Tired of the colour of your car? The good news is that you have 2 ways to change your car colour and give it a brand new look: wrapping your car or spray painting it!
In this article, we evaluate the 2 methods, crucial things to consider before changing vehicle colour and tips on choosing a good workshop to better help you make a decision!
Ways To Change Up The Colour Of Your Car
Car wrap
Car wrapping is one method of changing your car’s colour without having to paint it. It entails the careful application of a vinyl film to your car with heat, partially or completely covering it.
On top of changing the car’s appearance, the wrap also protects your car’s surface. Car wraps are commonly referred to as paint wraps, paint protection films or colour change wraps.
Car spray paint
Car spray painting involves using a spray gun to apply either acrylic or urethane paint on a vehicle to change its colour. Spray painting jobs can be costly as it’s a more permanent car modification and takes more time and effort.
Car wrap VS car spray paint: which method should I use to change my car colour?
| Car wrap | Car spray paint | |
|---|---|---|
| Colour variety | • Large range of design and finishes • Graphics of any sort can be applied onto a design | • May be limited by range offered by the workshop |
| Duration of process | 1 - 3 days | 1 - 3 weeks |
| Durability of colour change | 7 - 10 years | Durability will vary on the quality and experience of the painter |
| Level of maintenance | Wash by hand with suitable car shampoo | Periodic waxing on top of washing |
| Price | From $1,800 | $1,000 - $10,000 |
Things To Consider Before Changing Your Car’s Colour
1. Laws surrounding car colour change
Depending on the country, there are different rules and regulations to follow when you change your car colour.
In Singapore, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) doesn’t permit the use of chrome wraps on vehicles due to its highly reflective surface which may cause distractions on the road.
Additionally, car owners who change their car colour will need to update the OneMotoring website promptly. It’s also essential to report this to your insurance company with proper documents so that they can confirm that it’s the same car.
In other countries, such as India, you’ll need to get an official permit before proceeding to change your car colour.
2. Resale value of the car
Sometimes, changing car colour may also impact its resale value regardless of the option you go with:
- Car wrap: Some dealers may be skeptical about the condition of the car underneath the wrap and might offer a lower price.
- Car spray paint: The value might be lowered if the colour is not generally acceptable. Certain dealers may also be particular about the car not having its original colour.
3. Costs to change colour
Another thing to think about is whether your car is worth the price of the colour change. This is a modification that requires you to set aside a sufficient amount of cash for good quality service.
- Consider the age of your car
For older vehicles, revamping the colour might cost more than what it’s worth, so it might be better to get a new car.
- Evaluate which method is better suited to your budget and needs
Both wrapping and spray painting can get expensive depending on the details of the desired design and the car grooming company you hire.
4. Time taken
With the time needed for the preparation and actual process itself, you must be prepared to go without your car for some time. Wrapping takes 1 – 3 days and paint jobs will require around 1 – 3 weeks.
It’s also not recommended that you start actively driving your freshly modified car immediately.
Consult the specialist on how long the whole procedure will take before deciding when and whether to proceed. You wouldn’t want to do it during a period when you need to drive regularly!
5. Temperature absorption
When picking a new colour, do consider the temperature of the environment that your car will constantly be in.
In a hot and humid country like Singapore, darker shades such as black or navy blue tend to absorb heat the most. This may cause your engine to overheat, especially if you live in an area with no sheltered car parks.
Whites or lighter shades can help keep your car cool, and you’ll be less likely to be greeted with a heated interior!
6. Safety
Before deciding on your car colour, you should also consider the safety concerns regarding certain shades. This is especially important for countries that don’t have street lights in certain areas.
Darker cars are more difficult to see on the road at night, especially in areas with less light. Brighter colours will stand out more, preventing potential accidents and allowing you to identify them quickly in parking lots.
Tips To Choose A Car Workshop For Your Colour Change Job
Once you’ve decided that you’re going to change your car’s car colour, you’ll want to make sure the job is done properly. Here are some important tips to help you find the right car workshop for your modification!
Frequently asked questions
1. How hard is it to change car colour?
This depends on
- the current condition of your car’s surface,
- the car colour change option you select and
- the experience of the specialist you engage.
Car wraps will take 1 – 3 days while spray painting takes 1 – 3 weeks.
2. What’s the cheapest way to change the colour of your car?
The cheapest way to change your car colour is car wrapping. However, if the wrap design is more complicated, it can be as expensive as a spray painting job.
As a gauge, car wraps cost about $1,800 onwards whereas spray painting jobs are around $1,000 – $10,000.
3. Which car colour fades the most?
All car colours will fade over time, but red cars appear to fade the fastest. It’s bold and noticeable, making any shifts in colour more obvious.
To slow down the fading process, here are some things you can do:
- Have a consistent car washing schedule
- Hand wash your car with suitable car shampoos or use rinseless washes
- Avoid using any abrasive waxes or sealants
- Keep it under sheltered parking
- Opt for car wraps with UV-resistant top coats
4. Which car colour is the easiest to maintain?
Colours like white, silver, grey and other lighter tones are the simplest to take care of. Dust and dirt won’t show as obviously, scratches are less visible and fading isn’t as obvious.
That being said, all car colours still require cleaning to be maintained in pristine condition. Ensure to wash your car every 2 weeks to keep it clean and preserve the colour’s appearance!
Changing Up Your Car Colour
Deciding to change your car colour is a huge undertaking that will cost you time and money. Therefore, it’s important to be fully aware of all the processes involved and think carefully about the right methods and workshops for your modification job.
If you want a flexible, affordable, durable and customisable option, New Age Polish specialises in high-quality car wraps to give your car the desired look! We also provide a full spectrum of car grooming services to give your automobile the best treatment.
