Car wrapping has become an increasingly popular way for car owners to customize and protect their vehicles in recent years. A car wrap refers to a vinyl graphic that is applied over the existing paint of a car. Car wraps allow you to dramatically change the look of your car by displaying any color or design imaginable. They also protect the original factory paint from damage caused by road debris, UV rays, scratches, and more. If you’re considering getting a car wrap in San Jose, one of the first questions you probably have is “How much does a car wrap cost?” Read on for more details on car wrap pricing.
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Basic Factors That Influence Car Wrap Pricing
There are several key factors that influence the cost of car wraps in San Jose and elsewhere:
- Car size – Larger vehicles like trucks and SUVs require more vinyl material and labor to wrap than smaller cars. So wraps for larger vehicles tend to be more expensive.
- Complexity of design – More intricate, detailed designs take more time and skill to install, increasing the cost. Simple solid color wraps are cheaper than complex graphics and images.
- Wrap color – Specialty vinyl films for matte, gloss, chrome, or textured finishes are more expensive than standard solid colors.
- Full vs partial wrap – A full wrap that covers the entire vehicle costs more than a partial wrap of just one section.
- Shop location – Prices can vary between different wrap shops based on their overhead costs, experience, and clientele.
Keep these factors in mind as we explore typical car wrap pricing in San Jose.
Typical Price Range for Car Wraps in San Jose
Most car wrap shops in San Jose charge between $2,000-$5,000 for a basic full vehicle wrap. Here’s a breakdown of the typical price ranges:
- Small cars – $2,000-$3,000 for a basic full wrap on compact cars like a Honda Civic.
- Midsize cars – $2,500-$4,000 for midsize sedans like a Toyota Camry or Nissan Altima.
- Large sedans – $3,000-$5,000 for full wraps on large sedans like a BMW 7 Series or Chrysler 300.
- SUVs – $3,500-$5,500+ for a full SUV wrap of most models. Larger trucks and SUVs like a Chevy Tahoe are $5,000-6,000+.
- Vans – $4,000-$6,000 to fully wrap larger work vans and minivans.
These prices generally include removal of most trim pieces, door handles, mirrors, etc. for full vehicle access. They also include cleaning and prep, design/printing costs, and installation labor. Be sure to get an exact quote from a shop for your specific vehicle make and model.
Factors That Increase Cost
Here are some options that can increase the cost of a car wrap beyond the typical price range:
- Custom or complex graphics add $500-$1,500+ to the cost.
- Specialty vinyl films like chrome, matte, or textured finishes add $500-$2,000.
- Spot gloss and other effects add $300-$600.
- Additional wrap coverage like door jambs or under the hood is extra.
- Difficult installation on a complex vehicle shape adds cost.
- Rush turnaround adds a 20-50% upcharge.
Factors That Decrease Cost
You may be able to get a discount on wrap pricing if:
- You get a partial wrap rather than a full wrap.
- You provide your own vinyl materials.
- You go with a solid color rather than complex graphics.
- You choose a smaller shop with lower overhead costs.
- You don’t get your door jambs, mirrors, gas cap, or trim pieces wrapped.
- You can be flexible on turnaround time.
Price Range for Partial Wraps
If your budget doesn’t allow for a full wrap, getting a partial wrap of just one section of the vehicle is a good compromise. Here are typical prices for partial wraps in San Jose:
- Hood wrap – $400-$800
- Roof wrap – $600-$1,000
- Trunk/tailgate wrap – $400-$900
- Door wraps – $300-$600 per door
- Mirror wraps – $100-$300 per mirror
- Rear quarter panels – $600-$1,200 each
- Front quarter panels/front bumper – $800-$1,500
- Rear bumper – $400-$1,000
- spoiler – $250-$500
A popular affordable option is to just wrap a roof and hood, which could run $1,000-$1,800 for simpler designs. Again, quotes for partial wraps vary based on all the factors mentioned previously.
Other Car Wrap Pricing Factors
Removal of Existing Wrap
If your car already has an existing wrap that needs to be removed before applying the new wrap, most shops charge around $400-$800 for wrap removal. This process takes extra time and care to get all the adhesive off the paint.
Maintenance
Properly cared for car wraps can last 4-7 years on average. To maintain the wrap’s appearance, you may need to get the vinyl polished or touched up over time. Minor cleaning, repairs, or replacement of small sections typically ranges from $150-$400. Major maintenance for larger areas or full rewraps down the road will cost similar prices to the original wrap.
Extra Design Costs
Shops that design custom graphics and images for car wraps typically charge $50-$150 per hour for design work. Most also charge fees for preparing the files for production. Simple designs may cost $200-$600 in design fees, while extensive custom graphics could be $1,000+. Discuss these potential fees when requesting a custom design.
Removal After Use
When you eventually remove a car wrap, you’ll need to prep the paint for any damage caused by the adhesive. This paint correction process costs around $300-$900 depending on the vehicle size. New paint or repainting due to damage found underneath the wrap would add significant cost as well.
Tips for Saving on Car Wraps
Here are some tips to help minimize the cost of your car wrap project:
- Choose a solid color or very simple design.
- Wrap a smaller vehicle like a compact car or small SUV.
- Ask about vinyl options – lower quality vinyls can save money.
- Get quotes from multiple local wrap shops to compare.
- Go with a partial wrap rather than a full vehicle wrap.
- Provide your own vinyl materials if possible.
- Avoid special effects like matte, gloss, or chrome wraps.
- Skip wrapping door jambs, under the hood, and other hard to reach areas.
- Go with a lesser known shop that charges less.
- Ask the shop about any current specials or discounts.
Top Shops for Car Wraps in San Jose
If you want a quality car wrap at a competitive price, consider using one of these top local wrap shops in the San Jose area:
1. Premium Auto Styling
- Address: 2470 Lafayette St, Santa Clara, CA 95050
- Phone: (408) 260-7900
- Website: https://www.premiumautostyling.com/
- Reviews: 4.9 stars, over 140 reviews on Google
One of the most popular shops in the South Bay, Premium Auto Styling offers full and partial wraps with high quality 3M vinyls. They have a wide selection of colors and finishes and great reviews for their experienced installers.
2. Twisted Vinyl
- Address: 2880 Monterey Hwy, San Jose, CA 95111
- Phone: (408) 229-6608
- Website: https://twistedvinyl.com/
- Reviews: 4.8 stars, over 70 reviews on Google
Twisted Vinyl has built a reputation for creative custom wraps at reasonable prices. They offer free design consultations and do great work with complex graphics and effects.
3. AMPM Auto Styling
- Address: 749 Comstock St, Santa Clara, CA 95054
- Phone: (408) 557-0858
- Website: https://www.ampmautostyling.com/
- Reviews: 4.7 stars, over 60 reviews on Google
AMPM does quality wraps for all types of vehicles. They have competitive pricing and substantial experience with installs on high-end luxury and performance cars.
4. 356 Wraps
- Address: 1600 Memorex Dr, Santa Clara, CA 95050
- Phone: (669) 900-7356
- Website: https://www.356wraps.com/
- Reviews: 5 stars, over 30 reviews on Google
356 Wraps specializes in Porsche vehicle wraps but handles wraps for all cars. They are Porsche enthusiasts focused on perfection who do incredible custom designs.
5. San Jose Mobile Boutique
- Phone: (408) 858-9946
- Website: https://www.sjmobileboutique.com/
- Reviews: 5 stars, over 20 reviews on Google
A smaller mobile boutique operation providing wraps at competitive rates. They offer free estimates and have great reviews for quality installs.
Conclusion
Car wrap pricing in San Jose generally ranges from $2,000-$5,000 for a basic full wrap, with lower prices of $400-$1,500 for partial wraps of specific sections. The exact cost for your car depends on the wrap’s size, design complexity, materials used, and the shop’s rates. While wraps are an investment, they provide amazing customizable styling and protection that lasts for years when properly installed. Now that you know what car wrapping costs, you can decide if it fits your budget and start designing your dream wrap!