RV Wrap vs. PaintÂ
The condition of the outside of an RV can say a lot just by looking at it. If the RV is old, it is very likely that the paint has been somewhat damaged after so much use and being exposed to harsh weather conditions in all those long trips. So, we can only expect that after some time, users might want to look into different options to change the exterior and its whole appearance, maybe to fix some scratches, etc.
This is when RV users think it’s time for changing the color of the RV. However, there are different options instead of the classic paint job. For example, there is a technique called wrapping which consists of a vinyl-like material and the classic paint technique. In this post, we will talk in-depth about the both of them and compare them to see which one is more suitable for your RV needs and preferences.
Process and Quality
Wrapping a vehicle provides a smooth, paint-like surface that is both durable and dazzling, adhering well to deep curves, also prevents the formation of wrinkles and bubbles during application in the film offering repositioning and slip susceptibility, saving valuable installation time. While painting depending on how damaged the surface is, can remove all original paint from it to leave a bare metal appearance, making sure there are no residues and repair any damage, like scratches, dents and imperfections in general by adding fillers so all the surfaces are even, like they were original, applying different layers of paint and finishing with coat to seal it, making sure it’s smooth not just to the eye but also under it. Or if you just want to recolor a certain small area, they can simply take care of that.
Durability
Wrapping lasts from 5-10 years depending on the brand, style, and material used, and surprisingly, this is the average time for custom paint jobs as well.
Customization
With normal painting, there are different types you can choose from, not to mention they have the tools to reach for smaller areas perfectly, you can do different finishes like matte, pearled and metallic. And with wrapping, professionals think it can be more volatile since you are pretty much covering the original paint from the RV and it’s like you are protecting it. You can choose from smaller vinyl pieces instead of covering the whole body.
Cost
When you want to paint a car, you need to keep in mind that the process, whatever you decide is not going to be cheap. Of course, it all will depend as well on how big your RV is what technique you opt for. Wrapping completely an RV can range from $3000-$6000 USD, while regular painting can go from $5000-$10,000. You also need to have at mind prices that may vary from place to place considering that their personnel is proper training to ensure a good and efficient job.
In this case, it will mostly depend on the condition of the original paint of your RV. If it’s really damaged and plans on keep using it for more years it is recommended to invest in regular painting, but if the surface is still relatively decent, wrapping could be a good choice for you.