If you’re in the market for a new car, you may be considering getting it wrapped or painted. While both processes are effective ways to change your vehicle’s appearance and make it look like something completely new, they are not created equal.
Here are some key considerations when choosing between vinyl wrapping and painting:
Cost
One of the main considerations when choosing between vehicle vinyl wrap and painting a vehicle is cost. Vinyl wrapping is generally less expensive than painting a vehicle since it requires less labor and time to apply. Additionally, a vinyl wrap can be removed without damaging the underlying paintwork, making it a more cost-effective option in the long run.
Additionally, a wide range of printable vinyl wrap options are available at different price points, and you can select the one that meets your requirements and budget from local stores or online marketplaces such as SignWarehouse. Popular brands such as OraJET, ORAFOL, 3M, and PrismJET offer a variety of printable vinyl on online platforms like SignWarehouse, and some, like the versatile and durable 3M wrap vinyl rolls can be ordered online directly from the supplier.
Durability
Vinyl wrapping and painting are both effective ways of protecting your vehicle from scratches and other damage. However, vinyl wrapping is generally more durable than paint because it’s resistant to dings, scratches, and other types of damage.
A properly applied vinyl wrap can last up to 10 years and even longer if you’re lucky. It can also be removed and reapplied to another vehicle when you’re ready for an upgrade or just want something different.
This makes it ideal for someone who wants their car’s appearance to change frequently without having to worry about damaging the original paintwork each time they do so. If you choose not to remove your current wrap before applying a new one, there’s no need for concern either.
Many wraps come with warranties against peeling off within five years after installation. However, keep in mind that this depends largely on how well they’ve been cared for during those five years as well as whether they were installed properly by experienced professionals who know what they’re doing (rather than DIYers).
Customization
Vinyl wrapping is a great option for those who want to customize their vehicle and make it stand out from the crowd. With vinyl wraps, you can create almost limitless customization options, including color changes, patterns, and graphics.
Vinyl wraps can be designed and printed to create unique and eye-catching designs that accurately reflect a business’s brand or personal style. On the other hand, painting a vehicle can also offer some customization options, but it is generally more limited in terms of design options.
Deadline News, in a report, states that wrapping cars provides a significant advantage in terms of color selection. When purchasing a new vehicle from a dealership, you may be limited in color options. If none of the available colors are appealing to you, you may have to settle for a car color you do not prefer.
On the contrary, car wraps offer a diverse range of color choices and designs. With vinyl wraps, you can opt for a holographic effect or intricate details that are not feasible with traditional car paint. Moreover, you have the option to personalize the design according to your preferences, such as incorporating lettering, logos, or unique graphics.
Time
Vinyl wrapping is generally quicker to apply than painting a vehicle. This is because vinyl wraps can be pre-designed and printed, which eliminates the need for a painter to mix and apply the paint. Additionally, vinyl wraps can be installed in a matter of days, while painting a vehicle can take several weeks to complete.
When it comes time to remove your wrap from your car or truck, it takes less than an hour for most installers to remove all pieces from one vehicle with minimal damage.
Maintenance
If you are considering a vinyl wrap, it is important to know that both painted vehicles and wrapped vehicles require regular maintenance to stay looking their best. Both types of cars need washing and waxing regularly, as well as occasional touch-ups if there are scratches or dings on the surface of your vehicle.
Vinyl wraps can be easily cleaned with soap and water, but it is important not to use abrasive cleaners or tools that could damage the wrap (such as steel wool). If you want to remove any stains from your car’s wrap, try using rubbing alcohol instead of harsher chemicals such as bleach or acetone. These products may cause damage over time if used improperly.
Similarly, painted vehicles also require regular washing and waxing for them not only to look good but also last longer because they protect against fading due to UV rays from sunlight exposure which makes paint fade over time.
According to U.S. News, wrapping the front end of a vehicle with a clear, nearly invisible vinyl can prevent costly repairs and cleanup caused by stray stone chips. The vinyl is also layered with a protective laminate to enhance its resistance to scratches and UV rays. Furthermore, if a car is leased and adorned with advertising or artwork, the vinyl can be effortlessly removed to reveal the original color scheme, as long as it was properly applied and not left on for too long.
Resale Value
Vinyl wrapping a vehicle can help maintain its resale value. While you can always remove a wrap, it’s much less likely that the original paintwork will be damaged in the process. This means that when you sell your vehicle, whoever buys it will be able to keep the vinyl wrap on without having to worry about removing it themselves or doing damage to their new purchase.
This increased resale value is due in large part because of how easily removable vinyl wraps are when compared with traditional painting techniques like spray-on or hand-painted jobs.
Most people don’t have accessorized tools or experience working with high-end materials like automotive paint. Therefore, they’re less likely to attempt removing these kinds of paints from their cars when they decide they want something different down the line (like if they get bored).
Conclusion
We hope that we’ve convinced you that vinyl wrapping is the way to go. According to Grand View Research, the market size of automotive wrap films was USD 4.76 billion in 2021 and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 22.2% from 2022 to 2030.
The expected surge in demand is mainly due to factors like the increasing global population and disposable income. The largest market share of vehicle wrap was held by the passenger vehicles segment in 2021 due to the growing demand for customized graphics by consumers who want to personalize their vehicles.
Vinyl wrapping is cheaper, more durable, and more customizable and it can be done in less time than painting a vehicle. Not only that but it also has better resale value than painted cars because they don’t chip or fade as paint does over time.