How Much Does it Cost to Wrap a Car?

Car wrapping is a popular way to change the look of a vehicle without committing to a permanent paint job. Whether you’re promoting a business, applying a paint protection film, or simply want to change your car’s colour, wrapping is a flexible and creative way to do it. But how much does it cost to wrap a car?

Well, it varies. UK drivers could expect to pay anything from £1000 to £5000 for a car wrap. That's a big variation in price, so to better help you understand the potential price for your vehicle, we'll discuss the factors affecting car wrap cost, additional costs to consider, and ways to bring down the cost of a typical car wrap.

In This Guide:

How much does a car wrap typically cost?
What affects the cost of wrapping a car?
Additional costs to consider
How to save money on a car wrap
Personalise your vehicle with cost-effective car wraps
FAQs

How much does a car wrap typically cost?

The average cost to wrap a car in the UK ranges from £1,000 to £5,000, depending on the type of vehicle and the finish desired. A smaller car might cost around £1,200 to £2,000, while a larger car could cost upwards of £3,000 to £5,000 for a full wrap.

Car wrap costs are calculated based on labour hours, how complicated the wrap is to apply, the type of vinyl wrap used, and if any speciality finishes are involved. High quality vinyl wrap tends to cost more, but also offers more durability (which could save you money in the long run).

With proper care, a good quality vinyl wrap can last between five and seven years. This kind of longevity makes wrapping a cost-effective option for drivers who want to regularly update the look of their car without the cost and permanence of a respray.

What affects the cost of wrapping a car?

Several factors influence the total cost of vehicle wrapping:

Vehicle size

One of the biggest cost variables is the size of your car. Bigger vehicles require more vinyl, and take longer to wrap. This pushes up the cost of materials and labour. Smaller cars use less material and are quicker to wrap.

Professional installers tend to estimate material and labour costs based on surface area. A 4X4 with a wide surface area can take nearly twice as much material as a small hatchback, and as such will cost at least twice as much to wrap.

Type of wrap material

Vinyl wrap materials come in different grades and finishes, each with their own cost. Premium cast vinyl costs more, because it is flexible, durable, and can be curved around complex surfaces and edges. It's great for long-term use, but it also costs more than other materials.

Other types of finish include:

Gloss or satin finishes: These offer a paint-like appearance and are among the most affordable options.
Matte finishes: Matte gives a distinctive look, but may also show dirt and fingerprints more easily.
Chrome or metallic wraps: These are high-impact finishes that give a distinctive look, but are also challenging to apply.
Carbon fibre or textured wraps: These wraps add depth and style but often come with a higher price tag.

Design complexity

One of the big advantages of vehicle wrapping is that it lets drivers easily apply custom graphics or branding, intricate designs, and colour transitions. However, more complex designs can also push up car wrap costs. Intricate designs require more design time and precise application, whereas simple colour changes are quicker and cheaper to produce and apply.

Full wrap vs partial wrap

A full car wrap covers the entire vehicle, including doors, bonnet, bumper, mirrors etc. As you might expect, this takes longer and requires more material, making it more costly.

A partial wrap might only cover specific areas, like the bonnet or side panels. You can still achieve striking results with a partial wrap, making them a cost-effective alternative to a full wrap. Some drivers only wrap certain sections for contrast or branding, thus saving both material and labour costs.

Finish

The finish of your vinyl wrap can make a big difference to the price. Standard colours in gloss or matte finishes tend to be more affordable than speciality finishes like chrome, pearlescent, colour-shifting, or satin.

Location and market rates

Labour costs vary a lot across the UK. Vehicle owners in London and the South East can expect to pay more for vehicle wrapping than drivers in the North, for example.

You may also find that prices vary within your own locale. It's always worth comparing quotes from two or three reputable companies. But remember that a cheaper quote may not mean better value. It might mean worse workmanship or poor-quality materials. So, check reviews and examples of previous work if a quote seems too good to be true.

Additional costs to consider

Time, labour, and materials aren't the only costs to think about when budgeting for vehicle wrapping. Here are a few of the additional or long-term costs that might arise:

Wrap removal costs

The cost to remove a car wrap will vary depending on the size of your vehicle and the quality of the vinyl wrap. It is important to get the vinyl wrap removed professionally, as non-professional removal can damage the underlying paint, which is bad for your car's resale value and its appearance. A new paint job to fix issues caused by poor wrap removal will cost a lot more than getting your wrap removed professionally.

Repairing or replacing damaged wrap sections

Vinyl wraps are durable, but they're not invincible. They can be scratched, torn, or damaged by road debris and minor accidents.
Small areas of damage can usually be patched or replaced (it's a good idea to ask your installer whether they can supply extra vinyl for touch-ups), but large repairs can cost several hundred pounds, especially if the damage affects a complex design.

Protective coatings

Protective ceramic coating can protect your vinyl wrap from UV rays, dirt, stains, and more. It can also enhance the shine and extend the wrap's lifespan. However, protective coatings typically add several hundred pounds to the cost of your car wrap.

If it's affordable for you, protective coating can save you money on replacements or damage touch-ups and boost your car's resale value, so it's often worthwhile to pay the extra.

Warranties and maintenance plans

Reputable installers often give warranties on your wrap, ranging from one to five years depending on the vinyl used and the finish. Some also offer optional maintenance plans, including regular inspections and cleaning services.

If you are interested in a warranty, be sure to read the conditions carefully. Coverage can vary a lot depending on how you use your car and where you store it. For example, if your car is usually parked outside your wraps are more vulnerable to weather damage, and as such might have shorter coverage than vehicles kept in a garage.

How to save money on a car wrap

There are several ways to save money without compromising on quality. Here are a few of the most reliable:

Choose a simpler design

Complex graphics, printed wraps, and layered finishes take more time and materials to complete. Going for a simpler design or a solid colour wrap can save you hundreds of pounds and give your car a sleek, modern look that's easy to maintain.

Opt for partial wraps instead of full wraps

A partial or half wrap can still look great. For example, just wrapping the roof, wing mirrors, and/or bonnet in contrasting colours can give a bold and striking look for a fraction of the cost of a full car wrap.

Partial wraps are popular for branding commercial vehicles, as they make it easy to display logos and contact details without the cost of a full wrap.

Compare multiple quotes

Comparing prices from a range of professional installers ensures that you get the best value for your money. Just make sure to look at quotes alongside reviews and examples of past work so you can be sure that you're getting a good level of service.

Maintain your wrap

You can make your wrap last longer and save on repair costs with proper maintenance. Avoid parking in direct sunlight as UV exposure can fade colours over time. Regularly clean your wrapped car with mild detergent, and avoid using high-pressure jets to preserve the finish

Personalise your vehicle with cost-effective car wraps

Wrapping your car can be a flexible and cost-effective way to personalise your vehicle while protecting its original paint. The cost of car wrapping in the UK typically ranges from £1000 to £5000, depending on a range of factors, including the size of the vehicle, the materials used, the complexity of the design, and the finish of the vinyl.

Before committing to a car wrap, consider not only the initial cost but also additional expenses like removal, maintenance, and potential repairs. With careful planning, comparison, and maintenance, a high-quality wrap can give years of value, style, and protection for your vehicle.

FAQs

Is it better to paint or wrap a car?

Painting provides a permanent finish, while wrapping is temporary and reversible. Wrapping is usually cheaper and offers more design flexibility, making it ideal for personalisation or short-term branding.

How long does a car wrap last?

A professionally installed wrap typically lasts five to seven years, depending on the material and how well it's maintained.

Do car wraps damage the original paint?

Wraps shouldn't damage your car's original paintwork if they are applied and removed correctly. In fact, it can protect the paint from scratches, dents, UV exposure, and weathering.

Should I tell my insurer if I wrap my car?

Yes. You should inform your car insurance provider as well as the DVLA if you have your vehicle wrapped, even if the colour change is temporary. Insurers need accurate information about any modifications that alter the car’s appearance or value. Failing to declare car wrapping could invalidate your policy.