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Buying Vinyl Car Wrap
Vinyl wrapping has revolutionized the world of car customization, offering endless design possibilities to transform vehicles. It’s an affordable alternative to a new paint job. However, if you’re considering a DIY car wrap to save money, you might be surprised to learn that it could cost you more in the long run.
The first expense to consider is the vinyl wrap itself. The price of vinyl wrap varies depending on the size of the roll and the type of film. Leading brands like 3M offer higher quality wrapping films that come at a higher cost. Although it may seem like a splurge, investing in a higher quality wrap job is always worthwhile.
For instance, a gloss black vinyl wrap film in a 5×10 foot roll costs around $100 online. Specialty finishes, such as brushed chrome or snakeskin, will add to the total cost. On the other hand, a 3M carbon fiber vinyl wrap of the same size is $90 more.
One drawback of buying vinyl car wrap yourself is the possibility of ordering more wrap film than you need. This mistake can significantly increase the total cost of wrapping your vehicle. Conversely, if you order less than you need, you’ll have to pay for shipping on a second roll to finish the job. A professional, however, will only charge you for the exact amount of vinyl film required to wrap your car.
Car Wrapping Tools
One reason why most people don’t attempt to wrap their own vehicles is the lack of necessary tools. Apart from buying the vinyl wrap film, you’ll need to invest in specific tools to facilitate the installation. Let’s explore the cost of purchasing these tools:
- Squeegees and Tucking Tools: Applying the film to the car requires squeegees and tucking tools. Online kits range from $30 to $300 or more, depending on the number of pieces in the kit.
- Knives and Blades: Cutting vinyl graphic and wrap film requires specialized wrap blades that won’t damage the wrap. Professional wrap cutters cost between $30 and $50.
- Heat Gun: A heat gun is essential for stretching the film over curves and lines in the car’s body. A digital heat gun typically costs between $50 and $100 or more.
- Infrared Thermometer: To ensure that you don’t overheat the film and damage it, an infrared thermometer is crucial. These thermometers range from $50 to $100 or more.
So, to summarize, the basic tools required for car wrapping would cost you between $160 and $500 or more. It may only be worth the investment in purchasing your own tools if you frequently change the look of your car. However, it may take a few DIY jobs before you start to see a return on your investment.
How Long Does It Take to Wrap a Car?
Besides the cost, it’s important to consider the time involved in wrapping a car since time is money. Wrapping a four-door sedan-sized car can take a full day for two people. If you’re inexperienced, it may take even longer as you figure out the application process.
Instead of wasting your time and money on wrapping your own car, consider entrusting the experts at Auto Super Shield. Our experienced car wrap installers use the latest tools and techniques to quickly and flawlessly complete the job, without compromising on quality or appearance. If you reside in South Florida, reach out to Auto Super Shield for a free car wrap estimate.
