Vinyl Wrap vs. Repainting: The Pros and Cons for Car Owners in Singapore

Posted on by Arianna Matthews

If you are a car owner in Singapore, you may have thought about changing the appearance of your vehicle at some point. Whether you want to refresh the look of your old car, customize it to your personal style, or protect it from wear and tear, there are two main options to consider: car wrapping and repainting.

Car wrapping is the process of applying a thin layer of vinyl film over the car’s original paint, creating a new colour and finish. Car repainting is the process of removing the old paint and applying a new coat of paint, creating a permanent change.

Both options have their advantages and disadvantages, depending on various factors such as variety, cost, durability, and maintenance. In this blog post, we will help you make an informed decision by comparing the pros and cons of car wrapping and repainting for car owners in Singapore.

Car Wrapping

Car wrapping is a popular choice for car owners who want to change the appearance of their vehicles without altering the original paint. Car wrapping can be done in a few hours by skilled and experienced installers, who use special tools and techniques to apply the vinyl film over the car surface.

There are many types of car wraps available in the market, ranging from clear, coloured, textured, to custom designs. You can choose from a wide variety of colours, patterns, and finishes to suit your preferences and needs. Some of the benefits of car wrapping are:

  • Limitless variety. You can create any look you want with car wrapping, from glossy to matte, from metallic to carbon fibre, from solid to gradient . You can also mix and match different colours and designs to create a unique and eye-catching effect.
  • Easy to remove and replace. Unlike repainting, car wrapping does not damage the original paint of your car . You can easily remove or replace the vinyl film whenever you want, without affecting the resale value of your car. This gives you more flexibility and freedom to change the appearance of your vehicle as often as you like.
  • Protects the car. Car wrapping acts as a protective layer that shields your car from scratches, UV rays, and weather elements . It also helps prevent fading and oxidation of the original paint. By wrapping your car, you can extend its lifespan and keep it looking new for longer.
  • Enhances the resale value. If you plan to sell your car in the future, car wrapping can help you get a better price by preserving the original paint. Many buyers prefer cars with original paint over repainted ones, as they are more trustworthy and reliable. By removing the vinyl film before selling your car, you can reveal the pristine condition of your car and attract more buyers.

However, car wrapping also has some drawbacks that you should be aware of before choosing this option. Some of the disadvantages of car wrapping are:

  • Higher upfront cost. Car wrapping is more expensive than repainting in terms of initial cost . Depending on the type, quality, and size of the vinyl film, as well as the labour and installation fees, car wrapping can cost anywhere from $1,500 to $5,000 or more . You may also need to pay extra for removing or replacing the vinyl film in the future.
  • Requires skilled and experienced installers. Car wrapping is not a DIY project that you can do at home . It requires professional skills and equipment to ensure a smooth and flawless application. If done poorly, car wrapping can result in bubbles, creases, wrinkles, or tears that ruin the appearance and performance of your car . Therefore, you need to find a reputable and reliable car wrap provider in Singapore that can guarantee high-quality workmanship and service.
  • May not cover all parts of the car. Car wrapping may not be able to cover some parts of your car that are difficult to reach or wrap around. For example, door jambs, engine bay, or undercarriage may not be wrapped with vinyl film due to technical limitations or safety reasons. This may create an inconsistent or incomplete look for your car that may not match your expectations.
  • May peel off or fade over time. Car wrapping is not permanent and may deteriorate over time due to various factors such as poor quality vinyl film, improper installation, exposure to heat or sunlight, or lack of care. Car wrapping may peel off or fade after a few years, requiring you to replace it with a new one or switch back to your original paint.

Repainting

Repainting is another option for car owners who want to change the appearance of their vehicles. Repainting is the process of stripping off the old paint and applying a new coat of paint, creating a permanent change. Repainting can be done in a few days by professional painters, who use special tools and techniques to prepare, spray, and dry the paint over the car surface.

There are many types of paints available in the market, ranging from solid, metallic, pearlescent, to matte. You can choose from a limited range of colours and finishes to suit your preferences and needs. Some of the benefits of repainting are:

  • Permanent change. Repainting is more durable than car wrapping in terms of longevity . Once you repaint your car, you do not need to worry about removing or replacing it in the future . Repainting can last for up to 10 years or more, depending on the quality of the paint and the care you take for your car.
  • Covers the entire car body. Repainting can cover all parts of your car body with a uniform colour and finish. Unlike car wrapping, repainting does not leave any gaps or seams that may affect the appearance and performance of your car. Repainting can create a smooth and seamless look for your car that matches your expectations.
  • Can repair dents, rust, and scratches. Repainting can also fix some of the damages on your car surface that may be caused by accidents, vandalism, or wear and tear. Before applying the new coat of paint, the painters can repair any dents, rust, or scratches on your car body. This can improve the condition and appearance of your car and make it look like new.
  • Can match the original colour or choose a new one. Repainting can also help you restore the original colour of your car or choose a new one from a limited range . If you want to keep the original colour of your car, you can ask the painters to match it as closely as possible. If you want to change the colour of your car, you can select a new one from a predefined palette .

However, repainting also has some drawbacks that you should be aware of before choosing this option. Some of the disadvantages of repainting are:

  • More expensive than car wrapping in the long run. Repainting is cheaper than car wrapping in terms of initial cost . Depending on the type, quality, and size of the paint, as well as the labour and painting fees, repainting can cost anywhere from $500 to $3,000 or more . However, repainting is more costly than car wrapping in terms of maintenance and resale value . You may need to spend more money on regular washing, waxing, polishing, and repairing your car to keep it in good condition . You may also lose money when you sell your car in the future, as repainted cars are less valuable than original ones .
  • Takes longer to complete than car wrapping. Repainting is more time-consuming than car wrapping in terms of completion time . Car wrapping can be done in a few hours by skilled and experienced installers , while repainting can take several days by professional painters . You may need to leave your car at the workshop for a longer period of time when you choose repainting over car wrapping . This may cause inconvenience and disruption to your daily routine and schedule.
  • May damage the original paint or reduce its value. Repainting may also harm the original paint of your car or lower its value . Before applying the new coat of paint, the painters need to remove the old paint by sanding or scraping it off. This may damage or destroy the original paint layer that protects your car from corrosion and rust. Repainting may also reduce the value of your car by altering its originality and authenticity . Many buyers prefer cars with original paint over repainted ones, as they are more trustworthy and reliable.

Conclusion

In this blog post, we have compared the pros and cons of car wrapping and repainting for car owners in Singapore. We have seen that both options have their advantages and disadvantages, depending on various factors such as variety, cost, durability, and maintenance.

Car wrapping service is a great option for car owners who want to change the appearance of their vehicles without altering the original paint. Car wrapping offers limitless variety, easy removal and replacement, protection, and enhanced resale value. However, car wrapping also has higher upfront cost, requires skilled and experienced installers, may not cover all parts of the car, and may peel off or fade over time.