News
Custom Paint Job Or Custom Car Wrap: Which One Is Right For You?
February 25, 2014

When a person wants to customize a vehicle, a custom paint job or custom car wrap seem like the two most likely options to consider. However, many people don’t know the difference between the two options and which one is best suited to their vehicle.
There are pros and cons to each option, so it’s an individual choice which one is the best choice. Below are listed some of the most important points to consider and the benefits of choosing a custom paint job versus a custom car wrap.
Cost
In general, custom car wraps cost less than custom paint jobs. When a person wants a high-quality version of either, a custom car wrap can cost almost half as much as a custom paint job. The only time that might be different is if someone wants an extremely detailed design applied to the car, and then the prices might be more equivalent.
But generally in terms of cost, car wraps are cheaper. Paint jobs also take longer to apply than a vehicle wrap. So if turnaround time is an important factor then car wraps might also be the more appropriate choice if someone wants to get back the vehicle within a couple days. When choosing between the two options, it’s important to do more research also, such as the:
- Quality of materials that are going to be used
- Previous examples of work that has been done by provider
- Warranty policy
- Customer reviews
Since a person who is spending the money to get a customized vehicle is greatly invested in the appearance of the vehicle, the quality of the work is of the utmost important. It’s worth researching which materials and level of skill you want for your money.
Durability
Another big issue people are concerned with is the durability of both options. But this also is a personal choice, depending on if the individual wants temporary graphics that can be changed every couple years, or if they want something permanent. For example, if a person is looking for a very long-term application, then they might prefer to get a paint job. However, custom car wraps can also be long-lasting if made with the proper materials.
So which is right for you is a personal choice, depending on how long-term you want the graphics to last. For example, if you plan on replacing the graphics on the vehicle every couple years or so, a custom car wrap would be the better choice. However if you want the graphics to last for much longer, then consider a custom paint job or finding a provider of custom car wraps that will use high-quality materials to apply the wrap. You should also research the warranty of the company in case anything goes wrong, so you can be more reassured that you will be happy with the final product.
Maintenance
Another important issue to consider when choosing between the two is maintenance. Inevitably, a vehicle will be subject to wear and tear no matter what option you choose, so you should go with the option that provides the best maintenance choices. Generally, custom car wraps are easier to fix if damaged, but custom paint jobs tend to last longer. So this choice comes to individual preference and finding out beforehand what maintenance costs can be expected over the years and what the pricing is.
Customizing a vehicle has proven to be a great way to express someone’s personality or provide a marketing tool. Custom car wraps and custom paint jobs can both be great solutions depending on an individual’s needs and preferences. If someone is interested in customizing their car they should consider the points that were made above, their own budget, and turnaround time they prefer.