Are you looking to give your Tesla a facelift with a vinyl wrap around the vehicle? Before committing to this major project, it’s crucial to research the average Tesla wrap cost, what the process involves, and how to find a contractor you trust. This helpful guide from the team at DC Wrap Co covers everything you need to know about wrapping a Tesla.
Discover why people opt for this service as well as the potential drawbacks that you should consider before booking a wrap job. Reach out to DC Wrap Co for more information about making exterior changes to your Tesla.
Understanding Vinyl Wraps for Vehicles
When someone talks about wrapping their vehicle, they’re referring to a thin film of polyvinyl chloride that covers the exterior of the car. One side of the wrap has a strong adhesive which installers place directly over the car’s body. The other side features either a solid color or a customizable design that will enhance a vehicle’s aesthetic appeal and protect the original factory paint job.
Installing vinyl wraps often requires more care and precision than standard paint jobs because contractors must perfectly line up the wrap with the car’s body. They have to seal the wrap carefully so no air bubbles appear beneath the vinyl. Proper installation can leave your car with a seamless vinyl wrap that perfectly portrays your color choice or design.
Why Drivers Prefer a Tesla Car Wrap Over the Original Paint Job
Before we get into the Tesla wrap cost, it’s important to know why so many Tesla owners opt for wraps on their vehicles rather than sticking with the original exterior or getting a new paint job. Wrapping a Tesla remains a popular service because the carmaker uses limited paint colors and materials that may easily be damaged. Vehicles like the Tesla Model 3 and Tesla Model Y only come in five exterior colors due to production setbacks, making them hard to stand out on the road.
In addition, many drivers report issues with the soft paint that Tesla uses on vehicles. Paint damage like chipping and flaking can occur which makes the Tesla worth less if you go to sell it. Wrapping Tesla vehicles protects the original paint and can also prevent minor damage like scratches and dents.
Unlike permanent paint jobs, you can remove the vinyl wrap to reveal Tesla’s original paint job at any time. Wrapping a Tesla gives you plenty of options for customizing your vehicle without eliminating the official paint job.
Benefits of Putting a Vinyl Wrap Over Your Tesla
Are you not yet sold on the idea of Tesla vinyl wrapping? Below is a breakdown of all the top advantages that come with a vinyl vehicle wrap.
Cost Effectiveness
The average Tesla wrap cost starts as low as $1,000, which is a significantly lower cost than a professional paint job. If you’re looking to protect your vehicle without breaking the bank, look into Tesla wrap installation to find a contractor near you offering Tesla wraps. Keep in mind that costs can quickly escalate depending on factors like:
- Vehicle model and size
- The type of wrap you choose
- Getting a partial or full wrap
- Any customization you add to the vinyl wrap
In general, wrapping a Tesla tends to cost less than a full custom paint job.
Customized Options
Make your vehicle stand out on the road with textured wraps featuring either a matte or glossy finish. You’ll have more color options available than what Tesla offers and can add a personalized touch if you choose.
Vehicle Protection
You don’t have to worry about paying for services like paintless dent repair since Tesla wraps help prevent minor scrapes and scratches from appearing on your vehicle. The original factory paint warranty may not meet your demands as the soft paint may start to chip away with exposure to UV rays and other outside factors. With a wrap over your Tesla, vibrant colors won’t fade even in direct sunlight.
Resale Value
If you’re concerned about Tesla wrap costs, you can rest easy knowing that a vehicle with a vinyl wrap retains resale value. Wraps offer added protection to keep the vehicle in pristine condition and are removable so prospective buyers can purchase a vehicle with the original Tesla color.
Potential Drawbacks of a Tesla Wrap
Vinyl wrap installation comes with many benefits but there are a few downsides to consider before you move forward with the service. The factors that deter drivers from getting a vinyl wrap include:
- Maintenance requirements: You must be careful when bringing Tesla vehicles to auto car washes since the vinyl wrap may endure damage with harsh washing. In some cases, the vehicle may look like it has paint damage but in reality, it’s the wrap with the blemishes.
- Appearance flaws: Over time, a vinyl wrap may start to peel around the edges or show air bubbles that require attention.
- Large investments: Tesla wrap costs vary significantly depending on your customization. Installation costs can reach well over $10,000 in some locations, if you opt for full wrapping, including textured wraps over interior surfaces and customized chrome trims. Trying to save money with a low-quality vinyl wrap can cause color shifting or display colors that are different than what you expect.
Experts can review the pros and cons of having a Tesla car wrap, but ultimately, it’s your decision to install a vinyl wrap or leave your Tesla with its original exterior.
The Vinyl Wrap Installation Process
Car owners who decide to get a vinyl wrap over the exterior can expect professionals to measure all of the vehicle’s panels to cut the vinyl wrap into accurate sizes. The installation should occur in an indoor setting with an ambient temperature between 40 and 50 degrees and no exposure to UV rays. Once the environment meets these conditions, experts can execute one of two methods for wrapping the Tesla:
- Dry method: Professionals will carefully position the vinyl wrap against the Tesla and use a squeegee to secure the wrap while also eliminating any air bubbles.
- Wet method: The wet wrap method involves a bit more prep work since experts use a special fluid to coat both sides of the vinyl wrap. Once the wrap is ready, they’ll use the same technique mentioned above.
The installation time could take up to a week depending on the preparation. If your Tesla has serious dents, professionals have to repair any early damage before placing the vinyl wrap over the vehicle.
How to Pinpoint the Cost of a Tesla Wrap
How much does a Tesla wrap cost? Vinyl car wraps generally cost less than custom painting, but prices can range from $1,000 to $12,000. Before making this investment, you should breakdown all of the costs based on the following:
- Type of wrap: A vinyl wrap with a metallic or glossy finish tends to cost more than matte products. In addition, plain color wrapping remains more affordable than chrome wraps or those with custom graphics.
- Wrap coverage: Putting a vinyl wrap over the vehicle’s whole exterior will cost more than opting for a partial wrap over select panels. Larger models, like the cybertruck, require more vinyl material which influences the overall cost of the wrap.
- Labor: You’ll save some money by opting for a DIY installation and only need to cover the cost of the wrap. However, taking your Tesla to an auto shop for a vinyl wrap reduces the chance of damage to your vehicle. A major part of your total Tesla wrap costs in this scenario is the labor that contractors provide.
Figuring out the total cost of your vehicle’s wrap can help you budget for the service and receive the results you want. Putting a wrap on a Tesla can be an excellent investment since a high-quality vinyl wrap lasts up to seven years with proper maintenance.
Use our Vehicle Wrap Calculator to get a quote for your Tesla!
Frequently Asked Questions About Tesla Wraps
Are you still curious about wrapping a Tesla and what it entails? Get answers to common questions on the subject below.
Do Tesla’s Service Centers Offer In-House Wrapping Services?
Yes, in-house wrapping services are available but only at Tesla’s service centers in China. You’ll need to find an autobody specialist near you offering vinyl wrapping, or a vehicle wrapping company like DC Wrap Co.
Why Is Professional Wrap Installation Important?
Incorrectly installing a Tesla vinyl wrap can cause paint damage that ultimately voids the paint warranty.
Can You Install a Vehicle Wrap Yourself?
Yes, you can reduce Tesla wrap costs with a DIY installation, but you may find that air pockets remain or struggle to place the full wrap over your vehicle. It’s best to have a professional handle the installation.
Which Installation Method Works Best?
Both wrap placement techniques offer similar results, but professionals often recommend the dry method because it’s faster and easier than the wet method.
Now that you know how much a Tesla wrap costs, what the installation process involves, and other key details, bring your vehicle to DC Wrap Co for high-quality vehicle wraps. Contact us online or call (757) 390-2818 to learn more.
