The Cost To Wrap A Jeep Wrangler (And Is It Worth It)?

There are tons of ways to customize your Jeep, but nothing makes it stand out more than a new paint job or wrap. In this article, we’ll explain why wrapping is typically the better option and discuss the costs to wrap a Jeep Wrangler.

Table of Contents

• Paint vs. Wrap: Why Wrapping Is The Better Option
• DIY Jeep Wrap
• Professional Jeep Wrapping
• How Long Will A Wrap Last
• Will Wrapping A Jeep Wranlger Damage The Paint?
• Does Wrapping A Jeep Affect Its Performance?
• Why Do People Wrap Their Jeep
• Summary

Paint vs. Wrap: Why Wrapping Is The Better Option

When you’re considering giving your Jeep a facelift, one of the first questions that many owners start to ponder is if they should go the route of wrapping or a paint job. For us, wrapping is hands down the better option. Here’s why.

Budget

Wrapping your Jeep Wrangler is usually cheaper than painting it. This is because wrapping is a much faster process with lower material costs, even if you hire a professional to do it instead of doing it yourself.

Time

In order to properly paint your Wrangler, it’ll require multiple coats and multiple finishes — a process that can take several days if you’re doing it yourself. And if you’re taking it to a pro, expect to pay more in labor costs because of the man-hours involved.

Reversible

A paint job is permanent. This means that you won’t be able to go back to the previous color once done. (Well, not unless you repaint it and pay again.) However, a wrap is reversible, so you can easily undo it if you change your mind.

DIY Jeep Wrap

If you want to save some money on the wrapping process, then DIY is your option. However, keep in mind that it will take quite some time if it’s your first time doing it.

We suggest that you first check a few videos online and see what the process consists of. This way, you will have a clear picture of what you will be doing.

Also, consider that you will need to keep your Jeep in the garage until the process is finished. Why? Because you will need to disassemble it and keep it clean throughout the entire process. So, if it takes you days, you won’t be able to use it during that time.

What You Need

You’ll need several tools and some equipment in order to wrap your Jeep Wrangler yourself, but you should be able to get most of them in a wrapping toolkit that you can easily find on Amazon.

• A Heat Gun with all its accessories
• A Microfiber Towel
• A Vinyl Squeegee (hard one)
• Some Edge Cutting Tape
• Professional Wrapping Gloves. These are made specifically for wrapping tasks, not contaminating the surface with lint.
• Cutting Blade Magnets
• A Vynil Toolkit

Besides the items above, you’ll obviously need the vinyl wrap of your choice. You can find some good deals online, but please remember: cheap is not always the best option. Make sure to read the reviews first.

The 3M 1080 Series Vehicle Wraps are a good moderately priced option for a solid color wrap.

Don't go cheap.  A cheap vinyl wrap may end up costing you more than a more pricey one if you have to redo it to make it look spotless or if it won't stick perfectly.  It's better to be safe than sorry when buying your wrap!

How Much It Costs To Wrap a Jeep Wrangler Yourself

The toolkit won’t cost you much; you can find them online starting from $70.

Regarding the wrap, you’ll notice that the prices vary considerably based on the quality and finish.

Basic colors and finishes (matte or gloss) will be the cheapest options. However, if you choose to go with chrome or carbon fiber, the price may increase.

The best value for a wrap will be buying it in 5-foot x 25-foot rolls. Expect to pay about $275 per 25-foot roll for a decent quality wrap.

You’ll need approximately 2 rolls for a 2-door, soft-top Jeep Wrangler.

You’ll need closer to 3 rolls for a hard-top or larger 4-door Jeep Wrangler.

If it’s your first time wrapping your Jeep yourself, we’d suggest getting 3 rolls of wrap to be safe.

In total, the average cost of wrapping your Jeep Wrangler yourself will range between $600 and $1,400 depending on the size of your Jeep Wrangler.

Tips for Wrapping Your Jeep

Now the real adventure starts. If it’s the first time you do it, sit down and read through this guide first. Make sure to have all your tools and materials at hand before you start.

Step 1: Wash Your Jeep

Ideally, you should wash your Jeep the day before you start. There are two main reasons behind this.

• First, the surface needs to be spotless. You don’t want to have any dirt on your Jeep before applying the wrap. Any spots will show if you don’t wash them off.
• Second, the car needs to dry completely before you use the wrap. Water underneath could damage the wrap and make it unusable. So, check every nook or curve to make sure it is fully dry.

Step 2: Disassemble Your Jeep

If it’s your first time wrapping a Jeep, remove any parts of the vehicle that can be disassembled. For example, doors, top, spare tire, hood, etc. It will make your life easier when applying the wrap. It also ensures that the job will look spotless and professional, even when doing it yourself. This step isn’t necessary but will make life a lot easier.

Step 3: Alcohol Cleaning Process

Once you have all the pieces aside, you need to clean the surface with alcohol and a microfiber cloth. Every part that will be covered in wrap needs to go through this process. So, take your time and be patient; it will be worth it!

Step 4: Apply the Wrap

Now comes the fun! Gather all your tools and start applying your wrap.

Our suggestion is to start with the smallest parts so that you can practice first.

Take your time. Remember, it is better to do it slowly but right, rather than running through it and getting it wrong. You will save time by doing it right the first time!

Check out this video from CK Wraps for a look at how to wrap a Jeep wrangler yourself.

Professional Jeep Wrapping

If you don’t want to spend the time to wrap your Jeep yourself (or if you’re afraid of messing things up) then paying a professional to wrap your jeep is a good option.

The pros of professional wrapping are:

• The process is relatively fast for an experienced shop
• The quality of the work will likely be better than from an unexperienced Jeep owner
• You’ll have a wide variety of wrap colors and finishes to choose from

The only downside is the price.

Getting a professional to install a vinyl wrap on your Jeep Wrangler will cost you between $1,300 to $4,000 for most standard finishes. The price can soar to up to $10,000 if you choose chrome or custom finishes.

Again, the price depends on the size of your Jeep, the type of roof, how many doors, and the wrap that you choose.

One upside of going with a professional is their advice. They should be able to advise you on the type of wrap, estimated cost, and the time it takes to complete before starting the job. Depending on your Jeep model, they can also help you choose between a partial or full wrap.

How Long Will A Wrap Last

On average, wraps will last between five years to seven years depending on how well maintained they are. If you choose to apply a protecting UV layer to your wrap, it can expand the lifespan of your wrap to up to twelve years.

How to Care for your Vinyl Wrapped Jeep

Wrapped Jeeps need some TLC. In order to make sure they look great for as long as possible, make sure to wash them often (once a week or more if you’re taking your Jeep off-roading). Use a soft sponge and a microfiber cloth with car soap and water. Make sure the detergent is gentle. Then, dry it down with another microfiber cloth.

Will Wrapping A Jeep Wranlger Damage The Paint?

No, a properly installed vinyl wrap will not damage your Jeep Wrangler’s paint. As a matter of fact, it may even protect it.

By wrapping your Jeep, the paint won’t be exposed to UV rays, sunlight, rain, snow, and other elements. Your wrap may also prevent your paint from getting minor scratches and dings. The paint should stay in a preserved state under your vinyl wrap.

Does Wrapping A Jeep Affect Its Performance?

No, wrapping your Jeep shouldn’t affect its performance. A wrap is just a thin layer of vinyl on top of your current paint. The wrap is light enough to not weigh down your vehicle or affect its gas mileage or performance in any way.

Why Do People Wrap Their Jeep

There are many reasons for Jeep owners to decide to wrap their car. But initially, the main three reasons are:

• Changing the color or finish of their Jeep
• Personalizing it with messages or visual textures
• Using it for commercial purposes and marketing

Summary

Whatever your reason could be for wrapping your Jeep Wrangler, it is a safe and relatively cheap option when compared to paint.

If you choose to do it yourself, make sure to buy all the necessary tools and materials and follow the instructional videos from the manufacturer.

If you choose to get it done professionally, ask for quotes around town and ask for before and after pictures of the previous jobs. Make sure to check the reviews of the different professionals too, before choosing one.

Now, you should be armed with all the things you need to know about wrapping your Jeep. It’s time to dress up your Wrangler and made that bad boy (or girl) stand out for all the other cars on the road.