Tired of your car’s mundane paint job? Wish you could swap it out for something more exciting, vibrant, or maybe even subtle? AutoApp’s got you covered.
This thought of repainting or a car wrap might have crossed your mind before. You may have bought a second-hand car and did not like the colour it came in, or rash decisions made you choose a different colour instead in the showroom when spec-ing your new ride. On paper you picked blue, but deep down you know you wanted that sleek, bright red…
In the past, you were stuck with only one option if you wished to upgrade the look of your car: repainting. However, in recent years car wrapping has started to gain global traction, with the service offering the same benefits as repainting but with the added benefits of shorter downtimes and more competitive costs.
The affordability of car wrapping has propelled its popularity, but this begs the question: Which should you go for?
AutoApp is here to help, and here are the pros and cons of both methods to help you make an informed decision between the two.
Costs
This is probably the most important factor to consider when choosing either service, as the budget may make or break your decision to go ahead with the service. In most applications, spray painting your car is the more expensive option.
Spray paint is permanent, and once your car changes color, it’s almost impossible to undo. In Singapore, most workshops will charge between $180-$200 for a single panel to anywhere from $2,000-$5,000 for the entire car depending on your car model as well as the overall complexity of the job.
While there are cheaper options that exist on the market, do note that it could lead to a poorer finish overall!
On the other hand, car wrapping is a lot more affordable, where a basic color wrap starts in the ballpark of around $1,800. If you’re tight on funds or don’t wish to wrap the entire car, you could also opt for a partial application, which brings the cost down further!
Plus, wrapping a car does not alter the original paintwork underneath. So, if at any point in time you wish to convert your car back to its original color, you can just let it rip and the wrap comes right off! But, please remove your wrap with the guidance of experts, as improper removal methods may result in your original paint being ripped off too.
Quality and variety
While it is more expensive, a good repaint can offer an overall better look for your car. Proper application can make your car look brand new with a deep shine, and you have the added bonus of mitigating any potential rust problems.
If you were intending to sell your car as well, repainting may be way to go. Repainting essentially gives a car a new lease on life, and that may help you with future sales.
Car wrapping is ideal if you have complex or complicated designs that would otherwise be very expensive to replicate with paint. Flexibility is another solid point for choosing wraps, as you can mix and match different swatches to your heart’s desire!
Car wraps do vary a lot in terms of quality. For the best possible finish, we would recommend doing proper research prior to committing, so you can rest easy knowing that your wrap is done by a reputable professional who has an extensive clientele list. If you are unsure of who to pick, our AutoApp services can point you to a partner workshop!
However, if you have a car with rust spots, dents or cracked paint, car wrapping may not be a suitable option. In order to apply a wrap, the car’s surface has to be in pristine condition to ensure proper application. Not heeding this advice may result in excess air bubbles, tears, or even pre-mature peeling of the wrap.
Downtime
Before heading into the spray booth for a fresh coat of paint, a car needs to go through preparation work. In some cases, it can take up to a few days of preparation. The process includes stripping off the old paint, fixing any defects such as dings and dents, and priming the car for its new coat.
After receiving its new coat, the paint also needs to be oven-baked and polished before the car can be delivered back to the customer. Hence, repaint jobs can take up to 3 weeks to complete.
Car wrapping, in most applications, takes far less time to complete compared to repaint jobs. Once you are satisfied with your decision, workshops can apply your wrap in a matter of days. All they have to do is clean the surfaces, dry them, and apply the vinyl. Job done.
Lifespan
This really depends on the quality of paint or workshop you decide on. Cheaper paint jobs may be more susceptible to environmental wear and tear such as stone chips. Without high-quality paints, your car may look worn and faded just after a few years. Also be wary of paint shops that offer really low quotes. Either the job will likely end up being shoddy with lots of orange peel in the colour coat and improperly-applied clearcoat that looks like it is barely there, or the low quotes could actually be part of a bait-and-switch exercise to get the car owner to cough up more cash.
However, an expensive paint job done by a reputable workshop can last a long time, contingent upon upkeep meaning how often it is cleaned and groomed – something AutoApp can definitely help with. If you want something that is made to last, repainting is definitely the better option.
Vinyl wraps on average can last between 3-5 years, depending on the owner and the environment the car is kept in. Some vinyl wraps even come finished with UV-resistant coatings which will help sustain their color under harsh sun exposure.
If you’re someone who just wants a short-term solution to changing the look of your car, then wrapping may not be a bad idea.
At the end of the day…
… there really isn’t a clear winner between repainting versus wrapping your car. Both offer unique positives, and both also come with their own caveats. It really comes down to the individual, and what your needs are.
If you just want to try out a new color for a while, wrapping is an efficient way to go. On the other hand, if you want the best possible quality that lasts for years, then repainting will be the go-to option.
If you’re intending to get either a repaint or car wrap, let AutoApp arrange this service for you! Click here to make a booking by email, or download the app.
Read more car maintenance tips and tricks here.
