Covering Your Car: How Much Plastic Wrap Is Needed?

When it comes to covering a car with plastic wrap, the amount of material required depends on several factors, including the size of the vehicle, the type of material used, and the desired design. Smaller cars typically require 2 packages (300-500 square feet) of standard Saran wrap, while larger vehicles may need multiple rolls of vinyl or plastic wrap to ensure complete coverage. The length, width, and height of the car play a crucial role in determining the amount of wrap needed, and it's important to consider the complexity of the car's shape and your skill level when estimating the required quantity.

How much plastic wrap to cover a car

Car wrapping: pre-cut vs custom-cut

When it comes to car wrapping, there are two main types of vinyl wrap cuts to choose from: pre-cut and custom-cut. So, which is the better option for your vehicle? Let's take a detailed look at the pros and cons of each option.

Pre-cut vinyl wraps are designed to fit most vehicles easily. They come with all the necessary components for installation, making them a convenient choice for car enthusiasts. The size of your vehicle will determine how much coverage you need. For instance, a small car may only require one piece of vinyl, while a larger vehicle like a truck or SUV might need multiple pieces or rolls of vinyl. Pre-cut wraps are a good option if you're looking for a straightforward installation process and your vehicle has a standard shape.

On the other hand, custom-cut vinyl wraps offer a more tailored approach. If you're looking for a unique design or your vehicle has an unusual shape, custom-cut wraps are the way to go. Companies like Wrapstock offer custom designs, allowing your car to stand out from the crowd. However, custom-cut wraps may require more time and labour, which can increase the overall cost.

The cost of wrapping a vehicle varies depending on size, complexity, and materials used. Pre-cut wraps are often more affordable, as they are designed to fit a wide range of vehicles, but custom-cut wraps can offer more flexibility in terms of pricing options. For example, you can choose to wrap only certain parts of your car, such as the back window or rear bumper, to reduce expenses.

Ultimately, the decision between pre-cut and custom-cut vinyl wraps depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you want a convenient, standard option that is easy to install, pre-cut wraps are ideal. However, if you're looking for a unique design or have a vehicle with an unusual shape, custom-cut wraps will better suit your requirements.

How much plastic wrap to buy

The amount of plastic wrap you will need to cover your car depends on several factors, including the size of your vehicle, the type of material being used, and the design you are looking for. Smaller cars typically take 2 packages (300-500 square feet) of normal Saran wrap. If you are using pre-cut vinyl wrap, a small car might only need one piece of vinyl, while a larger vehicle like a truck or SUV could need several pieces or rolls of vinyl.

To calculate the amount of vinyl wrap you will need, you can use the following formulas:

• Width = the length of the side of the vehicle or any other flat surface you are trying to cover
• Length = the length of the vehicle from front to back (or back to front)
• Repeat = the number of times that length will be repeated on either side of your project area

For example, if you want to wrap an SUV, you will need 10-12 square feet of material per side, or 20-24 square feet total. If you are wrapping a motorcycle or bicycle with a solid color, you can cut the material down to the shape of your vehicle.

It is important to note that these calculations are approximations, and it is best to take the time to measure each part of your vehicle to ensure you purchase the correct amount of material. It is recommended to always purchase more to account for errors or wrong measurements.

Wrapping process

The wrapping process will differ depending on the material you use to wrap your car. If you are using vinyl wrap, you should follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer or a professional. If you are using plastic wrap, such as Saran wrap, you can follow the steps outlined below.

Firstly, ensure the paint surface of your car is clean and smooth. This is an important step as it will help the plastic wrap adhere to the surface of the car. Begin the wrapping process by having two people stand on opposite sides of the front doors of the car. Start wrapping from underneath the front of the driver's door, moving up and over the window. Ensure the roll of plastic wrap is perpendicular to the ground as you do this. Once you have covered the window, continue wrapping over the top of the car. As most cars are wider than arm's length, the person on the other side should receive the roll and pull it tight, continuing down the passenger window and door.

After covering the passenger side, pull the plastic wrap all the way under the car and roll it back to the starting side. Then, tighten the underneath plastic and cut it. Repeat this process, moving slightly down the length of the car, until the car is completely covered. You can add as many layers of plastic wrap as you want, but keep in mind that this will make it more time-consuming to remove.

If you are using vinyl wrap, the process will be more complex and may require professional help. The vinyl wrap will need to be cut and measured to fit the specific dimensions of your car. It is important to consider the size and shape of your car, as well as the number of panels that need to be covered, when determining how much vinyl wrap you will need.

Cost of car wrapping

The cost of car wrapping varies depending on several factors, including the size of the vehicle, the type of vinyl used, the complexity of the design, and the installer's skill and experience.

A general rule of thumb is that the more panels and surface area to be covered, the more expensive it will be. Larger vehicles, such as SUVs and trucks, will require more vinyl material and labour, increasing the overall cost. For example, a small two-door car like a Fiat 500 can start at around $2,000, while a larger coupe, such as a Chevy Camaro or Ford Mustang, can start at approximately $3,500.

The design and type of vinyl wrap can also impact the price. Custom designs, textures, and patterns may cost more, and certain finishes, such as carbon fibre or chrome, can double or triple the cost of the wrap.

Additionally, the installer's skill and experience play a role in the cost. A skilled installer who can expertly wrap a car with complex body designs or sharply creased panels may charge more for their services.

It's worth noting that car wrapping is generally considered a more affordable option than a permanent paint job, and it offers the advantage of being removable, allowing you to change the look of your car or revert to the original paint if desired. However, it still requires a significant investment, typically ranging from $2,000 to $10,000 or more for a professional wrap.

To obtain an accurate estimate for your specific vehicle and requirements, it is recommended to consult a professional wrap installer, who can provide a detailed quote based on your needs.

Car size and shape

The amount of plastic wrap required to cover a car depends on the size and shape of the vehicle. Smaller cars typically require 2 packages (300-500 square feet) of normal plastic wrap, while larger vehicles may need more than one roll of vinyl to ensure complete coverage. The length of the car is a crucial factor, as the vinyl must cover the length of the car from front to back, including the sides and the top. For instance, if a car is 20 feet long, you will need 20 square feet of vinyl to cover that length.

Additionally, the width of the car, which refers to the length of the side of the vehicle or any other flat surface, determines the amount of vinyl needed. The height of the car is also a factor, as a taller vehicle will require more vinyl. For example, a 7-foot-tall car will need 7 square feet of vinyl to cover its height.

The shape of the car can impact the amount of vinyl required, as well as the complexity of the installation process. Cars with curvaceous bodies or sharply creased panels may require more vinyl and labour time than those with smoother, flatter surfaces. The number of panels to be covered can also affect the overall cost and time required for the wrapping process.

To estimate the amount of vinyl needed, you can use the formula: Length of Vehicle x 3 (for the two sides and the top) + extra for bumpers and any mistakes (5' to 15' depending on the complexity of the car and your skill level). For example, a 2016 Ford Mustang, which is 188 inches long, would require a roll of vinyl that is approximately 4.98 feet by 59 feet.

It is always recommended to purchase slightly more vinyl than your estimated requirement to account for errors or wrong measurements.

Frequently asked questions