Car wraps, truck wraps, boat wraps, and all types of vehicle wraps have become highly popular in recent years. Not only do they give you the option to completely change your car's appearance, but a wrap can also provide long-term protection to the paint and surface of your vehicle. These stylish-yet-protective layers can help prevent chips and blemishes that often occur with daily driving and exposure to the elements.
A wrap on your vehicle has proven to be one of the best ways to promote your brand. Or you may be looking to upgrade the look of your car, truck, or boat. A vehicle wrap may be the answer. Sign Art Etc in Lafayette, Indiana can help with your wrap project.
How much does it cost to wrap a car? And what does the process entail? Let’s look at some standard costs associated with wrapping a vehicle and detail some of the options available today.
In reality, wrapping is a task that requires knowledge, expertise, and the right equipment to execute correctly. Let's walk through the process of wrapping a vehicle.
There are some vital questions that must be asked by both the vehicle owner and the professional who will be applying the wrap:
What is the make and model of the car? The complexity of the design affects the time needed to wrap a vehicle, changing the cost accordingly.
Does the car have any kind of body kit? Cars with custom body kits usually add to the intricacies of the wrap due to unique angles and creases.
What vinyl hue do you want? Standard vinyl hues are offered in three different finishes - gloss, matte, or satin.
What parts of the car do you want to be wrapped? Maybe you want the car wrapped top to bottom for commercial purposes. Or perhaps you aren’t looking to wrap the entire vehicle, but rather apply a carbon-fiber hood or a partial wrap. Each approach is priced differently depending on these factors.
A detailed inspection and preparation of the car before applying a wrap is essential, including checking for damage on the original paint. A vinyl wrap does not properly adhere to a damaged surface, making it difficult (and sometimes impossible) to execute a clean installation. The surface needs to be near perfect for the vinyl wrap to effectively grip and form-fit the car. A vehicle must also undergo a thorough cleaning process to remove any dust, dirt, or grime before applying vinyl.
What Else to Look For?
You will want to ensure that your car will be cleaned and wrapped in a pristine indoor environment. You want the vinyl printing and cutting done on site. You want a combination of equipment, facility, and expertise in place to guarantee a great-looking result. Sign Art Etc has the facility, equipment, and people to ensure your project is done cost efficiently and looks great at completion.
Most costs incurred from having your car professionally wrapped result from the labor-intensive nature of the process. Here are average baseline starting costs for a professional wrap:
Compact car or coupe: Prices vary depending on design, but start around $2,000.
Family sedan: The average family sedan would run about $3,000.
Compact crossover: Most compact crossover vehicles start at around $3,500.
Full-size SUV: A full-size SUV is likely to start at about $4,000.
Panel van: A panel van is likely to start at about $4,500.
Full-size pickup: A full-size pickup is likely to start at about $3,500.
Even for the experienced team at Sign Art Etc, wrapping a car is a time-consuming process. If you want to commit your vehicle to a professional, you will likely spend at least $2,000 for a car wrap. Insist that your vehicle be wrapped in a clean indoor environment with the vinyl printer and cutter onsite so any changes can be handled quickly.
For more on car wraps and any type of vehicle, contact Sign Art Etc to set up an appointment so we can see your vehicle/trailer/boat and provide a quote. Our facility is at 181 Sagamore Parkway South, Suite B, Lafayette, Indiana 47905.

