Wrapping an F150 truck can range in cost quite a bit depending on the specifics of the project. When considering getting a wrap for your F150, there are a few key factors that will impact the overall cost:
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Size of the Wrap
The first major cost factor is the size of the wrap. An F150 is a large truck, so there is a lot of surface area to cover. At a minimum, you’ll probably want to wrap the hood, roof, bed sides, tailgate, and doors of the truck. However, you could opt to also wrap the front and rear bumpers, mirror caps, door handles, wheels, and more. The more surface area you wrap, the higher the cost will be.
A partial wrap just covering the main body panels might run $2,000-$4,000. Whereas a full wrap covering every exterior surface could be $4,000-$8,000 or more. The full hood-to-bumper wrap will use more material and require more labor time to complete.
Type of Wrap
You’ll also have to consider the type of vinyl wrap material used. There are a few main options:
- Cast vinyl – This is a calendared vinyl that easily contours to curves and body lines. It provides a glossy, vibrant finish and is very durable. It’s the most commonly used wrap material.
- Calendered vinyl – Also called “calendared vinyl,” this has a slightly textured finish. It’s more affordable but not quite as conforming or glossy as cast.
- Printed/textured vinyl – These specialty wraps have custom prints or textures like carbon fiber, brushed metal, camouflage, etc. They are the most expensive option.
On average, you can expect the following material costs:
| Vinyl Type | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Cast | $2.50+ per square foot installed |
| Calendered | $1.50-$2.00 per square foot installed |
| Printed/Textured | $4.00+ per square foot installed |
So for a full F150 wrap, you may pay $2,000-$3,000 for basic cast vinyl or upwards of $5,000+ for a printed wrap.
Complexity of the Design
The complexity of your wrap design will also impact the cost. Simple solid color wraps are quick and easy for installers to apply. Complex wraps with difficult patterns, gradients, and cutouts take much longer.
You can expect to pay more for wraps with:
- Intricate textures and prints
- Multiple colors/color fading
- Matte or gloss areas
- Striping, decals, or graphics
- Sharp split lines between design elements
The extra design time and installation work adds to the labor costs. Keep your design clean and simple if you’re on a tight budget.
Installation Location
You’ll also pay more for a wrap if you live in an area with a higher cost of living. Installation labor rates can vary quite a bit by region. Average wrap shop labor rates:
| Location | Average Labor Rate |
|---|---|
| Rural Area | $45-65 per hour |
| Small City | $65-85 per hour |
| Major Metro | $85-120+ per hour |
Add several hours of labor to wrap an entire F150, and the cost difference can be thousands. Though you may be able to find cheaper rates if you go to an independent installer versus a major shop.
Additional Services
A couple other optional services to factor into your budget:
- Paint protection film – If you want clear film applied over parts of the wrap prone to scratches and chips (hood, mirrors, door edges, etc.), add another $600-$1,000 or more to the total.
- Ceramic coating – A ceramic coating on top of the wrap provides an ultra-glossy shine and scratch protection. This can cost $500-$2,000 depending on the coating used.
DIY vs Professional Installation
You may be able to save some money by doing a DIY wrap at home. But there are tradeoffs:
- DIY wraps require a very steady hand and lots of patience during installation.
- Without an experienced installer, the results may have more visible seams, bubbles, or imperfections.
- If you make a mistake, you can’t just re-position the vinyl as easily as a professional.
- Doing a full wrap yourself will likely take 20-40 hours (or more) over several days.
Hiring a qualified pro ensures a high-quality, efficient installation. But expect to pay $500-$1,500 or more in labor costs. Evaluate your budget, skills, and expectations.
Factors That Don’t (Or Shouldn’t) Affect Cost
When getting quotes for a wrap, be wary of shops that charge more for these factors:
- Make, model, or value of the vehicle – More expensive cars don’t “deserve” a higher labor rate.
- Color change – Solid colors shouldn’t affect the quote.
- Brand of vinyl used – Most reputable brands have very comparable prices.
The size of the job and the complexity of the design should be the primary cost factors – not the car itself.
Conclusion
Overall, you can expect to spend $2,000-$8,000+ to get your F150 wrapped. The exact cost comes down to the coverage area, vinyl type, design complexity, your location, and any other services added. The material alone can run $1,500-$5,000 for a full wrap. Then you have to factor in professional installation labor costs. While not cheap, a quality vinyl wrap can drastically transform the look of your truck at a fraction of a full repaint cost. And it protects the factory paint underneath.