Car wrapping and painting are the best options when changing the car’s experience. However, what’s the difference between them and which is better?
In today’s post, I will explain the differences in detail to help you decide which is suitable for you.
Car Wrap vs Painting: Quick Comparison
Car Wrap vs. Paint: The Detailed Comparison
Car Wrap vs Paint: Price
Wrap your car is cheaper than paint.
The car wrap cost is determined by the wrap style, the vehicle’s size, and how complex the installation process is. Due to these factors, the cost of wrapping a car can range anywhere between $2,000 to $8,000.
On the other hand, the cost of a car paint job depends on the quality of the paint job and the design and color choices. The number of paint coats to be applied to the car is also another factor. The average price range for a car paint job is $3,000 to $10,000.
See also: How Many Cans Of Spray Paint To Paint A Car?
Paint vs Wrap Car: Design Options
There is an unending pool of designs that you can choose from for your car wrap. Car wraps allow you to be more creative with your car aesthetics. All you have to do is describe exactly what you want to your graphic designer, and you’ll have it done.
On the contrary, your design options with car paints are limited to the skill of your painter. Also, the more complex your design, the longer it will take to achieve and the higher the cost. This shouldn’t be a problem for you if you are a skilled painter. If you are not then you will need professional painting services to bring your creative designs to life.
See also: Flat vs. Matte vs. Semi Gloss vs. Satin Black: Which Is The Best Color?
Car Paint Job vs Wrap: Time Consume
Several factors determine how long it would take to paint a car. These factors include the car model, bodywork, preparation phase, the type of paint used, and the application phase. The Rustoleum paint, for instance, takes 90 minutes to dry off completely. While the acrylic, metallic, and urethane paints take 24 hours to dry off. But, the entire painting process can take up to 4 days or some weeks to complete. It all depends on additional touch-up work needed.
On the contrary, the processes involved in wrapping a car are quite different from the painting method. The first process is the design, followed by the printing, laminating, and trimming. The third process is the installation which could last for two days. After the installation is complete, the car would be left for one day before it is driven. On average, the entire car wrapping process could take about 2-3 days.
Car Paint vs Wrap: Ease Of Cleaning
For an easy DIY clean-up for car wraps, hand-wash your car once or twice every week. Use soft towels and avoid using car brushes because of their bristles. Clean off all difficult stains immediately, as they become harder to clean after sitting for too long.
Similarly, it is best to hand-wash your car paint. If you have scratches on your paint, you can be get rid of them with a car polish suitable for you. Additionally, you can apply a paint sealant to preserve your shine for some time.
Car Paint vs Car Wrap: Safe for Human
Car wraps are made of vinyl, and they are safe to put on a car with any finish. The car wrap serves two major purposes; they protect the original car paint and beautify your car.
On the other hand, car paint is not safe for the lungs and skin, especially if you apply it yourself. For safety, you should ensure that you are painting in a well-ventilated area, cover your skin and get a respirator.
Car Wrap vs Car Paint: Maintenance
The first place to avoid taking a wrapped car is an automatic car wash. While those have their benefits, the bristles of the brushes are too strong and harmful to the wrap. The hand-washing method is preferred for a wrapped car. Wrapped cars should be stored in garages, away from weather elements that will cause damage to them.
To maintain car paint, park your car in garages where the weather would not affect them. Another maintenance tip would be to hand wash them and avoid automatic car washes.
Although both aesthetic options require some level of maintenance, car paints require higher maintenance practices.
Car Wrap vs Paint: Durability
Both wrapped cars and painted cars are affected by the weather. A wrapped car can get torn; the paint can also get peeled off a car. A car wrap can last for 2-10 years if handled carefully. Beyond normal wear and tear, a car wrap’s lifespan will reduce if exposed to the weather for too long.
Car paint can be easily damaged by scratches and dents, which requires carefully looking after them. You stand a greater risk of getting scratches on your paint when you use a cheap paint job. The best way to protect your paint and increase its lifespan is through the use of protective sealants.
Car Painting vs Car Wrapping: Repair
The benefit of car wraps is that they serve as an additional layer of protection for the original car paint. Therefore, when accidents happen, the car wrap is often the first to get damaged. To fix damage to the car wrap, clean up the damaged area and get rid of the dirt. Next, peel off the damaged part of the car wrap. The third step is to clean the area again after the vinyl has been removed. Finally, apply a fresh vinyl patch to the damaged area and seal with a heat gun or a hairdryer.
The method that will be used to fix a paint job is dependent on the extent of the damage that has been done. For minor scratches, all that is required is a soft cloth and a little polish that would be used to veil the scratch. Major scratches may require a fresh paint job.
Sum up
If you have read up to this point, you should pretty much have formed an opinion by now.
Going for a car wrap is advisable if you want something temporary or have plans of selling your car. This method preserves your original paint color and the value of your car.
However, if your current paint job is damaged, go for a new paint job. Car wraps don’t work well on a bad paint job.
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