You may have heard Tesla owners rave about wrapping their vehicles, but other owners opt instead for more authentic-looking paint jobs. Knowing so many opinions exist, you might therefore wonder whether you should wrap your Tesla Model 3.
You should wrap your Tesla Model 3 if you want to save money and time. Wrapping a Tesla Model 3 also helps protect the paint scheme from getting scratched or damaged, which will help the car hold its value if you plan to sell in the future. Wraps also come in many unique colors and finishes.
Below, we will dive deeper into the overall benefits of wrapping a Tesla Model 3. We will also go over average costs and how long a typical wrap lasts. Many Tesla owners also ask about colors and finishes, and we will also dive into detail regarding which ones are best for you.
Should You Wrap Your Tesla Model 3?
Because Teslas are painted with soft paint, it is easy for it to scratch or become damaged in another sort of manner unless you protect the paint to ensure it will be long-lasting. Besides protecting the paint, however, there are numerous other benefits to wrapping your Tesla Model 3.
For one, you only need to invest a few hours into wrapping the vehicle. Suppose you opted not to wrap it and after a year, you notice there are scratches all over the car. You therefore decide to get it repainted. Something you will notice is that you will invest far more time and money into a paint job as opposed to just wrapping it in the first place.
Since it’s more cost-effective to get your Tesla Model 3 wrapped, you can also get an identical type of customization or unique color of your choosing. Since wrapping is commonplace, that should give you enough evidence to realize it is every bit as effective as a custom paint scheme.
And if for any reason you would like to change colors or designs after a few years, you can just have the wrap removed in favor of something else. Once again, you are looking at cost effectiveness and time saved over getting a custom paint job, but let’s compare the two options in more detail.
Wrap vs Paint For Model 3
Holding Value
While we established wrapping is cheaper than going with a cool or unique paint scheme above, wrapping is also going to help your Tesla hold its value. Since you won’t need to worry about scratches or other forms of structural damage to the Tesla Model 3’s paint, if you were to sell it a few years down the road, you will likely be able to get more money for it.
More Options
Furthermore, you get more options for wraps versus using paint. Since the car is wearing a wrap, its potential finishes and schemes are nearly limitless. Wrapping also gives you the option of whether you would like a full wrap or a partial wrap.
It Will Wear Down
While you may already know that wrapping a Tesla Model 3 is a more durable option than a paint job, it is not foolproof. There will come a time when you must replace it. Just like everything else on a car, a wrap is no exception to wearing down as it ages.
But a wrap is easier to remove than paint, and general upkeep and maintenance is less demanding. So why is painting even still an option to many Tesla Model 3 owners? Well, nothing will give you a more authentic look than a proper paint job, and it is something wrapping will never replace.
The Price
We’ve already alluded to the fact a wrap is cheaper than paint, but what are the true costs of each? Well, you can get a wrap for anywhere between $2,000 to $8,000, and you’ll definitely find paint jobs that fall within that range as well, but they can easily go beyond $10,000 too. So, while it can be cheaper to paint in some instances, it’s normally more cost-effective to wrap.
How Long Does A Tesla Wrap Last?
A Tesla wrap generally lasts between 2 and 10 years. Several factors go into the wrap’s lifespan, and the more you know about what affects a wrap’s lifespan, the longer your wrap will last, as you will be better positioned to take care of it (although they don’t require too much maintenance).
The wrap’s overall quality is the first thing to consider regarding its durability. While wrapping will usually be cheaper than applying a new paint scheme, the more money you invest into your wrap, the more durable it will normally be.
You must also consider who you pay to install your wrap. The more experienced and reputable individual(s) who install it, the less you need to worry about your wrap wearing out prematurely. It will also last longer if you know how to take care of it. Environmental conditions will impact how long your wrap lasts, so if you have a garage to park your Tesla Model 3 in, use it to your advantage.
Cleaning Your Tesla Wrap
You should also handwash your wrapped Tesla, as while it is more time consuming, brushes at a car wash can damage your wrap. You must pay attention to the car wash shampoo you use too. Going with a pH neutral blend instead of one full of chemicals will keep your wrapped Tesla looking sharp for longer.
How Much Does It Cost To Wrap A Tesla Model 3?
It can cost anywhere from $2,000 to $8,000 to wrap a Tesla Model 3. The cost of wrapping a Model 3 varies, depending on how much of the vehicle you want to wrap and the type of wrap you use. It will also depend on where you get your car wrapped as well.
There are two common types of wraps for Teslas: paint protection film (PPF) and vinyl wraps. The area you live in will also affect the cost of a wrap. If there is a high cost of living, expect to pay more than in a region with a low cost of living. This logic applies to almost every purchase of course.
The typical range for wrapping a Tesla sits between $2,000 and $8,000, with higher cost of living states and the PPF option responsible for the more expensive end of the spectrum. Expect to pay a highly reputable shop at least $5,000 if you are looking for a full wrap, even if you live in a lower-cost region.
Partial PPF wraps at the same shops will not cost as much, and you could opt for a front-end partial wrap for between $1,200 and $1,800. If you are looking for the most cost-effective route, going with vinyl wraps will serve you better, typically costing half as much, but not being as durable.
Is PPF Worth It?
If you are comfortable with replacing your wrap more often by going the vinyl route, go for it. However, you may end up paying more for vinyl wraps than PPF wraps since the latter are up to three times thicker than vinyl, and so they are much harder to damage. If you live in areas where the elements are particularly harsh, PPF may ultimately cost you less in the long run.
Overall, when choosing between the cheaper vinyl or the more expensive yet durable PPF, the best thing to do is to weigh the pros and cons. If you live in a higher-cost area that isn’t near the sea or doesn’t get too much extreme heat, vinyl wrap may suffice. But if your area is known for extreme weather with a lower overall cost of living, PPF may be the way to go.
KEY POINTS
• Wrapping your Tesla Model 3 is often better than painting it
• It’s usually cheaper, and you get a higher level of customization
• Opting for the best wrap you can afford will normally save you money in the long run
What Type Of Wrap Is Best For A Tesla Model 3?
Which type of wrap is best for your Tesla Model 3 will ultimately depend on your budget and personal preferences. PPF wraps are thicker and more durable, while vinyl costs less but may not hold up as well. Overall, you’ll need to consider various factors to make the right choice for your car.
You also need to ask yourself whether you are looking for a full or partial wrap. Suppose you want your Tesla Model 3 to look sporty. If this is the case, you may opt for the partial wrap. Just be mindful of taking care of the unwrapped portion, as this will be less protected than the wrapped sections.
If you like the color of your vehicle, you can always go with a protective wrap option. These wraps are clear and will continue to show off your car’s original paint scheme. If this is what you are looking for, then the PPF option is what you want.
Different Wraps Have Different Finishes
You also want to select a finish that you find the most aesthetically-pleasing. Finishes come in gloss, matte, satin, carbon fiber, and various other textures. Each sport a different look, with gloss having the simplest aesthetics while matte finishes absorb rather than reflect light, hiding dirt and dust more easily.
If you like gloss and matte, but are unsure of which one to choose, the best wrap for you may be a satin finish, which is a bit like a mix of the two. Carbon fiber finishes are your best bet if you are looking for a popular partial wrap option, as they are something you see many Tesla owners wrap hoods, roofs, and mirrors with.
Textured finishes are more eclectic, featuring themed finishes, like forest and camouflage. If you want to turn heads, wraps featuring a textured finish may be your best option!
What Color Of Wrap Is Best For A Tesla Model 3?
One major benefit of choosing a wrap over a new paint scheme, or to preserve the paint scheme, is that you may have an easier time selling the car. Suppose you like unique colors. When you wrap a Tesla Model 3 in pink, yellow, or orange, you can always remove it when you wish to sell, leaving the generally more appealing paint scheme underneath.
Traditionally, gray, black, white, and silver sell the easiest. One quick look out the window and onto your street will drive this point home, as you will see many more vehicles featuring the aforementioned colors than the bright colors that you might prefer.
Therefore, your best bet is to buy a Tesla Model 3 featuring a neutral color, and to wrap it in something unique if you want to customize it. If you don’t plan on removing the wrap when you decide to sell, then black, gray, silver, or white are your best colors to wrap your Tesla in.
The Best Wraps Fit Personal Tastes
If you want your Tesla to blend in, neutral colors are again your best option. However, if you are looking for something unique, then you need to first consider whether you are looking for a partial wrap or a full wrap. Suppose you have a black Tesla, but you want contrasting colors. Going with a bright color like orange, light red, or yellow on the hood and roof could do the trick.
You may want something to stand out even more. They also make rainbow reflective wraps in white. While these wraps look basic on the surface, they feature a unique look when under the correct lighting, giving off a rainbow reflection featuring several colors.
If something fits your personal taste, go for it. There are no right or wrong colors when choosing a specific wrap color for a Tesla Model 3. Instead, you should worry more about the vehicle’s paint scheme since it will help you sell your Tesla if the colors remain neutral once you take the wrap off.
KEY POINTS
• Generally, PPF wraps are best for your Tesla Model 3
• Which type you should go for will depend on various factors
• If you’re worried about reselling, the paint color of the car is more important than the wrap color
Can You DIY Wrap Your Tesla Model 3?
You can DIY wrap your Tesla Model 3, but whether you should or not depends on a variety of factors. It’s easy to waste a lot of time and money if you don’t know what you’re doing, and it could take 2-3 days of your time (or more). It’s usually best to have a professional do the wrapping instead.
DIY wrapping a Tesla Model 3 is one of those risk-reward endeavors. The short answer is yes, you can DIY wrap your Tesla Model 3. But like every other aspect of wrapping your Tesla, you need to consider the pros and cons of a DIY wrap job. The biggest pro is that you can save over $4,000 in some cases.
Big Savings
Some Tesla owners claim a DIY wrapping job can cost them no more than $700, which is ideal if most shops in your area charge closer to the $8,000 end of the range. One major downside, however, is that you need to plan on investing time into this project. If you are a busy individual with multiple commitments, DIY wrapping may not be for you, as it could take several days of your time.
Not An Easy Job
Like any other skill, you will go through a learning curve if you have nobody around to show you how to wrap a Tesla. While you can find videos online that walk you through the process, it is also important to remember that no one is better at showing you the process than a trained professional.
Then when it comes time to wrap it again, you will know what to do. Even if you know the process, there is a great chance you will still experience some difficulties. If you have no idea what you’re doing and aren’t flush with cash or time to spare, we recommend having a professional wrap your Tesla Model 3 instead.
Final Thoughts
You should wrap your Tesla Model 3 if you are looking to maintain your vehicle’s paint scheme in a cost-effective manner. While wrapping a Model 3 will never make it look as authentic as a paint job, it can come close. Wrapping also gives you many options in terms of colors, designs, and finishes.