In 2020, more people bought trucks than cars for the first time in American history. As trucks rise in popularity and the classic 4-door sedan fades into obscurity, more and more drivers are taking an interest in customized vehicles.
The classic route toward vehicle customization is painting. However, truck wraps are becoming increasingly popular among drivers for many reasons. This article breaks down these vehicle customization options and their price points.
Pros and Cons of Painting Your Truck
When it comes to truck enhancements, one of the most popular options is painting the truck. There’s nothing quite like restoring your old truck to pristine condition.
Many people like getting a paint job on their truck because new paint may increase the resale value. Moreover, new paint reduces the truck’s risk of becoming rusted.
However, there are some drawbacks to painting your truck. For example, paint jobs are a more permanent form of truck and jeep customization. So, you might have a hard time selling the truck if all your potential buyers don’t like the paint job.
Pros and Cons of Getting a Truck Wrap
When it comes to customizing your truck, you have a few different options- namely wrapping or painting. But what’s the best option for you and your truck customization budget? Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of each so you can make an informed decision.
The benefits of truck wraps are numerous. With wraps, you’ll have access to countless designs and styles. Furthermore, truck wraps last longer than paint jobs, so they’re better for keeping up appearances.
However, wraps are vinyl and don’t offer the same finishes as paint does. Sometimes wraps make cars look cheaper and can depreciate their value. That’s why it’s important to always look for high-quality vinyl wraps installed by experts.
Factors That Impact the Cost of Painting and Wrapping
Not all paint jobs are the same, just as not every wrap installation is the same. These services have a variety of levels of quality and expertise you’re paying for that create a wide range of costs. Some factors you should consider that may impact the cost of your paint job, or installation include the following.
Depth of Customizability
Your painting options for your truck are dependent on the complexity of the design. If the design is more complicated, your paint job will cost more. But, if you’re looking for a simple paint job, you could end up paying as much or less than a vinyl wrap.
Vinyl truck wraps can be fully customized, and you can even choose your own images to print on the vinyl. Since it’s a print job and not a paint job, the cost of intricate designs in a vinyl print doesn’t result in higher costs as they do in painting.
Compared to painting the truck, which can be pricier and has much greater variation in prices, vinyl truck wraps are more economical. Vinyl window clings can be applied to windows, but paint can’t.
Ease of Installation and Removal
To paint a truck, the old paint first needs to be removed; then the truck can be painted. Painting the truck will require several coats, and each will need to dry. This process can be expensive and time-consuming.
However, with vinyl truck wraps, all the vehicle needs is a thorough cleansing and drying before application. Unlike a paint job, there is no need to remove the incumbent paint before application.
Furthermore, if you change your mind or wish to rebrand using paint, you must go through the painstaking paint removal, application, and drying process all over again. Unlike paint, you can easily take off a vinyl wrap, clean the car and then reapply another.
Durability Factors
Painting jobs vary in their durability depending on how they have been applied and the quality of the paint. Paint is susceptible to chipping and will require more maintenance over time due to washing and waxing. That means that unless you splurge on the highest quality paint right away, you may spend more over time on maintenance.
On the other hand, vinyl requires no more than the occasional wipe-down with a wet cloth. Vinyl can also be used to protect your existing paint from scratches and chips. So, you save more on maintenance with a vinyl wrap.
Cost Analysis of Painting Your Truck
The cost of painting a truck varies depending on a few factors. Overall, it may cost between $300 and $5,000 or more. Rising prices often include more in-depth painting services, multiple coats, and higher quality paint.
A basic paint job may cost as little as $300 but only includes minimal coats and no paint removal services. This is often not worth the price. The next level up is paint removal and rust repair plus several coats of paint, which ranges from $1,000 to $4,500.
Finally, a high-quality paint job can cost over $5,000. This service makes your truck look brand new again. You can expect service experts to remove all the paint, repair the rust, and apply several coats of high-quality paint over a few weeks.
Cost Analysis of Wrapping Your Truck
Most truck wraps cost between $1,500 and $5,000 to wrap, depending on size, the complexity of design, and the type of vehicle. A truck wrap can last five to seven years if properly maintained and provides drivers with the look and protection they desire.
Bottom Line: Truck Wraps are Cheaper than a Truck Paint Job
When all is said and done, painting your truck will usually be more expensive than getting it wrapped. Wrap kits cost an average of $1,500-5,000, depending on where you live and which style of wrap you choose. But paint jobs cost up to $5,000 or more if you want a complete job or custom design.
If cost is one of your top priorities, then going with a wrap might be the better choice. You’ll spend less on materials and labor, and the turnover is quicker, so you save on car rental or rideshare services while you can’t drive your truck.
Outlaw San Antonio: The Experts on Customized Vehicles
Customized vehicles are exciting because they help us express ourselves to the world. Moreover, they help businesses spread their brand image through word of mouth and visibility.
Outlaw San Antonio is an expert shop for vinyl wraps, truck customization services, and quality customer care. If you are wondering which option is right for you, vinyl wraps are simple and easy to reversible, and they often cost less. Please feel free to contact us at any time.