Vinyl Wraps for Your Work Truck (2023)
If you're thinking about getting a vinyl wrap for your work truck or van, there's a lot you may want to know before jumping in. Here's a list of frequently asked questions about vinyl wrapping.
How Much Does It Cost to Wrap a Car?
Obviously the first answer to how much anything costs is, "It depends." I'll try to be more helpful than that, but realize that this isn't an exact quote.
Companies charge somewhere around $19 per square foot. This accounts for the material (roughly $3-4/sq.ft) and installation ($10-15/sq. ft). Some wraps are fancier or tougher than others, thus the wide range.
If you want a full car wrap, you'll just need to know your car's external square footage. Oh, you don't know the square footage of your car? Of course you don't. What kind of person would? Here:
- Average Sedan: ~ 295 sq. ft; Cost: ~$5,600
- Truck: ~ 325 sq. ft; Cost: ~$6,175
- Small Van: ~$295; Cost: ~$5,600
- Full-Size Van: $425; Cost: ~$8,075
Hopefully that helps. Of course, if you're just going for a side decal, expect to pay much less. If you just want your company logo, expect around $500/door.
You probably noticed that wrapping an entire car with a giant sticker costs more than having a professional paint job. I guess the big perk of using vinyl is that you can pull it off when you sell the truck and the original paint will be preserved.
Partial Wrap vs Full Wrap
Should you go with a partial wrap or a full wrap? It really comes down to your budget. As you saw, it would set you back at least a few thousand dollars if you want to wrap the whole vehicle, whereas it's about $500 to get a big decal on your door. If you run a really high-end operation and you want the world to know it, a full wrap certainly leaves an impression. People have come to easily recognize UPS trucks because they're completely covered in the branding. They look more trustworthy than a plain, nondescript van.
On the other hand, a clean white van with a clearly displayed logo on the sliding door also looks quite professional. I think you can achieve a good look either way you go.
Where Can I Get a Design?
Many wrap companies offer graphic design as well. You can have them put together a design and look at a few options on the computer before committing to purchase.
When you get a wrap designed, try to keep it simple. You want your logo to be readable and memorable. When people see you on the road or at a stop light, there will only be a few seconds to make an impression on them. Don't stop at just telling them your company name. Find a quick and impactful way to tell them why they should call you for their jobs.
Bonus Tip: If you're installing a wrap on a van with a sliding van door, take into account what it will look like after the door is opened. Any words you have on the side will turn into new words once that door moves.
How Long Does a Vinyl Wrap Last?
The quick answer is 3-7 years. This is not one of the high points for vinyl, because for the cost of 2 paint jobs, you'd expect the wrap to last at least 10 years. Maybe the materials will improve the the future.
If you're parking outside, or you live in a snowy place with lots of road salt, you can expect your wrap to wear a little quicker.
Does It Ruin Your Paint?
If you have a professional install it, it should actually protect your paint. People who have money to burn will often purchase a brand new car and immediately have it wrapped. This preserves the paint and this preserves resale value. It also allows them to buy a car that doesn't have the exact color they want, and then turn it into anything from bright pink to stainless steel.
If you wrap your own vehicle, you'll want to make sure the paint surface is clean and free from rust. Those paint blemishes could allow water to be trapped under the surface, which would not be ideal.
How Do You Wash a Car With a Vinyl Wrap?
Here's another tricky part for vinyl. As great as it looks, it does need to be handled with care. It can be torn and stretched if it's treated roughly. Car washes with giant brushes would not be the safest route. For the best results you'll want to hand wash the vehicle with a soft sponge. Pressure washers can be rough, so even a touchless car wash could potentially do some damage.
There is a special soap available for vinyl wrapped cars. Using this, in combination with a gentle wash, will help your wrap go the distance.
Is Vinyl Wrapping a Car Worth It?
We've seen some of the cons of having your vehicle wrapped:
- It's very pricey.
- It's too delicate for many car washes.
- It only lasts a few years.
- You can completely customize it.
- It protects the original paint.
The decision mainly comes down to price. If you can afford it and you're willing to take care of it, it's a really great option. If you're on a budget, you can get a vinyl decal for a door instead.