Mustang Wrap Cost: Prices for Buying Vinyl, Installation, & More

Mustang Wrap Cost Information

If your Mustang is brand new and you want to keep it looking its best, or if the paint job is beginning to fade or chip, wrapping it in vinyl is a great way to make it stand out and even provide a little protection. The cost of vinyl wrapping a Mustang will vary depending on which model year and the trim level you have, as well as whether you choose to have it done professionally done or do it yourself.

The process is straightforward and involves applying a protective layer of adhesive vinyl to the exterior of the car, but getting professional results will take some practice. Unlike other methods of protecting the car’s body such as paint, vinyl is removable, which means that it won’t impact the car’s resale value if you decide to sell. It’s also possible to wrap parts of the car, such as the roof or hood only, or to add vinyl flairs like racing stripes or a special livery.

If you’re thinking about wrapping your Mustang, the first thing to look at is the area of the car you want to wrap. If you just want to wrap the roof or just the hood, you can get by with about $50 if you do it yourself, or $250 to 350 for a professional job.

DIY Vinyl Wrap

With the exception of the earliest 1960s Mustangs, the wheelbase of each model has gotten progressively bigger. In general, the newer the Mustang the higher the cost will be since the cars get larger with every new model. If you’re doing the work yourself, you will need more vinyl to cover a larger Mustang than a smaller one. Typically, vinyl is sold in rolls of five by 25 feet, so you may be able to cover a smaller model with a single roll, while larger models will require a second roll. You can also purchase small decals and install them for $50 or less.

Vinyl Costs

Three of the most popular and reputable vinyl brands available are 3M, Avery, and Oracal. Below, we provide pricing information for buying a five-by-25-foot roll of vinyl from each brand. Keep in mind, however, that finishes like carbon fiber will be more expensive than matte options.

• 3M matte black: About $250 per roll
• 3M black carbon fiber: About $450 per roll
• Avery gloss black: About $230 per roll
• Avery white carbon fiber: About $300 per roll
• Oracal silver carbon fiber: About $250 per roll

Installing a Vinyl Wrap

To prepare the car for its new vinyl wrap, make sure that the car is clean and that any imperfections in the paint are repaired and smooth. Any dents will need to be repaired and any dings, scratches, or holes filled and smoothed over. The vinyl will not hide any imperfections, so it is best to get the car’s exterior as smooth and clean as possible before installing the vinyl. If you plan to take your car in to have the vinyl put on professionally, you’ll save some money if you can finish the bodywork yourself. However, the shop will still clean the car before applying the vinyl because it will likely have picked up some dirt on the way to the shop.

If you’re planning on installing the vinyl yourself, you’ll need a toolkit with a specialty squeegee, gloves, felt edges, edge sealer, and a sharp cutting tool. You’ll also need a heat gun which is not typically included in the kit. Removing the vinyl typically will involve the same tools whenever you decide its time for it to come off, too. If you need a toolkit, there are a variety of options for around $10 on Amazon.

Professional Installation

If you just want to wrap a portion of your Mustang, you can typically hire a professional to do it for around $250 to $350, which includes the cost of vinyl and labor. This is the best option if you’re looking to apply a customized decal, since a shop can help you design and print it. The larger the area that needs to be wrapped, and the more curves or complex the area, the higher the cost will be.

The costs for a full car wrap will also vary depending on the size of the car with larger models being more expensive. In general, a professional shop will charge around $2,000 to $4,000 for a full Mustang wrap. If you have a convertible or an older, smaller model, the cost will be on the lower end of the range because there’s simply less surface area to cover.

To find a professional installer, you can start with a Google search for body shops or paint shops near you.

Will a Wrap Save You Money?

A vinyl wrap can save money if you plan to sell your car in the future. If you live in an area where cars normally get sun damage, the vinyl will help keep the paint underneath looking newer for longer and will ultimately help keep your Mustang’s resale value high. If your paint is in great shape already and you are happy with the color, a shop may be able to install a clear protective layer over the top of the car, which is comparable in price and can be a decent alternative to a vinyl wrap.

If you have an older car, a wrap can be cheaper than a new paint job and help get your classic looking fresh with minimal expense. Wraps may not last as long as paint, though, especially if you live in an area with hot summers and cold winters (the temperature fluctuations cause the vinyl to bubble) or if you don’t keep your car in a garage. Some shops may offer warranties on their wraps, which will help mitigate the risk if you think you live in an area that will be hard on the vehicle’s exterior. Note that if you install a wrap yourself, though, you’ll usually void any warranty that came with the vinyl.

In Summary

A vinyl wrap can be a good way to personalize the look of your Mustang or protect its current paint job. It’s also a way to get racing stripes that look professional without the cost of sending your car to a paint booth. To wrap a small portion of the car, you can expect to pay as little as $50 if you do it yourself and $250 to $350 if you hire a professional. For a full wrap, doing the work yourself will cost you anywhere from $250 to $900 depending on the type of vinyl you need, and a professional installation will typically cost around $2,000 to $4,000 depending on the size of your car.

For more about wrapping other types of vehicles, we explain the cost to wrap a Jeep or a truck.