A full vinyl wrap on a midsize sedan typically costs about $3,700 (±10%), a midsize SUV about $4,400 (±15%), and a crew-cab pickup about $5,500 (±10%) (US averages). Prices in your city may differ; see prices by city.
A vinyl color-change wrap covers your vehicle's paint with cast vinyl film in a new color or finish. The price depends mostly on how much surface there is to cover, how complicated the body is, the film you choose, and local labor rates. Paint condition, door jambs, and how much gets taken apart come next.
Typical prices
These prices come from the same model as our estimator, using the national average, gloss film, and good paint.
| Project | Typical price |
|---|---|
| Compact car, full wrap | $3,250 ±15% |
| Midsize sedan, full wrap | $3,700 ±10% |
| Midsize SUV, full wrap | $4,400 ±15% |
| Crew-cab pickup, full wrap | $5,500 ±10% |
| Sports car, full wrap | $4,300 ±20% |
| Midsize sedan, roof only | $500 ±10% |
| Midsize SUV, chrome delete | $1,150 ±15% |
For a range based on your exact vehicle and ZIP code, use the vinyl wrap estimator.
What's included in a full wrap
A professional full wrap usually includes:
- Washing, clay or decontamination, and a solvent wipe so the film bonds to clean paint.
- Removal of parts that get in the way, such as door handles, badges, lights, and sometimes bumpers, and putting them back afterward.
- Cast vinyl on every painted exterior panel, with edges tucked or wrapped where the design allows.
- Post-heating edges and recesses so the film holds its shape.
- A workmanship warranty from the shop, separate from the film maker's product warranty.
Door jambs, the painted area you see when doors are open, are usually not included and are quoted separately.
What changes the price
Vehicle size and body style
More surface means more film and more labor. A full-size SUV or crew-cab pickup can use a third more material than a midsize sedan.
Complexity
Deep bumpers, vents, spoilers, and tight curves take longer to wrap cleanly. Sports cars and luxury vehicles with lots of trim cost more than their size suggests.
Film finish
Gloss and satin are the baseline. Textured, color-shift, and especially chrome films cost more to buy and take longer to install.
Paint condition
Film sticks to paint, so it can't hide chips or peeling clear coat. Damaged paint may need repair first, and poorly bonded paint can lift when the wrap is removed later.
Your local market
Shop labor rates vary a lot by region. We adjust for this using your ZIP code.
Removing an old wrap first?
Finishes compared
| Finish | Relative cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Gloss | Baseline | Closest to factory paint. Widest color selection. |
| Satin | Similar to gloss | Low sheen. Hides minor surface texture well. |
| Matte | Slightly higher | Flat look. Shows fingerprints and install flaws more easily. |
| Metallic / pearl | Higher | Flake and pearl effects. Needs consistent panel direction. |
| Textured | Higher | Carbon fiber and brushed metal. Common for accents. |
| Color-shift | Much higher | Changes color with viewing angle. More waste to keep panels matched. |
| Chrome / specialty | Highest | Expensive film that is hard to install. Many shops only quote it after seeing the vehicle. |
Partial wraps and accents
Partial work is priced panel by panel. Common jobs include:
- Roof wraps, often gloss black for a panoramic-glass look.
- Hood wraps in a contrasting color or carbon texture.
- Chrome delete, covering window trim, grille surrounds, and badges in black. Time depends on how many small parts there are.
- Stripes and accents, from simple stripes to mirror caps and pinstripes.
- Half and three-quarter wraps, which leave some panels in paint.
Estimate partial jobs with the partial wraps & accents estimator.
How long it takes
Most shops need two to five working days for a full wrap on a typical car or SUV, including prep and disassembly. Larger or more complex vehicles take longer. Roofs, hoods, and chrome deletes are often done in a day. Ask when the vehicle can be washed and how the shop wants it cared for in the first weeks.
Questions to ask a shop
- Which film brand and product line will you use, and what warranty comes with it?
- Are door jambs included? If not, what do they add?
- What will you remove, and how are edges finished around handles, lights, and seams?
- Does my paint need any work before wrapping?
- What does your workmanship warranty cover, and for how long?
Common questions
How much does it cost to wrap a car?
A full vinyl color-change wrap on a midsize sedan typically costs about $3,700 (±10%) at a reputable shop. A midsize SUV runs about $4,400 (±15%) and a crew-cab pickup about $5,500 (±10%). Your city, the film, and paint condition move the final quote.
Is it cheaper to wrap or paint a car?
A quality color-change repaint usually costs more than a wrap and is permanent. A wrap also protects the original paint and can be removed. A budget repaint can cost less, but it rarely matches a wrap's finish or resale value.
How long does a vinyl wrap last?
Quality cast vinyl typically lasts about 5 to 7 years with normal care. Horizontal surfaces like the roof and hood wear first, and garage parking and hand washing extend the life of the film.
How long does it take to wrap a car?
Most full wraps take 3 to 5 working days, including prep, disassembly, installation, and post-heating. Large SUVs, trucks, and complex sports cars can take longer.
Will a wrap damage my paint?
Not when it goes on healthy factory paint and comes off within the film's service life. Repainted panels, failing clear coat, and film left on too long can lift paint during removal.