Owners who decide to beautify their cars often have a dilemma about applying vinyl wrap vs. paint. No one can tell the right answer about this subject. Whatever option you choose, you will protect your vehicle, make it stylish, and potentially increase its resale value.
However, the differences between these two options are significant. You should consider wrapping if you need to have your car done quickly and without spending too much money. On the other hand, painting implies a better result but at a much higher price. Let’s take a look.
It is vital to understand the difference between these two options before deciding to beautify your vehicle.
Protection
Both options protect the underlying car metal, but vinyl applied over paint protects it from fading and chemical damage.
Covering
It can be challenging to paint a small damaged car area without noticing a difference from the original paint. On the other hand, you can quickly cover that damage with a piece of vinyl wrap.
Variety
The vinyl wrap comes in a better variety of designs, styles, and finishes. Spray paint is typically limited by the factory paint color range and the designer’s skill when you look for a customized look.
Availability
Car paint is widely available on the market, and you can find numerous professionals who can do the job. On the other hand, specialist vinyl installers are rare, particularly outside city areas.
Durability
Vinyl wrap can last up to a decade, while well-maintained paint lasts even longer.
Installation Time
Spray painting is a long process that typically lasts about three weeks and includes:
Stripping the old rusted or peeled-off paint
Spraying the surface with a base coat
Drying the paint
Polishing
On the other hand, you will need to wait only three days to have your car wrapped.
Maintenance
Once you apply car wrapping, it will require occasional washing. On the other hand, paint requires regular maintenance, waxing, and polishing.
Cost
Spray painting is always more expensive than wrapping since the paint itself is more pricey than the vinyl wrap. For instance, you need to paint the entire vehicle, but it is not the case with wrapping.
If you want to apply vinyl, you can do it over the whole surface or only partially. Finally, spray painting is a time-consuming process, making labor costs higher.
Resale Value
A new painting will increase the vehicle’s resale value, but it significantly depends on the chosen color and work quality. Car wrap protects the original paint, making the car’s resale value high after removal.
Since both car wrapping and painting have numerous advantages and a few downsides, choosing between them is ultimately personal. Wrapping is an excellent option to beautify your vehicle without spending too much money.
On the other hand, painting is costly but last longer. Besides your preferences, it is crucial to determine the original paintwork condition that will make your dilemma easier.
