How Long Does It Take To Wrap A Car

 I was really impressed by the level of detail and couldn’t help but wonder how long did it take to wrap a car that car?

As the options for customization have grown more popular, so too has my curiosity about the process. Hence, this guide on getting answers to exactly how long does it take to wrap a car.

Factors that Impact Wrap Timelines:

Of course, there are a few different factors that determine the timeframe for wrapping any given vehicle:

• Car size/model – Obviously wrapping a compact sedan will require less time than a full-size SUV or commercial vehicle. Larger surface areas mean more vinyl and hours to complete.
• Complexity of graphic/design – A solid color or simple graphic is much quicker than an intricate, multicolored design covering the whole car. Extra time is needed for more complex patterns or blending multiple hues.
• Installer experience level – As with any skilled task, a veteran wrapper who has lost count of their jobs will fly through a basic wrap, while a newbie still learning may take twice as long.
• Pre-work needed – Any repairs, prep, or paint touch-ups required beforehand can significantly increase the total timeline. Experienced wrappers often find extra defects that need addressing.

To put some numbers to these factors, here are the key considerations that shape realistic wrap time expectations:

 

Factor	Impact on Timeline
Small sedan/coupe	Typically 5-7 hours
Mid-size SUV	7-10 hours
Full-size truck/SUV	10-14 hours
Commercial van	14+ hours
Complex design	Adds 1-4 hours
Repairs needed	Varies greatly
New installer	50% slower than pro

Breaking Down the Basic Full Vehicle Wrap Process

Once the prep work is complete, here are the standard steps involved in wrapping an average sedan from start to finish:

Cleaning/Surface Prep (1 hour) – Thoroughly washing and cleaning the car to remove any contaminants before wrapping.

Installing the Graphic (2-3 hours) – Laying out and applying the vinyl graphic precisely across hood, doors, roof, and all body panels.

Trimming Excess (1 hour) – Cutting off excess vinyl around edges and wherever overlapping with a snap blade utility knife.

Installing Accent Stripes/Logos (.5 hours) – Places any small graphic accents like racing stripes or logo decals.

Edge Sealing (.5 hours) – Applying a sealing liquid along all trimmed vinyl edges to prevent lifting or peeling.

Inspection/Fixes (.5 hours) – Checking for any flaws, air pockets, or creases that need smoothing before sealing.

Quality Control (30 mins) – A final once-over by the wrapper before handoff to the customer.

So for a basic full vehicle wrap on an average car by an experienced installer, factor in 5-7 hours to complete the job from start to finish.

Any additional prep work, size/complexity factors, or DIY learning curves could significantly extend that timeframe as discussed.

Speed Comes with Experience and It Take To Wrap A Car

 

As with many skilled trades, vehicle wrapping is one where experience exponentially improves speed and efficiency.

A pro wrapper who has completed hundreds or thousands of cars over their career has fine-tuned their process down to an art form. It Take To Wrap A Car elite wrappers can complete high-quality full vehicle wraps on average cars in just 3-4 hours thanks to repeated practice of each step. An associate I interviewed at a premier wrapper shared with me this anecdote about speed:

“One of our lead installers can It Take To Wrap A Car in the time it takes me to do the prep work! He’s like an octopus out there, working on multiple panels simultaneously.

It’s amazing to watch his technique – he finds little ways to shave minutes off with every job and really flies through them.”

While most newbies or DIYers should plan for the 5-7 hour range to complete their first full wrap, an experienced installer can typically finish in half that time on average with quality results. Their skilled speed is a huge time-saver for customers with tight deadlines.

More Vehicle Sections = More Time
Now that we’ve covered typical timeframes for basic full vehicle wraps, it’s important to note that partial or unique vehicle wraps will always take longer:

• Hood-only wrap: Plan 2-3 hours as just one panel is less efficient. Add 1 hour if also doing a small accent stripe.
• Roof/mirror/door wraps: 3-4 hours for these common accent sections alone without a full vehicle wrap.
• Luxury/specialty vehicles: Unique car bodies and complex curves often add 1-3 hours for installers to work around.
• Commercial vehicles: Beyond standard timeframes due to their extra-large surface areas and awkward bodylines/access points.
• Multicolored graphics: Weaving several hues together seamlessly across a vehicle pushes install times up 30-50% vs. a basic solid color design.

Always be sure to consult an experienced car wrapping pro for a quote factored to your specific vehicle make/model and the design scope before setting expectations. What may seem like a simple job on paper can prove quite intricate.

DIY Wrapping – Saving Money, Not Time

For some, the DIY route to wrapping their own vehicle seems like an attractive cost-saving option up front. However, it’s important to understand that taking on the job yourself generally extends the project timeline significantly versus having a pro complete it. The learning curves that come with a new skill set mean DIY wrappers should plan for:

• First full wrap attempt: Realistically block out 10-15 hours to fully wrap a basic sedan as you troubleshoot each step.
• Subsequent DIY full wraps: With experience under your belt, you may cut that first-time timeframe in half for later self-jobs.

Remember – pros have thousands of hours perfecting their craft versus typical single-digit hours for a new DIYer. Factoring your own time also has monetary value.

For those in a hurry or who value their time more than money, the investment in professional services may prove worthwhile versus learning as you go. DIY is best if the learning process isn’t a concern.

Final Thoughts – How Long Does it  Take to Wrap a Car?
After diving deep into industry practices and average timeframes, the conclusion is that exactly how long it takes to wrap a car truly varies based on vehicle-specific factors and installer experience levels. But in general terms:

• Expect 5-7 hours for pros to wrap your average sedan.
• Consider adding 2-4 hours for SUVs or trucks, complex artwork, or extra vehicle sections.
• Give first-time DIY wrappers double that time or get quotes from multiple pro installers.
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FAQ:

Q: How long does it take 2 people to wrap a car?

A: 1-5 days.

Q: How long does it take to do a wrap?

A: Up to a week.

Q: How long will a 3M wrap last?

A: Up to 7 years.

Q: How long should you wait to wrap a car after paint?

A: At least 30 days.

Q: Do car wraps damage paint?

A: A vinyl wrap or car wrap as some call it, is completely safe to be applied to any type of paint.

summary:

Your trusted local auto wrapping experts can provide the most accurate timeline tailored to your vehicle needs upfront.

So in summary  while it may seem daunting, high-quality full vehicle wraps can typically be completed in a workday or less.

With planning and the right installer, you’ll be enjoying that show-stopping new custom wrap in no time. Let me know if you have any other questions!