Wrap instead of paint?

[Namrups]

Has anyone tried wrapping their car instead of painting it? What would be the cost difference? Knowing how many things get wrapped now days just wondering if this is a viable alternative.

[Jeff Kleiner]

You still have to do the bodywork and bring it to virtually paint ready which on these cars is where all the time is.

Jeff

[Namrups]

Yes Jeff. I understand that would need to be done. Was just wondering if it's been tried or not and what the difference might be pro or con. Just thinking outside the box here to make mine unique is all.

[ggunter]

I actually looked into that with two wrappers. Both told me it wasn't feasible because of the complex area around the headlights with out making a seam. They both said around $3800 to do it if they could. Some on here said they had it done so I guess it depends on the person doing it. They also said what Jeff said, the body has to be perfect because the wrap will show everything.

[progmgr1]

I recently had my DD wrapped due to a massive failure of the OEM paint (flaking off in large pieces in multiple locations). The shop I used did an excellent job, but they basically had to strip all the paint, wet sand and re-prime the entire body. As Jeff said, any flaw in the finish shows through the wrap. While I was at the shop, I showed the owner (Tirrell) some photos of my (work in progress) '33 Hot Rod, with full fenders, running boards, roof, etc. Even with all the compound curves in the '33 bodywork, Tirrell said that it would cost less to wrap the '33 than my DD. If I had the car primed with all the sanding and filling done, Tirrell's first estimate for a wrap was $3500. I would imagine that a roadster would be the same or less cost, IF all the bodywork is done first.

HTH Keith HR #894

[autostang]

I wrapped my 818 myself and am happy with how it turned out. It is far from perfect, but it looks good from 10 feet. Total material cost was around $700 and it took 60ish hours not including bodywork. As mentioned imperfections in the body will show through. The biggest downside in my opinion is that there is no way to repair rock chips or scratches without redoing an entire panel (unless there is something I don't know about). Ive had it on for 3ish years. Overall I'd recommend it if you aren't looking for perfection, but would otherwise go with paint.

[Namrups]

Thanks everyone for your responses. I guess that pretty well answers that question. Paint it is...

[UpNorth]

I went your way and had the same conclusion...paint.

[GoDadGo]

I saw a wrapped MK-4 at the 2019 Walter Mitty Race in the Car Corral and it looked good from about 10 feet away.
When you got up close to it you could see the seams and it just looked sad.
At a distance, you couldn't pick it out.

https://youtu.be/RkRVLuM6Xjo

With No Body Panel Breaks & So Many Curves, it just didn't work well on the car but for cars with traditional panels, the wraps seem to work well.

[Ted G]

Here is a guy that did a pretty amazing job on a wrap for a roadster:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uCx_jX796v8

[progmgr1]

I have to agree with the gentleman from Slidell. The wrap looks great on my 2014 Kia Sorento, until you open the doors and see the OEM (white) paint on the jams. My experience is that the wrap is good only for exterior protection and cosmetics. On my Hot Rod, large segments of the jams are visible and a substantial portion of the inside door skins, etc. are usually the same finish as the exterior. Those areas would be difficult and expensive to wrap. For me, it might be an interim solution while I wait for my painter to work through his backlog. However, I wouldn't recommend it as a permanent solution. (Also note that the wraps only have a 5-7 year life if they are exposed to sunlight, even with an extra UV protective film.)
Keith HR #894

[NiceGuyEddie]

https://youtu.be/SGTGrVL5SsM

[Namrups]

Interesting ..... Thanks for the videos.