Car wrap costs explained
Car wrapping is an increasingly popular option for car owners who want to protect and personalise their vehicle. But a question we often get is: why does a car wrap cost what it costs? In this comprehensive blog, we explain the different factors that influence the price of a car wrap, so you can get a good idea of what you are paying for.
1. Material costs
The cost of the materials used is an important factor in the overall price of a car wrap. There are different types of vinyl wrap available, each with its own price tag. Here are some examples of what you can expect:
- Standard Foils: These include matt, glossy and satin finishes. These films are usually the usually included.
- Special Foils: This includes films with special finishes such as brushed metal, carbon fibre, colourflow films and chrome films. These are more expensive because of their unique properties and material use.
- Brands: Top brands such as 3M, Avery Dennison, KPMF, APA and Teckwrap each have their own price structures. Using high-quality materials from reputed brands ensures better durability and aesthetics.
- Processing differences: The brand of film can also make a difference in the way it is applied. Foils from brands such as Oracal and Teckwrap have higher adhesive strength and require more precision and effort in application, and often you even have to apply them with two people. This affects labour costs and the final price of the wrap.
- Chrome foils: Chrome films are difficult to handle because they are prone to discolouration when stretched too much. This is because the film contains metal particles that give it its specific colour. These particles make the foil stiff which not only makes stretching difficult, but can also quickly lead to a loss of the glossy finish. You should stick this film with 2 people at all times.
- Standard Foils: These include matt, glossy and satin finishes. These films are usually the usually included.
2. Colour and base of the car
The original colour and condition of your car play a big role in the cost of a wrap. Dark colours like black are easier to wrap than light colours like white, silver, red or yellow. If your car is a light colour and you want to wrap it a darker colour, the original colour will still be visible in the seams and cracks like at the doors. Therefore, we need extra time to wrap more inwards so that from the outside, the original paint colour cannot be seen.
3. Preparation and disassembly
Before starting the wrap, the car needs to be thoroughly cleaned and dismantled. This means removing parts such as door handles, mirrors and emblems to ensure the wrap can be applied seamlessly. This preparation time adds to the overall cost as it is labour-intensive and requires precision. Another consideration here is that with a white car, the bumpers almost always come off as well, while with a black car, for example, this is not always necessary, which ultimately also saves on costs.
4. Complexity of the vehicle
Not all vehicles are the same when it comes to wrapping. The complexity of the bodywork, the number of doors and the presence of special parts such as spoilers and diffusers can affect the price. Here are some examples:
- Number of Doors: A four-door car will cost more than a two-door car because of the extra time needed to wrap the extra doors and handles.
- Loose Parts: Audi's, for example, all have loose parts on the doors and near the wheel arches, which requires extra time and precision to wrap properly.
- Bumpers: Complicated bumpers like on BMWs take more time compared to a bumper of a Tesla.
- Mirrors: A whole painted mirror with or without a painted base takes more time to wrap. Mirrors mounted in the middle of a door instead of above it also require more work.
- Special Parts: Parts such as spoilers, diffusers and complex light units can increase the time and cost of wrapping.
- Number of Doors: A four-door car will cost more than a two-door car because of the extra time needed to wrap the extra doors and handles.
5. Labour costs
One of the biggest costs is labour. Wrapping a car is a craft that requires years of training and experience. Our wrappers are trained to apply the film accurately, without air bubbles or creases, and to finish complex parts and corners perfectly. This process can take many hours to days, depending on the size and complexity of the car.
6. Quality control and finishing
After the wrap is applied, the car is thoroughly inspected to make sure everything is perfect. Any air bubbles or imperfections are corrected and the edges are carefully finished to ensure the wrap lasts and looks great. This quality control is essential for long-lasting results and thus adds to the cost.
7. Maintenance and warranty
A wrap also requires regular maintenance to stay in top condition. This means washing your car at least once every fortnight and being careful with pressure washers, always keep a distance of at least 50cm. We offer warranties on both the film (depending on the manufacturer) and fitting (3 years on cars under 3 years old, 1 year on older cars) to ensure your investment is protected. In addition, we always do two warranty checks: one after two weeks and one after six months. This ensures that any problems are detected and rectified early, which also takes time and resources.
8. Additional options and personalisations
Some customers choose additional options such as wrapping the inside of the doors, adding special graphics or combining the wrap with a ceramic coating. Ceramic coating further protects the film and incurs additional costs. These extras increase the overall cost, but offer extra protection and personalisation.
Aftermarket fitted spoilers, diffusers, splitters can also increase the final price.
9. Facilities and workshop
The environment in which your car is wrapped also plays a role in the price. Our modern, clean and well-equipped workshop provides an optimal working environment, which contributes to the quality of the final result. This is different from someone working in an old garage, where conditions may not be ideal for applying a high-quality wrap. The investment in our facilities adds to the cost, but ensures that your car is treated in the best possible conditions.
Wrapping it up...
If you are considering wrapping your car and would like to know more about the specific costs and options for your vehicle, I cordially invite you to contact us. Our team of experienced professionals is ready to answer all your questions and provide a detailed quote tailored to your specific needs and your car's specifications. With us, you can count on transparency and professionalism, so you know exactly what to expect. We look forward to turning your car into a striking work of art!
More info on car wrapping can be found here.
