Category: Auto Body Paint Repair

In the past, if you wanted to give your car a bold new look or make it look ready for the used card lot, you got it a paint job. That was really the only option you had. Now, there is another alternative out there that has become increasingly popular: car wraps. Many commercial vehicles with detailed images have been using vinyl car wraps for years to advertise. You, too, can enjoy wild colors, unique effects, and more with wrap. But that brings about the ultimate question: Is it cheaper to wrap or paint a car? Which option is right for you?

Let’s find out.

Car Wrap vs Paint Job: How Much Does It Cost?

The cost of things plays a major role in the decisions of most car owners these days. You may be considering a car wrap over a paint job before selling your car to recoup some of the car’s value, for example. However, is that the best idea? Or would your money be better spent on a fresh coat of paint?

For starters, the cost of a car wrap is determined by the shop doing the job, as well as the kind of wrap you are using, how much is used, and on the level of complexity for the installation. For most standard model cars out there, like a Toyota Corolla or Honda Civic, a car wrap using a matte or satin finish is going to cost you around $2,000-$3,000 at auto body shops in South Jersey. A Tesla Model 3 will cost around $3,700. Have a Ford Mustang? The cost is closer to $4,000.

A chrome or metallic finish is going to cost you slightly more, because the materials are more intricate to install. Plus, the wrap itself costs more to make. As such, if you wanted to wrap that same Ford Mustang in chrome, you may end up shelling out between $6,500 and $8,000.

Furthermore, the more expensive the make and model, the more expensive the wrap job. A high-end car, like a Lamborghini or Rolls-Royce will cost upwards of $12,000 to wrap.

The Cost of a Paint Job

Like a car wrap, the cost of a paint job varies greatly depending on the person or shop where the job is taking place, as well as the make, model, and materials being used. If you want to repaint your car the same color it currently is with cheap paint, you may only be set back $300. The current average cost of a paint job is around $500-$600, though if you want a professional quality paint job, you may end up spending $1,000 to $3,500 for paint that shines like it’s fresh from the showroom.

For paint, the more you pay, the better the results. Therefore, you also have to consider any repairs that need to be made prior to the paint getting sprayed on. You may have to remove spots of rust, fix dents, and more. Since this adds both time and resources and labor to the painting process, the bill may be close to $5,000 when all is said and done.

Car Wrap or Paint: Which is More Durable?

The main thing to remember is that, while neither car wraps or paint are fully permanent, one lasts longer than the other. The average lifespan of a car wrap is around 5 years, while a fresh paint job lasts between 10-15 years. Both car wraps and paint can be given protective coatings that increase durability, but that needs to be added into the cost of the wrap or paint job. For example, if you choose a “nano ceramic” coating for your vehicle’s wrap, you are adding $1,500 to $1,800 to the bill. Yes, you get more resistance to UV rays, scratching, and water damage, but that is a hefty addition to consider.

That is not to say that paint won’t chip, crack, and fade. Maintenance can extend the lifespan, however, potentially giving your paint job a far greater return of investment than a car wrap.

Other Considerations When Choosing to Paint or Wrap a Car

There are few other things to keep in mind when deciding on whether a wrap or paint job for your car is cheaper.

Upkeep

Car wraps and paint require the same amount of maintenance. You should hand-wash your vehicle with a pH neutral car wash that does not have any harsh chemicals. If possible, avoid car washes, as the shampoos used are full of chemicals that could damage your car’s wrap or paint.

Appearance

There is no denying that a professional showroom paint job is unparalleled in appearance. Car wraps have yet to get close enough to the sparkling quality of fresh, unmarred paint. Undamaged paint also increases the market value.

Yet, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. You may prefer the carbon fiber look of a specialty car wrap to a fresh coat of paint.

Removal

Sometimes, removing the wrap for your vehicle can damage the paint underneath. Both re-wrapping and repainting cars are a similar process. However, if you want to get that damaged paint repaired before the wrap, you cannot ignore that additional cost.

Choosing What’s Best For You

Both car wraps and paint jobs average around $2,000-$5,000, depending on the quality of the paint or wrap, your vehicle, and the complexity of installation. Both car wraps and paint jobs can be cheap or extremely expensive—it depends on what you want. That said, while the overall cost is more or less a tie, you should consider your budget and the look you want. Either way, you will be making an investment.

Looking to get your vehicle’s paint repaired after a collision? Head to the best body shop in NJ: Elmer’s Auto Body. The experienced auto technicians at Elmer’s Auto Body can help restore your vehicle to its pre-accident condition. Let’s get your vehicle scheduled today. Give us a call or send us a message online.

If you have recently purchased a new vehicle or a very very old one, then you may be wondering how long does car paint last and how do I take care of it? There are a lot of external factors that can damage the paintwork on your car, including some environmental factors. That said, it is more important to know the durability of the paint currently on your vehicle.

How Long Does Car Paint Last?

On average, the paint that is used on your vehicle can last up to 15 years before it starts to show signs of extreme wear. Eventually, the paint will need to be replaced. It is not uncommon to see a car that needs to be repainted after the 10-year mark. The amount of years that the paint on your car will last is really dependent on if the vehicle has been properly cared for. Exposure to outdoor weather conditions or acidic substances can all reduce the number of years your car’s paint will last.

How Long Does Paint Last On A Modern Car?

In the past, cars used to be painted in something called acrylic paint. It’s still an option, but much less common. A lot of modern vehicles now use urethane paint which is designed to reflect UV rays, making the paint more durable. This durability adds to its life expectancy making the estimated time 15 years for a modern car’s paint to last.

What Is Acrylic Paint?

Acrylic paint is commonly used on vehicles as it is the easiest paint to apply but unfortunately does not last as long as other paints. Acrylic paint begins to chip and fade when exposed to long amounts of sunlight. Any people who do up classic cars at home tend to use this kind of paint.

What Is Urethane Paint?

Urethane paint is mainly used in the auto paint world and is a newer form of paint compared to acrylic paint. Urethane paint is harder to apply than acrylic as it is toxic and needs to be applied with special safety equipment. The urethane paint also requires skill to apply. Urethane paint will reflect UV rays and will be better for your car in the long run. If you are wondering what type of paint is commonly used on cars, we would say that any car that is 15 years old and the paint is still intact will have used Urethane paint.

How Long Does Paint Last On A Classic Car?

Any vehicles that were created before the 1960s most likely use acrylic lacquer or acrylic enamel paint. The shades of this paint are extremely lovely but they only last a certain period of time before they need redoing. This is because this type of paint is not resistant to UV rays. The estimated time a classic car using acrylic lacquer or acrylic enamel paint can be exposed to the sun is roughly 5-10 years before the paint starts to fade.

Does It Matter What Type Of Paint I Choose?

When you are choosing what kind of paint you want on your car, it is best to try and pick a better quality paint as this will last you a lot longer in the future. The price of a paint job is reflective of the type of quality paint that will be used on your car. On average, the cost of a paint job on your vehicle can cost anywhere between $500 – $15,000. We would recommend that you choose a paint based on your budget and based on how long you would like it to last.

How Can I Take Care Of My Car’s Paint?

If you have just had your car repainted then you will want to make sure that the paint is cared for properly, extending the life of the new paint job so you can enjoy the color for much longer than usual.

There are many things that you can do to protect the paint on your car. Here is a list of ways you can protect your new paintwork:

Aim to protect your car from the weather by parking it in a garage or area that is covered by rain. Purchase a car cover that is made from felt on the inside, this will protect your car from scratches. Purchasing a car cover that is slightly better than a basic version will help protect the temperature of your car, especially in extreme heat. Aim to clean your car as often as possible, especially when you see bird poo or tree sap marks on the paintwork.

How Elmer’s Auto Body Can Help Today

If you need your paint redone or you see that you have a lot of scratches on your car then Elmer’s Auto Body can help. One of the professionals on the team can help you decide which paint is best for your vehicle. If you need any repairs to your vehicle call in at Elmer’s Auto Body today. The team at our auto body repair shop in South Jersey is ready to repair your car back to its original form using quality parts and skilled labor.

Every vehicle needs a new paint job from time to time. Even if you are careful about taking care of your car’s finish, every coat of paint will eventually go bad. This might involve fading, cracking, peeling, or any number of other unsightly side effects. And so, if your vehicle is suffering from these issues, or if it’s just become entirely too scratched up and ugly, you will need to get a new paint job. You will have to make the choice between water-based car paint and solvent-based paint, and that choice will be our focus today.

Waterborne Vs Solvent Based Paint

Paint consists of a pigment that has been suspended in a liquid. Of course, the liquid used will make a big difference in the properties of the paint. Waterborne paint is obviously water-based, meaning that it consists mostly of pigment and water. A solvent-based paint will generally use toluene, xylene, or some other chemical solvent. For those who don’t know, a “solvent” is any substance that is used to dissolve another substance. In this case, chemicals like toluene and xylene are used to dissolve the pigment. There are a number of reasons why people choose one or the other. Let’s talk a little bit about their pros and cons.

Pros Of Waterborne Auto Paint

First of all, waterborne paints are a lot less toxic. While you certainly wouldn’t want to drink the stuff, it presents far fewer hazards to both humans and the environment. This makes waterborne paints a better choice when painting in confined spaces, as you won’t have to worry about the fumes. Paint fumes are normally not that dangerous, but if they build up in a small garage they could make you lightheaded or even make you pass out.

Waterborne paint also tends to produce a brighter, more vibrant kind of color. Because water is a color-neutral substance, there will be nothing to interfere with the tone of the paint, preventing you from getting the color you want. Thus, if you are looking for a very specific kind of color, waterborne paints are also a better choice. Waterborne paint also tends to have better opacity, meaning that you can cover the same area with less paint. This also means fewer coats, saving both time and money. Speaking of saving money, waterborne paints can be made with less pigment, and that is why they tend to be cheaper.

Pros Of Solvent-Based Paint

Naturally, water-based paint tends to be a bit thinner. Thus, despite its opacity advantages, waterborne paint isn’t the best for cover-up jobs. If you are trying to hide flaws and imperfections (or a previous paint job), then you will have a harder time here. The thickness of solvent-based paint does make it better for certain things. Despite its thickness, solvent-based paint will usually dry faster. Many of those chemical solvents will evaporate more quickly than water.

Waterborne paint also doesn’t tend to produce as durable of a finish when compared to solvent-based versions. A waterborne paint job isn’t exactly fragile, but solvent-based paint will usually hold up longer, especially in harsh weather. Humidity is another factor to consider when repainting your car. The humidity in the air will affect drying times, and high levels of humidity can sometimes keep the paint from adhering properly. Solvent-based paint has the advantage of being less susceptible to humidity.

Regulations Might Play A Role As Well

Because solvent-based paints contain toxic chemicals, certain states have chosen to regulate their contents. Thus, depending on where you live, you might not be able to use the best solvent-based products. California, in particular, has taken steps to limit the toxicity of solvent-based paint by prohibiting certain ingredients. Of course, no one is going to throw you in jail for using the wrong car paint, but you can end up with a hefty fine.

Which Is Better?

When choosing a tool for any job, you have to think about the specifics of that job. Thus, there are some situations in which solvent-based paint is better. However, we find that waterborne paint is a better choice all around. For one thing, you don’t have to worry so much about environmental regulations when you use this type of paint. For another, the lack of toxicity makes it much safer for all involved. Thirdly, waterborne paints tend to be cheaper while still offering the same level of effectiveness.

In the end, solvent-based paints have a slight durability advantage, and their greater thickness can be a slight advantage as well. However, water-based paints are the superior choice for most jobs. You see, the durability advantage enjoyed by solvent-based paints isn’t as nice as it sounds. All vehicle paint jobs will be covered with a layer of clear coat, and that layer is meant to protect your paint from damage. So, since you will always be adding a little extra “armor” to the finish anyway, the waterborne paint jobs will probably hold up just as long as any other.

Conclusion

When it comes to the question of waterborne vs. solvent-based paint, the advantages of waterborne paints outweigh those of solvent-based paints, mostly because they are much more universal. Most people are moving away from the use of toxic chemicals, so it makes sense that solvent-based car paints are now mostly reserved for special purposes.

If your vehicle needs a new paint job, you might be asking yourself: “where is the best auto body shop near me?” If that’s the case, we would recommend calling our experts here at Elmer’s Auto Body. Our shops use only the highest-quality PPG paint and have been proudly serving the community for over 70 years. To find out more, fill out our contact form or give us a call at (856) 218-0202.