Doesn’t matter if you own a gasoline car or an EV car, when it comes to jazzing up your ride, you’ve got a couple of options to choose from, including car painting and car wrapping. Each of these methods has its own advantages and drawbacks, depending on what you’re looking for.
Are you aiming for something that’s durable and long-lasting, or are you more interested in customization and versatility? Understanding the differences between car painting and car wrapping is crucial in picking the best option for your vehicle.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at why you might choose car painting over car wrapping, the benefits of car wrapping over car painting, and how much each option costs in Australia.
Why do you need car painting over car wrapping?
When it comes to enhancing the appearance of your vehicle, the choice between car painting and car wrapping is a crucial decision. While car wrapping offers a temporary solution with its colourful vinyl layers, car painting remains the superior choice for long-term durability and aesthetic appeal. Here’s why you should opt for car painting over car wrapping:
1. Durability
Car painting provides unmatched durability compared to car wrapping. Paint adheres directly to the vehicle’s surface, forming a strong bond that can withstand various environmental conditions, including extreme heat, cold, and moisture. On the other hand, car wrapping relies on adhesive vinyl layers, which can peel, bubble, or fade over time, particularly in harsh weather or high-traffic areas.
2. Customization
When it comes to customization, car painting offers limitless possibilities. Professional painters can mix colours, create intricate designs, and achieve flawless finishes that reflect your unique style. Unlike car wrapping, which often limits design options due to the constraints of pre-made vinyl sheets, car painting allows for complete personalization, ensuring your vehicle stands out from the crowd.
3. Seamless Finish
One of the main drawbacks of car wrapping is the potential for visible seams and wrinkles, especially on curved or complex surfaces. In contrast, car painting provides a seamless finish that enhances the overall aesthetics of the vehicle. With proper preparation and skilled application, paint can be evenly distributed, covering every contour and crevice for a smooth, uniform appearance.
4. Long-Term Investment
While car wrapping may seem like a cost-effective solution initially, it often becomes a recurring expense due to the need for periodic replacement or repair. In contrast, investing in professional car painting is a long-term investment that adds value to your vehicle. A high-quality paint job not only enhances the vehicle’s appearance but also protects the underlying surface, preserving its resale value over time.
5. Maintenance
Maintaining a painted surface is generally easier compared to maintaining a wrapped one. Painted surfaces can be washed, polished, and waxed like the original factory finish, whereas car wraps require special care to avoid damage or premature ageing. Additionally, minor scratches or imperfections can be easily repaired with touch-up paint, whereas repairing damaged wraps may require replacing entire sections.
6. Protection
Beyond aesthetics, car painting provides an extra layer of protection for your vehicle’s exterior. Quality automotive paint acts as a barrier against UV rays, road debris, and corrosive substances, helping to prevent rust and corrosion over the vehicle’s lifespan. While car wraps offer some degree of protection, they may not fully shield the underlying paint from damage.
Why do you need car wrapping over car painting?
Car wrapping has gained popularity as a versatile and customizable alternative to traditional car painting. While car painting offers durability and a seamless finish, car wrapping presents unique advantages that make it a compelling choice for vehicle owners. Here are several reasons why you might prefer car wrapping over car painting:
1. Versatility and Customization
Car wrapping offers unparalleled versatility in design and customization. With a wide range of colours, textures, and finishes available in vinyl wraps, you can achieve virtually any look imaginable for your vehicle. Whether you want a matte, glossy, metallic, or even textured finish, car wrapping allows you to transform your car’s appearance without limitations.
2. Temporary Changes
Unlike car painting, which is a permanent alteration to your vehicle’s surface, car wrapping provides the flexibility to change the look of your car as often as you like. Whether you’re experimenting with different colours or promoting a temporary campaign or event, vinyl wraps can be easily applied and removed without damaging the underlying paint. This makes car wrapping an ideal choice for those who enjoy switching up their car’s appearance without committing to a long-term change.
3. Protection and Preservation
Car wraps not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of your vehicle but also provide an additional layer of protection for the underlying paint. Vinyl wraps act as a shield against UV rays, road debris, and minor scratches, helping to preserve the original paint finish. In areas prone to stone chips or scratches, a vinyl wrap can serve as a sacrificial layer, protecting the paint underneath from damage.
4. Cost-Effectiveness
For many vehicle owners, the cost is a significant factor in deciding between car wrapping and painting. While a high-quality paint job can be expensive, car wrapping typically offers a more affordable option for achieving a custom look. Additionally, the installation process for car wraps is often quicker and requires less labour compared to painting, resulting in lower overall costs.
5. Advertising and Branding
Car wrapping is an effective marketing tool for businesses looking to promote their brand or products. Custom-designed vinyl wraps can turn vehicles into moving advertisements, increasing brand visibility and attracting attention on the road. Whether it’s a full vehicle wrap or strategically placed graphics, car wrapping allows businesses to showcase their brand in a creative and impactful way.
6. Easy Maintenance
Maintaining a vinyl-wrapped vehicle is relatively straightforward compared to maintaining a painted one. Vinyl wraps can be washed with mild soap and water, and minor blemishes can often be fixed with heat or a simple patch. Unlike painted surfaces, vinyl wraps do not require waxing or polishing to maintain their appearance, saving time and effort in upkeep.
The cost of car painting and car wrapping in Australia can vary depending on several factors, including the size and type of vehicle, the quality of materials used, the complexity of the design, and the reputation of the service provider. Here’s a general overview of the average costs for both services in Australia:
Car Painting
- Basic single-color paint job for a small to medium-sized car: $1,000 – $3,000 AUD
- The custom paint job or speciality finishes (e.g., metallic, pearl, matte): $3,000 – $10,000 AUD or more
- High-end luxury car paint job: $10,000 – $20,000 AUD or higher
These prices typically include preparation work such as sanding, priming, and masking, as well as the cost of paint materials and labour. Prices can vary significantly depending on the quality of the paint used, the skill level of the painter, and any additional services such as paint correction or surface repairs.
Car Wrapping
- Full vehicle wrap for a small to medium-sized car: $2,000 – $5,000 AUD
- Partial wrap or accent wraps: $500 – $2,000 AUD
- Speciality wraps (e.g., chrome, textured, colour-shifting): $3,000 – $7,000 AUD or more
The cost of car wrapping typically includes the price of the vinyl material, the labour for installation, and any design or customization fees. Prices may vary based on the complexity of the design, the type of vinyl used (e.g., premium vs. standard), and the skill level of the installer.
It’s important to note that these are average estimates, and actual prices may vary depending on factors such as location, market demand, and individual service providers. Additionally, it’s recommended to choose reputable professionals who use high-quality materials to ensure a satisfactory outcome for your car painting or car wrapping project.
In conclusion
Deciding between car painting and car wrapping comes down to what you care about most. If you want something that’s tough, unique, and will last, go with car paint. It looks great, it’s super strong, and it’s easy to take care of. But if you want something that you can change up easily, and won’t break the bank, then car wrapping is the way to go. You can do all sorts of cool designs, and it’s easy to keep looking good. Whether you pick car painting or car wrapping, both options let you show off your style and make a statement on the road.
