How Much Does a Vehicle Wrap Cost? Full vs Partial

If you're considering turning your work vehicle into a mobile billboard, one of the first questions on your mind is probably how much does a vehicle wrap cost. The answer isn't one-size-fits-all, it depends on several key factors that can significantly impact your total investment.

At Complete Graphics Corp, we help businesses across the Greater Chicago area make informed decisions about their vehicle branding every day. Whether you're wrapping a single service van or outfitting an entire fleet, understanding what drives the price helps you plan a budget that makes sense. We've installed wraps on everything from plumbing vans to full commercial fleets, so we know where costs add up, and where you can save.

This guide covers the real costs of full and partial vehicle wraps, breaks down the factors that affect pricing, and compares wrapping to traditional painting. By the end, you'll know what to expect when you request a quote and how to get the best value for your investment.

What a vehicle wrap is and what it includes

A vehicle wrap is a large vinyl graphic or printed design that covers part or all of your vehicle's exterior. Professional installers use high-quality cast or calendered vinyl that adheres to your vehicle's painted surface, transforming its appearance while protecting the original paint underneath. Unlike traditional paint jobs, wraps are reversible and removable, which means you can update your branding or return your vehicle to its original condition when needed.

The wrap itself consists of multiple sheets of vinyl that are carefully measured, printed, and cut to fit your specific vehicle make and model. Modern wraps use digital printing technology that delivers photo-quality graphics, bold colors, and crisp text that can include your company name, logo, phone number, website, and custom messaging. Most commercial wraps also include a protective overlaminate layer that shields the printed graphics from UV rays, scratches, and everyday wear.

A professionally installed vehicle wrap typically lasts five to seven years with proper care, making it a long-term investment in your business visibility.

The wrap design and preparation process

Before any vinyl touches your vehicle, you'll work with a design team to create your custom graphics. This phase involves translating your brand identity into a vehicle-ready design that maximizes visibility while maintaining a professional appearance. Designers account for your vehicle's curves, windows, doors, and body lines to ensure graphics flow naturally across the surface.

Once you approve the design, technicians prepare your vehicle for installation. This includes a thorough cleaning and decontamination of all surfaces where vinyl will be applied. Any existing decals, badges, or trim pieces that could interfere with the wrap get removed temporarily. Surface preparation is critical because dirt, wax, or contaminants can prevent proper adhesion and lead to premature wrap failure.

What's included in a professional wrap package

A complete wrap package includes more than just the vinyl material. You're paying for professional design services, high-resolution printing on premium vinyl, and expert installation by trained technicians. Most shops also provide a detailed quote that breaks down costs for design time, materials, and labor hours based on your specific vehicle and design complexity.

Professional installations typically include edge sealing and post-heating, which ensures the vinyl bonds properly to curved surfaces and tight areas. Installers use specialized tools like heat guns, squeegees, and knives to eliminate air bubbles and create seamless transitions around door handles, mirrors, and trim. Many shops also offer warranties that cover material defects and installation quality, giving you protection against premature peeling or fading. Understanding what's included helps you see why how much does a vehicle wrap cost varies significantly between professional shops and budget options.

Average vehicle wrap costs in 2026

When you ask how much does a vehicle wrap cost, expect to pay between $2,500 and $6,000 for a full wrap on most commercial vehicles. Partial wraps typically run $1,500 to $3,500, while basic vehicle lettering starts around $500 to $1,200. These ranges reflect professional installation using quality vinyl materials and include design time, printing, and labor.

Your final price depends heavily on vehicle size, design complexity, and whether you choose a full wrap, partial wrap, or simple lettering package. A compact car costs significantly less to wrap than a full-size cargo van, and a straightforward logo-and-text design runs cheaper than a complex multi-color graphic that wraps around every curve and panel.

Small vehicle wraps (cars and compact vans)

Full wraps for sedans, coupes, and compact vans typically fall in the $2,500 to $3,500 range. These vehicles have smaller surface areas and fewer complicated body lines, which reduces both material costs and installation time. You can expect two to three days of shop time for design approval, surface prep, and professional installation.

Partial wraps on smaller vehicles start around $1,500 and deliver strong brand visibility at a lower price point.

Spot graphics and basic lettering packages for compact vehicles usually cost $500 to $1,200, making them an accessible entry point for solo contractors or businesses testing vehicle advertising for the first time. These simpler options still create a professional appearance and include your company name, logo, contact information, and accent colors.

Medium to large vehicle wraps

Full-size cargo vans, box trucks, and larger commercial vehicles command $4,000 to $6,000 or more for complete wraps. The increased surface area requires more vinyl material, additional design complexity to account for cargo doors and roof heights, and longer installation times that can extend to four or five days depending on vehicle configuration. Partial wraps on these larger vehicles typically range from $2,500 to $4,000, offering substantial brand coverage while reducing overall investment.

What drives wrap pricing

Understanding what drives wrap pricing helps you make informed decisions about your vehicle branding investment. The cost of a wrap isn't arbitrary, it reflects real variables that affect both material costs and the time your installer spends transforming your vehicle into a mobile marketing asset. By knowing which factors carry the most weight, you can adjust your budget and expectations accordingly.

Vehicle size and surface area

The single biggest factor in determining how much does a vehicle wrap cost is the size of your vehicle. A compact sedan requires roughly 250 square feet of vinyl, while a full-size cargo van needs 400 to 500 square feet or more. More surface area means more material, more printing costs, and significantly longer installation times.

Larger vehicles also present more complex installation challenges, including higher rooflines, cargo doors, and multiple body panels that require precision alignment.

Beyond basic dimensions, installers charge more for vehicles with challenging body contours, deep recesses, or corrugated panels. Box trucks with ribbed sides demand extra labor to work vinyl into grooves and around rivets. Panel vans with sliding doors require careful planning to align graphics across movable surfaces.

Design complexity and print coverage

A simple two-color logo with text costs far less than a full-color photographic design that covers every inch of your vehicle. Complex graphics require more design time, higher-resolution printing, and careful color matching across multiple vinyl panels. Gradient backgrounds, detailed illustrations, and custom photography all increase both design hours and material costs.

Spot color vinyl (solid colors without printing) runs cheaper than digitally printed graphics because it skips the printing process entirely. Many businesses combine both approaches, using printed graphics for logos and photos while filling larger areas with solid color vinyl to control costs. Installation time also increases with design complexity, as installers spend extra hours aligning intricate patterns and ensuring seamless transitions between panels.

Full vs partial wraps and spot graphics

Choosing between a full wrap, partial wrap, or spot graphics directly affects how much does a vehicle wrap cost and determines your vehicle's visual impact. Each option serves different budgets and branding goals, so understanding the coverage differences helps you select the right approach for your business needs.

Full wraps deliver maximum impact

Full wraps cover every painted surface on your vehicle, from bumper to bumper and roof to rocker panels. This complete coverage transforms your vehicle into a rolling billboard that captures attention from every angle. You get consistent branding across all panels, windows (with perforated vinyl), and even the roof, which proves valuable when your vehicle parks near taller buildings or in areas with elevated viewpoints.

The comprehensive coverage of full wraps also provides maximum paint protection since vinyl shields your original finish from road debris, minor scratches, and UV damage. Installation typically takes three to five days depending on vehicle size and design complexity. Full wraps deliver the strongest brand presence but represent the highest upfront investment in the $2,500 to $6,000 range for most commercial vehicles.

Partial wraps and spot graphics offer budget-friendly alternatives

Partial wraps cover strategic sections of your vehicle, typically the sides, rear doors, or specific panels that receive the most visibility. This approach reduces material costs and installation time while still creating a professional branded appearance. Most partial wraps focus on high-visibility areas like cargo doors and side panels, leaving the hood, roof, and lower sections in the original paint color or a complementary solid vinyl.

Partial wraps typically cost 40 to 60 percent less than full wraps while still delivering strong brand recognition for businesses watching their budget.

Spot graphics take minimalism further by placing company name, logo, and contact information on select panels without full coverage. These installations work well for businesses that need professional identification without elaborate graphics, and they start around $500 to $1,200 depending on complexity.

Wrap vs paint and other options

When deciding how to brand your vehicle, you might wonder how wrapping compares to traditional paint or simpler alternatives. Understanding the cost and longevity differences helps you choose the best investment for your business vehicle. Each option serves different needs, and knowing what you get for your money prevents budget surprises down the road.

Traditional paint jobs cost more upfront

A custom paint job for a commercial vehicle typically runs $3,000 to $10,000 or more, depending on color complexity and surface preparation requirements. Unlike wraps, custom paint becomes permanent once applied, and you cannot easily update your branding or revert to the original appearance. Paint also requires extensive prep work, including sanding, priming, and multiple coats, which extends the total time your vehicle stays in the shop.

Wraps offer flexibility that paint cannot match. You can change your branding every few years without damaging the original paint, and wraps protect your vehicle's factory finish instead of replacing it. When you sell or trade your vehicle, removing a wrap reveals the preserved paint underneath, potentially increasing your resale value. Paint jobs require touch-ups and maintenance as chips and scratches expose bare metal, while wrap damage usually stays contained to specific panels you can replace individually.

Wraps typically cost 30 to 50 percent less than professional custom paint jobs while delivering comparable visual impact and superior branding flexibility.

Vehicle lettering and decals as starter options

If a full wrap exceeds your budget, basic vehicle lettering provides professional identification starting around $500 to $1,200. Cut vinyl lettering includes your company name, logo, phone number, and website in solid colors without printed graphics. This approach works well for contractors who need DOT-compliant identification or businesses testing vehicle advertising before committing to larger investments.

Magnetic signs offer the most flexible option at $100 to $300 per set, letting you add and remove branding as needed. They work best for personal vehicles you use part-time for business or when you need temporary identification for specific jobs.

Wrap-up and next steps

Understanding how much does a vehicle wrap cost puts you in control of your vehicle branding budget and helps you plan accordingly. You now know that full wraps run $2,500 to $6,000 for most commercial vehicles, partial wraps cost $1,500 to $3,500, and basic lettering packages start around $500 to $1,200. Vehicle size, design complexity, and coverage type drive your final investment, but you can adjust these factors to match your budget and branding needs.

Your next step involves getting a detailed quote based on your specific vehicle and branding goals. Professional shops measure your vehicle, review your design ideas, and provide accurate pricing that accounts for all materials, labor, and design time. Most installers offer free consultations where you can see material samples, review past projects, and discuss realistic timeline expectations for your wrap project.

Ready to transform your vehicle into a mobile marketing asset? Get a quote from Complete Graphics Corp for professional fleet wraps, custom van graphics, or vehicle lettering across the Greater Chicago area.