How much does a car wrapping cost?

Car wrapping could be the perfect solution for customising your auto sans the trouble (and expense) of a paint job. Whether fully or partially, car wrapping is a good way to temporarily change your car’s appearance—and even give it an extra layer of protection. Car wrap costs roughly £2,025. 

Read on to discover the costs and factors to consider for getting your car wrapped so you can set your budget appropriately.

Average cost to wrap a car

Car wrapping is essentially covering your vehicle with a special vinyl film. Because it allows you to give your car a new look through various options—colours, textures, and designs—it has become a popular and less cumbersome alternative to car spraying. 

Many factors go into estimating car wrapping costs. It depends on your car type, labour, and the job's complexity.  

Partial vs. full coverage

Deciding whether you want a full or partial wrap is a good place to start. Consider getting decals or a partial wrap versus full coverage if you’re on a tight budget. 

Partial car wrap costs start from £300. With a partial wrap, most of your original paintwork is left exposed, and vinyl is only applied to specific parts of the car. Meanwhile, full car wrap costs begin at £1,700, covering every inch of your vehicle.

Car wrap costs based on car type

Car wrapping prices also vary in terms of the make/model of your car. It is an important consideration for the treatment, as vinyl wraps need to be made to fit the exact measurements of your car. 

The exterior and size of the car can cause prices to differ drastically. For instance, it would be less labour-intensive to cover a family sedan than, say, a 4WD.

The price approximations above are average baseline prices for basic car wraps—meaning prices begin to increase once you choose more customisation options. 

Factors that affect car wrap costs

DIY vs. professional car wrapping

While it is possible for you to apply a DIY approach to car wrapping, the process is labour-intensive and leaves little room for error. 

You would need speciality tools to ensure the vinyl wrap is applied correctly—if not, you risk damaging your car’s original coating and having to start over. It is typically a two-person job and requires an enclosed and dust-free work area. It’s recommended to work with a professional car wrapper to ensure the coating goes smoothly.

Vehicle condition

If you’re getting your car wrapped by a professional, it’s important to have them assess the vehicle first. While it is not as expensive to wrap a car as to paint it, it would have to be in good condition for the vinyl to be applied smoothly. 

There may be better solutions than car wrapping if you aim to cover up scratches, dents, chipped paint, or corrosion. Some professionals won’t be able to guarantee their work if your car has a poor surface. It is best to get any car scratches repaired first.

Vinyl wrap quality and customisation

When choosing the suitable vinyl wrap for your car, the options are nearly limitless. In terms of finishes, you can pick metallic, gloss, satin, matte, or a textured finish like carbon. You can even choose a clear wrap to protect your car’s original paintwork. Because wraps are designed through computer programs, it is entirely customisable. 

You can apply a unique graphic design or use your panels as advertisement space. It is important to keep in mind that your car wrap will look its best and last longer if you choose quality materials. Cheaper brands are more likely to fade quickly and need replacement.

Lifespan

Another benefit to having your car wrapped instead of repainted is that it is less permanent and should be easier to replace. Removal costs around £625, which is something you should consider in case your car wrap gets damaged or if you simply feel like it’s time for a change in its appearance.

Car wraps can be a great investment, lasting anywhere from five years to a decade. Maintaining your car wrap can help keep it in good condition and prolong its lifespan. 

If you’re worried about your car insurance policy, make sure to ask your insurer about how it would affect your coverage before making any modifications to your car. 

Post a task for car wrapping

Car wrapping is a great way to personalise your vehicle. Now that you have a better idea of car wrap costs in the UK and the factors to consider, the next step is to hire a car wrapping expert. When creating your listing, mention details like your budget, desired finish/design, and location.

Be transparent and as detailed as possible when communicating with your Tasker. The more they know about the specs of your vehicle and what you want to achieve, the better they can do the job. 

If you have ever considered customising your vehicle, you’ve surely wondered how much car wrapping is. With these factors in mind, look to professional help to get your car wrapped properly and keep it looking good longer.