Vinyl Wrap

[msujedi]

I know some of you have mentioned vinyl wrapping your JK, and intend to wrap your JL. I've been reading about it, but I could use some straight talk. Let's assume I get my JL wrapped by a reputable shop.

- What is the cost of wrapping a new 4dr Wrangler? (While I'm sure it varies, what have you paid?)
- Is it nearly as durable (maintenance-free) as paint for the 5-10 yrs it supposedly lasts? Is it majorly affected by Rain, Snow, Sun, Salt, Mud, car washes?
- Does the wrap affect removal of doors, roof, etc?
- What is the cost of removing the vinyl after 5-10yrs? ... or rewrapping it?

Thanks in advance for your collective experience with vinyl!

Sponsored

 

[DanW]

I want Firecracker Red chromed! That would look badass!

 

[Armycop]

My grocery getter has a gloss black vinyl roof wrap. It cost $200 at a local shop. I'm not sure how much a whole vehicle costs. The vinyl is holding up well, but I hand wash my cars. I am worried an automatic wash will dull the vinyl. I was told that putting some spray wax would help keep the vinyl looking good. The wrap is going to be challenging on a Jeep with exposed hinges and the contours/vents all over.

 

[Armycop]

From the back....

 

[msujedi]

Looks like this guy simply cut around the hinges, leaving the black hinges to contrast with the red chrome wrap. (Here's your red chrome, Dan)

 

[AZCrawl]

You are looking at around 2-3 grand depending on how well you want it done, meaning door jams, etc.

 

[swozey]

If you're looking for the ultimate paint protection (I'm not sure if you're wrapping to change color or protection) you want to add ceramic coating to the paint or vinyl. Vinyl typically runs 3-5k (I'm assuming 4-5k for a jeep) then ceramic coating is another similar investment.

Vinyl wrapping if properly applied shouldn't affect any part of a vehicles normal use. People get it on hardtop convertibles, etc. The wraps are cut specifically to fit what they're going on. They won't cover up bolt holts or anything that need to be accessed.

Ceramic coating gives you a hydrophobic glass barrier on top of your paint/vinyl. Water and dirt basically bead right off and you have the vehicle color corrected and polished before application and it basically maintains the clean look for 5-10 years. Everyone with super cars does this now. If you live in an area like Los Angeles, etc you can find pretty good deals on it.

 

[msujedi]

If you're looking for the ultimate paint protection (I'm not sure if you're wrapping to change color or protection) you want to add ceramic coating to the paint or vinyl. Vinyl typically runs 3-5k (I'm assuming 4-5k for a jeep) then ceramic coating is another similar investment.

Helpful info, but mainly considering it as a color change option. My wife and I were really hoping for a lighter metallic blue ... lighter than the "ocean blue". At these prices, my wife said I could go ahead and get Mojito ... that having a light metallic blue wasn't worth another 3-5k to her. So, thanks for that info.
I'm still considering wrapping the grill in satin black like the Mojito wrangler at the LA show...and maybe the dash panel.

 

[Jabs]

I know some of you have mentioned vinyl wrapping your JK, and intend to wrap your JL. I've been reading about it, but I could use some straight talk. Let's assume I get my JL wrapped by a reputable shop.

- What is the cost of wrapping a new 4dr Wrangler? (While I'm sure it varies, what have you paid?)
- Is it nearly as durable (maintenance-free) as paint for the 5-10 yrs it supposedly lasts? Is it majorly affected by Rain, Snow, Sun, Salt, Mud, car washes?
- Does the wrap affect removal of doors, roof, etc?
- What is the cost of removing the vinyl after 5-10yrs? ... or rewrapping it?

Thanks in advance for your collective experience with vinyl!

I’ve had two cars wrapped the first being a Camaro and the second being my Corvette. Here’s my advice and lessons learned:

1) Make sure to do it at a reputable shop even if that means it’s going to cost more. Sometimes the cheapest option isn’t the least expensive. My Camaro was done by a guy on the side. I started finding bubbles and imperfections and the guy never answered my calls again. The corvette was done at a shop and it’s been perfect.

2) Make sure it has a warranty. They should last 5 years but it helps to have a warranty.

3) I’d assume cost for the wrangler will be around $3,000. You may find a better deal.

 

[Jabs]

Also color is very important. I did a satin pearl white on the corvette and it does stain if not washed regularly. It’s also hard to match if any panels need to be replaced. The Camaro was Matte Orange and much easier to maintain, just not installed as well.

 

[msujedi]

Also color is very important. I did a satin pearl white on the corvette and it does stain if not washed regularly. It’s also hard to match if any panels need to be replaced. The Camaro was Matte Orange and much easier to maintain, just not installed as well.

Thanks for the information & tips. Nice rides! Are you going to have your JL wrapped? Are you going to re-wrap your other vehicles every 5 yrs?

 

[mandrew]

How about using autodip? It is like plastidip but with more vinyl texture.

 

[Bearded_Dragon]

I’ve had two cars wrapped the first being a Camaro and the second being my Corvette. Here’s my advice and lessons learned:

1) Make sure to do it at a reputable shop even if that means it’s going to cost more. Sometimes the cheapest option isn’t the least expensive. My Camaro was done by a guy on the side. I started finding bubbles and imperfections and the guy never answered my calls again. The corvette was done at a shop and it’s been perfect.

2) Make sure it has a warranty. They should last 5 years but it helps to have a warranty.

3) I’d assume cost for the wrangler will be around $3,000. You may find a better deal.

Other vehicle sites I hang out at say ceramic is delicate. Since my Jeep will be mainly for off-road use, how do you think ceramic would hold up to trees/trail rash? I'm thinking ceramic would get peeled/ripped rather easy.

I plan on using my Wrangler for overland use and I've been reading up on ways to protect the paint as best I can. It seems magnetic covers might be the best solution, but I'd like to know more about ceramic.

 

[ThirtyOne]

Also color is very important. I did a satin pearl white on the corvette and it does stain if not washed regularly. It’s also hard to match if any panels need to be replaced. The Camaro was Matte Orange and much easier to maintain, just not installed as well.

I don't know anything about wrapping but I wanted to add that that Camaro is badass.

 

[Malve]

I recently wrapped my SUV and would like to wrap my new JLU but the paint is so pretty on My granite Crystal Sahara that I want to enjoy it for a while.
Here is the before and after for my other car. I picked them up (both) last Friday. I already had someone knock on my door to asked about where the car was wrapped.
Before:

After:

I probably will, just a question of when. I think maybe a dark matte blue but we'll see.

Sponsored