How Much Does It Cost To Wrap A Tesla?

Are you interested in wrapping your Tesla 3, S, X, or Y but don’t know the expenses involved? How much does it cost to wrap a Tesla, you ask? 

Tesla wraps start as low as $1,000 but can go as high as $12,000, depending on factors such as type of wrap, finish, accessories used, the complexity of the project, and whether you’ll have it professionally wrapped or do the DIY route. The shop and your location could also affect the cost of Tesla wrap installation.

On average, you can expect to pay between $3000 and $4000. Is it worth it? Continue reading to find out.

What Is a Tesla Wrap?

A vinyl wrap is a thin film made mostly of Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC). It is applied over the paint of your vehicle. One side has an adhesive and color on the other – similar to a decal. Wraps are available in various colors, finishes (satin, glossy, matte, pearl), and styles like chrome, camouflage, or color-shifting. 

Tesla wraps are sought-after because the company used to offer 10+ color options. Production delays led the company to cut this number in half. The the more recent models (2021 and 2022) only have five exterior colors.

Aside from the limited color options, the soft paint used in Tesla vehicles is notorious for causing early damage like chipping and flaking. Instead of repainting these damages, wrapping a Tesla is ideal because of these three benefits: 

• A Tesla wrap provides a thin layer of protection against scrapes and scratches. 
• A Tesla wrap lets owners customize the color of their cars at a significantly lower cost. 
• A Tesla wrap can be removed, leaving the original factory paint job intact.

And, if you have serious dents or chipping, you can pair it with paintless dent repair to keep the original factory parts in place.

Tesla Wrap Process 

Both professionally-installed and DIY routes should begin by cleaning the surfaces and planning the design. Decide if you also wish to wrap interior surfaces (textured wraps work well inside). 

Most wrap jobs also include customizing the emblem and chrome trims to match the new Tesla color or design. If you want this add-on, prepare to order additional wrap types and shoulder the extra cost. 

You may need to cut and piece together the vinyl to ensure proper coverage throughout. This means that every panel of the Tesla has to be accurately measured first.

With experienced auto shops, Tesla vinyl wrapping is done using either of these two methods: 

1. Dry method: The most favored way of wrapping because of the ease and less messy application. This method requires an indoor setting without direct sunlight and 40- to 50-degree F ambient temperature. In the dry method, the film is aligned, positioned, and pressured down with a squeegee. This process is repeated until no air pockets remain.
2. Wet method: The process for the wet wrap method is similar, except the surface and back of the vinyl are first sprayed with a special fluid. This method is primarily used when installing a Paint Protection Film because of the thickness of the film.

As you can imagine, this method can be challenging and messy, especially for non-professionals. However, the wet method tends to keep the wrap in place longer. 

Those who DIY the wrap installation use a hairdryer to heat up the film that doesn’t stick as quickly. 

Pros and Cons of Wrapping a Tesla

Teslas are expensive. One way to take care of your investment and prolong its official paint job is to wrap your vehicle. Other pros and cons of a Tesla wrap include: 

PROS:

• Unique, customizable design: Wraps allow you to customize as little or as much as you want. If your goal is to stand out, you can choose vibrant colors or textured wraps. If the goal is to camouflage, there are available wrap options for that, too!
• Cost-effective: A new paint job costs $5,000 to $10,000 while the average wrap installation costs $3000 and $4000. 
• Protects from UV rays: Paint fades over time naturally, but the UV rays speed up the fading. When a vehicle is wrapped, zero to minimal UV rays reach the paint. 
• Removable: Unlike permanent paint jobs, wraps are completely removable if you suddenly change your mind. You just have to know how to remove the wrap properly to avoid damage. 
• Retains resale value: Wrapping protects your Tesla’s original paint job, so once you remove the wrap, the exterior feels brand new and you get to retain its resale value. 

CONS:

• Paint damage if done poorly: If the shop or installer made a mistake while wrapping your Tesla, the paint could be damaged and void the paint warranty. 
• Inaccurate colors: Low-quality wraps may result in a different color when applied to the Tesla, which can be disappointing if you’re expecting a particular color or design. 

Tesla Wrap FAQs

Does Tesla have in-house wrapping services?

Yes, but this special service is only available in Tesla’s service centers in China.

How much is it to wrap my Tesla?

Prepare to pay anywhere from $1000 to $12,000 for Tesla wrap. The following factors could dictate the wrap price: 

• Type of wrap: Plain-colored wraps are the cheapest, regardless of brand. Color-flip, textured, customized print, and chrome wraps are usually more expensive. A metallic or glossy finish is often more expensive than a satin or matte finish.
• The complexity of the project: Teslas already have their unique shape that requires custom fitting. If you decide to mix and match different colors, create stripes, or custom graphics, the installation would be more complicated (and more costly). 
• Coverage: Do you wish to do partial or full wrap?
• Tesla Model: Some models (like Models X & Y) are bigger than older models (like Models 3 & S), which means other models would require more wrap coverage.
• Shop and location: Shops in major cities usually bill higher because they have higher overhead costs. 
• DIY: If you’re wrapping the Tesla yourself, it means you’re not going to pay for labor. You also won’t have to pay the shop, but only shoulder for vinyl wraps (which cost about $500). 

Is wrapping a Tesla worth it?

Wrapping your Tesla is worth it just for the added protection it provides. 

If you feel the standard colors Tesla offers are bland, wrapping your vehicle completely transforms the entire look and gives your Tesla its own character.

Does a wrap void the Tesla warranty?

Wraps do not void the warranty of your Tesla. Although wraps can be a long-term addition to your vehicle, they are non-permanent and do not affect the cosmetics or performance of the Tesla. 

Tesla could void the paint warranty if the wrap was installed improperly and impacted the paint underneath. 

How long does a Tesla Wrap Last?

Tesla wrap is known to last about 5 to 7 years before they peel, gets cracked, or fades. 

If Tesla owners are meticulous with care and do not run the vehicle through auto car washes, the wrap could last longer.

Specific wrap brands like 3M, FlexiShield, Orafol, Avery, and Hexis offer 1 to 3 years warranties. We work with Llumar wraps and can provide a specific warranty for your car along with a protection plan.

How long does a Tesla car wrap take to install?

A professional Tesla wrap installation takes 2 to 5 working days to complete a full wrap, depending on the size and shape of the wrap. 

Prep work, which may involve removing the decal or other accessories first, could also affect installation time. Contact one of our managers via the contact form and we can give you a solid estimate that respects your time & availability.