For many of us, a car is an important part of life and is usually the first big purchase we ever make as adults. As the thing that gets us to and from work, life events, and new places, a car can be one of our most valued possessions, and thus, it deserves to be treated as such.
This applies similarly to business owners. Though they may care less about the type of car they get and more about what they can use it for, a company vehicle is an integral part of day-to-day activities for many businesses.
Regular tune-ups, washing, and general maintenance are critical to the longevity and performance of a car, whereas appearance has a lot to do with a car owner’s personality. For a business, a vehicle’s appearance can serve as a mobile form of advertising, create a look of unity for multiple employees, and gives off a professional image. When buying a new car, whether it’s for personal or business reasons, very few will pick a color and style at random.
In the same way that you choose your personal style, a car is often seen as an extension of who we are, and it’s something car-lovers enjoy tweaking for further customization and business owners switch up to match their company’s line of work. Along with parts (hub caps, tires, steering wheels, etc.), paint jobs and car wraps are two common ways to add a personal touch to your vehicle. With similar end goals, ie. a fresh look, you may find yourself gravitating towards one over the other for reasons like cost or design possibilities.
Whether it’s car wraps for your business vehicles or a fresh coat of paint for your personal hot rod, this post will show you the differences between wrapping your car and painting it. We’ll lay out the pros and cons to help you decide which option is right for your vehicle. First, we’ll take a look at what’s involved with each service then dive into their advantages.
Car Wraps
Using panels of vinyl wrap, an installer will cover a section, or the entirety, of your vehicle to create a smooth look with the design or finish of your choice. Applied piece by piece, there is a lot of care that goes into wrapping a car. The right application with the right tools is critical to a flawless end result.
Any time you want to remove the wrap and get back to the original colour of your car, you can. With tons of options for colours, designs, and finishes, the sky is really the limit with wraps. Ideal for businesses that want precise graphics and clean lines, car wraps are professional, polished, and super sleek.
Pro: Car wraps have limitless design options
With car wraps, you’ll not only have access to every colour, metallic, and shade under the sun, but you can add fun graphics, and if you’re a business, your logo.
Pro: Car wraps require less prep & application time than painting
Though there is some cleaning involved when getting a car ready to wrap, in general, the time it takes to prep your car for paint is much longer than it is for wraps. Since wrapping involves just one layer, it also takes less time to apply. There’s no drying needed, and the job can be done in just a few days.
Pro: Car wraps are easier to maintain
To keep your car looking fresh, minimal cleaning is needed. You won’t need wax to make your wrap shine.
Pro: Car wraps are low commitment
One of the best things about car wraps is that they don’t damage your car. Whenever you want to, you can peel the wrap off to expose the old colour of your vehicle.
Con: Car wraps cost more than a paint job
Wrapping your car may cost you more than a paint job, but when you factor in the flexibility, ease of maintenance, convenience, and versatility they provide, the higher cost may be worth it to you.
Paint
With paint, the car detailer will spray your vehicle with the colour of your choice to either match the existing shade or add a new one. After cleaning and sanding the car, they’ll use a sprayer to coat a layer of paint across your vehicle’s surface. Typically when you get your car painted, the shop will apply 3-4 layers, as well as a final layer of clear coat.
Giving your vehicle a fresh, sparkling look, painting is great for personal vehicles and simple colour changes.
Pro: Paint comes in many colours & finishes
There are tons of paint colours and finishes (pearl, matte, etc.) to choose from. The catch here is that if you’re opting for paint, you’ll most likely be settling on one.
Pro: Paint costs less than wraps
On average, paint can cost ⅓ of the price that vehicle wraps can. Price is one of the main advantages of using paint, but a lower cost means this option comes with certain restrictions car wraps don’t.
Pro: Paint can last a long time
If the shop does a really great job at preparing your vehicle and spraying your car, paint can last 10+ years. To keep your car looking fresh, experts suggest getting it repainted every 5 years.
Con: Restricted design options
The craziest design you can really get with paint is two-tone colour. If you’re looking for something that really stands out for you or your business, choosing a wrap will give you more options for customization.
Con: Involves more prep & application time
Getting a car ready for paint involves cleaning, degreasing, sanding, and then cleaning again. After that, your vehicle will be hit with a coat of paint where it will then have to dry before the shop can apply another. Typically, shops apply 3-4 coats of paint, and while some paints take 90 minutes to dry, others need to dry overnight.
Con: Paint is a long-term commitment
You chose lime green and hate it, now what? Unless you want to pay the shop double, you’re stuck with that colour for the foreseeable future.
If all you’re looking for is a simple colour change, then paint will do just fine. It’s the less expensive option, and as long as you don’t mind the week it takes to get the job done, it’s a great choice.
Takeaways
Looking for something a little more detailed, versatile, and quick? We can’t say enough good things about car wraps. A great choice for businesses or for those who want a unique design, they provide the most options for giving your ride a new look. Have questions about wrapping your vehicle? Contact us today!
