the color of your car entirely or to restore the existing color. For using paint on the car, the car must be completely clean. Plus the car will be degreased and sanded before applying the paint. To get a better surface to paint on, the experts recommend a little bit of additional cleaning.

Now that we know the difference between both paint and Car wraps, you might be wondering which one you should choose for your car. Well, it depends upon many factors including the cost, time and so many other factors. So let's get started and have a look at the major differences between the two to minimize confusion.

Which One Is Cost-Effective?

Before deciding to go for any one first evaluate your budget. As budget can be the main factor in your decision. You might consider which way is cheaper.

Paint Job Cost:

The cost of a paint job depends upon the quality of paint that you are choosing. Low-quality paint will obviously cost you less money and you will have to pay at least 500 dollars for a lesser quality paint job. However, the cost of high-quality paint will be on the higher side. You have to pay a higher amount ranging from 1 thousand dollars to 5 thousand dollars for good quality paint.

We suggest you go for a medium quality paint job that would be of acceptable quality and will also save you money. But if you are a car enthusiast, have money and you can not compromise on quality, just go for the best quality paint for your car.

Car Wrap Cost:

For a car wrap, we suggest you go for a professional car wrap and do not risk your car. This wrap can cost you a relatively higher amount of money as compared to the paint job. You will have to pay between a range of 2500 dollars to 5 thousand dollars for this wrap.

Moreover, you will also be required to pay labor costs as you will need a wrap expert to remove the wrap off of your car. The labor cost for removing the wrap is almost 5 hundred dollars to 6 hundred dollars.

In case you want to get a customized design than it will also cost you extra money. Yet several car wraps do not charge design fees, so try those to save some money. So your overall wrap cost will reach 3 to 4 thousand dollars depending upon your requirements.

Having said that, it's now up to your interest and liking to choose either between a wrap or a paint job.

Which Process Is Speedy? A Paint Job or a Wrap?

Before deciding, evaluate how much time you have. Whether you need your car early or you can wait up to a few weeks.

Application Time for a Paint Job:

The paint job is a slow process and needs more time. It can take at least up to 2 weeks to paint your car. The process is relatively long as the car requires prep time which can take 2 to 3 days. Also, in a paint job your car needs to be coated in several layers including a clear coat. Moreover, your technician has to be slower and careful while painting your car to avoid any mishaps and flaws. So it is recommended that if you don't need your car early, you can choose to paint your car.

Application Time for a Car Wrap:

A car wrap is a relatively easier process. This process only needs a single layer of a customised wrap. This process can take less than a week to complete. Plus, car wrap doesn't need prep time and other formalities which make this process a relatively simpler approach. So if you are out of time then go for a car wrap.

Which One Is Long-Lasting?

Durability is another important factor that can affect your decision of choosing between the two.

The Durability of Paint:

The durability of a paint job depends upon the quality and its care afterwards. Your paint will last longer if you have got a quality paint job from a professional. Similarly, if you take care of the paint maintenance afterwards, your paint will also last for more time.

However, if you have lower quality paint your paint will not even last a few years. But, if you get a high-quality paint job and you are passionate about afterwards care and waxing then your paint will even last for your whole life.

The Durability of a Wrap:

A car wrap can easily last for two to 10 years. The life of a car wrap depends upon the color and decals. Apart from these two factors, the wrap does not need anything else to survive. They are very easy to maintain and they don't even need waxing. So if you are a busy person and not able to take maintenance seriously you can opt for car wraps.

Car Wrap vs. Paint Table

You will get a better idea about the above-mentioned differences by going through this comparison table.

FAQs about Car Wrap Vs Car Paint

Which Option Can Give You a Customized Look?

If you are up for a customized look we suggest you choose a car wrap. As the car wrap will provide you with the look and design of your choice. Plus, if you like to go all out about your car's look you can add up funky colours and several effects to get your desired look.

Paint however will not really give too many different options. You will have to choose a single color or you can opt for a two-toned look only. This means if you love a simpler look a paint job might be the best bet for you.

Which One Is Permanent?

Paint Job can usually last for a whole lifetime and is permanent. You can either renew the original color or you can overall paint your car. This keeps the authenticity and originality of the car.

Car wraps, however, give you the freedom to change them whenever you want. You can also restore the original paint if you plan to sell your car by removing the wraps. So a car wrap will not be permanent and you can get it removed easily without ruining the original paint.

Conclusion for Car Paint vs Wrap

There is no such thing as a trend or fashion. This only depends upon your choice and needs. On one hand, if you have a liking for unique designs and affects you can get a car wrap. On the other hand, if you have a love for originality and simple style you can get your car painted.

There are a lot of choices to make when it comes to customizing your car, but the two biggest decisions are whether to get a car wrap or go with car paint. Both options have their pros and cons, so how do you decide which is right for you? Read on to learn more about the difference between car wraps and car paint, and find out which option might be best for you.