Car wraps are a popular and cost effective way to protect your car’s paint from scratches and sun damage. Car wraps can also provide a cheaper way to change your car’s color and add custom graphics compared to a traditional full paint job. If you have a Tesla, you can protect that shiny coat with a car wrap.
On average, you can expect to pay about $4,000 to wrap the entire body of a Tesla. The typical price range is between $2,000 on the low end and $6,000 on the high end. You can do partial wraps for as little as a few hundred dollars. Alternatively, you can buy PPF or vinyl car wrap online for about $300 and apply it yourself.
There are a lot of things that factor into wrapping costs. So we put together this comprehensive article on Tesla car wrap costs. We will talk about costs for professional installation and the costs for DIY installations.
What is a Tesla Wrap?
Car wraps are meant to protect your car’s paint from fading and scratches. As the name implies, wraps are a separate film layer that you can apply to your car’s body to create a water-resistant layer between your car and the environment.
Car wraps also give you a way to change your car’s color and design without an expensive paint job.
How Much Does a Tesla Car Wrap Cost?
On average, you can expect to pay about $4,000 to wrap your Tesla. Most people end up paying between $2,000 to $6,000 to fully wrap a Tesla Model 3, Model X, or Model S.
Generally, PPF wraps are more expensive than vinyl options. A full PPF wrap can cost up to $8,000, depending on your location.
Alternatively, you can get a partial Tesla wrap for between $500 to $1,000. Many owners only wrap the front end of their car as that side sees the most damage.
You can estimate the cost by multiplying the surface area of your car by $5-$10. A typical car has a surface area of about 60 feet, so you can expect to pay between $300 to $600 to wrap it.
DIY Tesla Wraps
One option is to buy a wrap online and apply it yourself. You can find a good-quality vinyl wrap for anywhere between $300 and $500. PPF wraps will likely start about $600 or higher up to $800.
Factors that Affect Car Wrap Costs
Type of wrap
There are two main types of wraps for cars: paint protection films and vinyl wraps.
Paint protection films (PPF) are made from a clear urethane material that serves to protect your car from scratches and other minor dings and dents. PPF is normally clear, though there are some kinds that give your car a tint.
Vinyl wraps are much thicker and are meant primarily to change the color of your car. Vinyl wraps also allow for custom graphics while providing a level of protection to your paint.
Generally, PPF wraps are more expensive.
Design complexity
Teslas have a unique body shape, so they will require some custom fitting. The autobody shop will have to cut the wrap layers to the exact dimensions of your car.
Alternatively, you can cut the cost in half by getting a partial wrap instead of a full wrap.
Prep work
The autobody shop will have to prep your car before applying the wrap, which can include cleaning, buffing, and removing rust and other imperfections.
The more prep work they have to do, the more the wrap job will cost.
Pros and Cons of Wrapping Your Tesla
Wrapping your Tesla has some advantages and disadvantages. Here are some of the most relevant pros and cons.
Pros
Protect Paint
Vinyl wraps on your vehicle primarily serve to protect the paint and prevent scratching, corrosion, and rusting. Car wraps made with vinyl or a similar plastic can protect paint from minor and mild scratches, but they won’t be able to protect from larger dents or impact.
Car wraps are especially useful if you drive in a place that has a lot of road debris, such as rocks, dust, or sticks. PPFs and vinyl wraps can also protect your car from rusting due to moisture.
Cost-Effective
Car wraps are relatively cheap and provide excellent protection for their cost. Compared to a custom full paint job, a car wrap is much cheaper and more cost-effective.
Moreover, a vinyl wrap can help improve the resale value of your car for relatively little work.
Customizable
One of the best features of vinyl wraps is that they are highly customizable. You can create car wraps with any colors, images, or designs that you want.
A custom wrap can make your Tesla completely unique and make it stand out from the crowd. You can also change wraps whenever you want because they are easy to remove and replace. So if your style changes, you can change the wrap as much as you want.
Appearance
Teslas are known for their sleek, glossy appearance and many owners want to keep their car looking as good as possible for as long as possible. A car wrap will conserve your car’s natural luster and keep it shiny for a longer time.
Many wraps also have UV-resistant properties which will keep your car’s paint from fading due to the sun.
Cons
Color Changes
It can be tricky to choose car wraps because the color when applied to your car may not match exactly the color of the wrap.
The wrapping and impression process often makes the color darker than you would expect. Also, if the wrap is torn, then the original paint color can leak through the wrap, creating clashing colors.
Varying Quality
Car wraps are a popular car mod, but there are a lot of wraps out there with poor quality. Poor quality wraps may not connect properly and also damage the paint on your car. Poor-quality wraps may leave you with an unappealing finish that is dull and rough.
Damage Can Reduce Effectiveness
Car wraps can protect from minor scratches and scuffs, but they will not protect your car from more serious damage like scratches.
If the wrap tears, it can start to peel off your car, exposing the underlying paint later to the elements. A wrap may also not stay on if you do not apply it properly.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to wrap a Tesla?
On average, it will cost about $4,000 to have a professional wrap your Tesla. The typical price range is between $2,000 on the low end and $6,000 on the high end.
Alternatively, you can buy a wrap online and apply it yourself for about $300 to $400.
What kind of wrap is the best?
It depends on what you want. If you primarily want to protect your car’s paint from scratches and dings, then you will want a PPF. If you want to change your car’s color or add some custom decals and designs, you’ll want a vinyl wrap.
Can I wrap a Tesla myself?
Yes, you can wrap your Tesla on your own. You will need a heat gun, trimmer tool, vinyl cutter, and microfiber towels. You may also need a vinyl knife if you need to make on-the-spot modifications to the trim.
How long does it take to wrap a Tesla?
It depends on how much prep work you have to do, but a partial wrap can take as little as two hours to complete. If you want to wrap your entire car, it will probably take a day or two to set the wrap and make sure it attaches properly.
How long does a Tesla wrap last?
Depending on the type of wrap you use, it can last up to seven years or more. Higher-quality vinyl can last up to ten years if you treat it correctly.
Lower quality wraps may only last for a few years at most, though. Damage and scratches can cause the wrap to peel off.
Can I remove a Tesla car wrap?
Yes, one of the best parts of a car wrap is that you can remove it whenever you want with no damage to the underlying pain layer. Removing a car wrap is a straightforward process but it can take a long time to completely remove the layer, especially if you have your entire car wrapped.
Is wrapping a Tesla worth it?
It depends on what you want. Car wraps are much cheaper than a complete paint job and they provide some protection paint cannot.
Additionally, many auto shops have started offering professional car wraps, so you can be sure you are getting a good quality wrap.
Final Words
Car wraps are a popular and cost-effective way to protect your car and give it a custom feel. Fortunately, car wraps are becoming more popular, so we can expect competition to push the price down.
You can wrap your Tesla to protect its shiny finish from the ravages of the road or give it a new color and design that matches your style. As always, make sure to get quotes from several mechanics so you can get the best possible price.