Everything You’ve Ever Wanted to Know About Color Change Vinyl Wraps

Written by: Brady Drake

Thinking about giving your ride a fresh new look? A color change vinyl wrap is one of the easiest (and most fun) ways to completely transform your vehicle—without the commitment of a new paint job. Whether you’re after a sleek satin black, a bold metallic, or something that flips colors in the sunlight, a wrap lets you stand out your way

Here at Custom Graphics, we get a lot of great questions about color change wraps, so we’ve rounded up the most common ones (and a few you might not have thought to ask).

Q: How long does a vinyl wrap last?

A: With quality materials and professional installation, a wrap typically lasts 3-7 years. Factors like how much sun exposure your vehicle gets and how you maintain it play a big role in longevity—garage-kept and regularly cleaned vehicles tend to get the longest life.

Q: Will a wrap damage my paint?

A: Nope! When installed and removed properly, a vinyl wrap actually protects your factory paint from UV rays, road debris, and light scratches. The only time you might run into issues is if the paint underneath was already peeling or damaged.

Q: How much does a color change wrap cost?

A: Pricing depends on your vehicle’s size, the type of film, and how detailed you want the job to be. In general, wraps cost about the same as a quality paint job—but with way more flexibility, color options, and the ability to change it up down the road.

Q: Can I wash or wax my wrapped car?

A: Definitely! Just stick to hand washing with mild soap and water or touch-free car washes—no pressure washers or automatic car washes with brushes. We also recommend vinyl-safe detail sprays or ceramic coatings to help keep your wrap looking new and glossy.

Q: Can you wrap over dents, rust, or peeling paint?

A: Unfortunately, no. Vinyl conforms to the surface underneath it, so any imperfections will show through. The better the surface prep, the better the result—and we’ll always inspect and prep your vehicle before installation.

Q: How long does it take to wrap a vehicle? 

A: Most full color change wraps take 2-5 days. We never rush the process—every panel, contour, and edge gets the attention it deserves to ensure a flawless, paint-like finish.

Q: Do I need to tell my insurance or DMV?

A: In some states, you might need to update your vehicle color with the DMV or let your insurance provider know. It’s usually quick and simple, but we always recommend checking local requirements just to be safe.

Q: What’s the difference between wrapping and painting?

A: Paint is permanent—a wrap is temporary and reversible. Wraps give you more creative freedom, faster turnaround, and protect your paint at the same time. Plus, when you’re ready for a change, just peel it off and go for something new!

Q: Can I protect my wrap even more?

A: Yes! Adding a ceramic coating or paint protection film (PPF) on top can extend the life of your wrap and make cleaning a breeze. Just be sure to use products made specifically for vinyl films.

Q: Can wraps be repaired if damaged?

A: In most cases, yes! If a panel gets scratched or scuffed, we can rewrap that section without touching the rest of the vehicle. We’ll do our best to color-match your existing film, though older or discontinued films can be a bit trickier

Q: What vinyl brands do you use?

A: We only work with premium brands like 3M —with materials trusted by professional wrap shops and automotive restylers around the world. These films deliver vibrant color, strong durability, and clean removability when it’s time for a change

Q: What makes your wrap process different?

A: At Custom Graphics, we’re all about the details. Every color change wrap includes:

  • Deep cleaning and surface prep for maximum adhesion
  • Proper post-heating and edge sealing for long-term durability
  • A full quality check before delivery

Our goal? To give you a seamless, head-turning finish that looks like it rolled straight out of the paint booth.

Ready to transform your ride?

Whether you’re after a subtle color shift or a bold new look, our team at Custom Graphics is here to help you make it happen.

Reach out to our team today to start planning your next vehicle wrap!

Custom Graphics Inc.

Contact Us:
Customgraphicsinc.com
701-237-5685
Instagram | @Customgraphicsinc
Facebook | @Customgraphicsfargo
2501 3rd Ave N, Fargo, ND 58102

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Brady is the Editorial Director at Spotlight Media in Fargo, ND.