Paint vs Wrap Comparison

Painted Graphics or Wraps for Fleet Branding | Durable brand visibility with purpose-built solutions

At Craftsmen Industries, we combine fabrication expertise with a deep understanding of fleet branding to offer both painted and wrapped vehicle graphics. Our approach covers design consultation, application, and long-term care so your graphics perform in the field and support your business objectives.

What Are Painted Vehicle Graphics?

Painted graphics mean applying commercial-grade automotive paint directly to the vehicle's surface. At Craftsmen Industries, we specialise in custom fleet painting done right. Our state-of-the-art down-draft paint booths provide an environment that controls dust and humidity, ensuring every coat applies smoothly and cures properly.

Our experienced painters handle everything from prep work to the final detailed touches, including custom airbrushed logos or intricate designs embedded directly into the paint layer.

Why choose painted graphics?

• Seamless Integration: The paint becomes part of the vehicle's surface, with no edges or seams, which means no peeling or lifting over time.
• High Durability: Automotive-grade paint is known for its resilience, providing exceptional protection against chips, scratches, and fading.
• Custom Artistry: Offers the ability to add detailed airbrushed effects, custom logos, and intricate designs that elevate your brand's identity.
• Permanent Branding: Once applied, painted graphics maintain their vibrancy for years, making them ideal for businesses looking for a long-term branding solution.

This method is particularly well-suited for businesses that want a polished, professional, and permanent visual identity that communicates quality and reliability, with minimal upkeep required.

Understanding Vinyl Wrap Graphics

Vinyl wraps offer a flexible and versatile way to transform a vehicle's appearance. Instead of painting, a thin film of vinyl is applied over the existing paint. This film is printed or colored with your custom design and then carefully installed by 3M-certified applicators to ensure a smooth, bubble-free finish.

Craftsmen Industries uses high-quality vinyl from trusted brands like 3M, giving you access to a wide array of colors, textures, and finishes, from glossy and matte to carbon fibre and chrome.

What makes vinyl wraps so popular?

• Design flexibility: Full wraps, partial wraps, or simple decals allow you to customise exactly how much of your vehicle you brand
• Variety of finishes: Choose gloss for shine, matte for subtlety, satin for softness, or even textured vinyl for unique effects
• Removable and replaceable: Ideal for seasonal promotions or temporary campaigns
• Faster turnaround: Wraps usually install faster than paint, meaning less vehicle downtime

Vinyl wraps offer a cost-effective and eye-catching way to brand your fleet with endless customization options.

Paint vs. Wrap: What About Cost?

Cost is often the deciding factor for many businesses. Here's a realistic look at how expenses break down:

Painted graphics

• For small cars, expect to invest around $2,000 for a quality paint job with custom graphics.
• Larger vehicles, such as trucks and trailers, can exceed $10,000 depending on the complexity and surface area.
• Painting requires extensive labor: surface prep, masking, multiple coats, sanding, and curing.
• While up-front costs are higher, the long lifespan can reduce repainting or replacement expenses.

Vinyl wraps

• Generally, less expensive initially, with prices starting lower than paint for most vehicles.
• Installation requires fewer labor hours, often completed in just a couple of days.
• Replacement or removal costs can add up if frequent design changes or updates are needed.
• Material costs vary based on film type, finish, and design complexity.

Craftsmen Industries provides transparent pricing and will help you calculate the total cost based on your fleet size and branding goals. We work with you to find the best solution that fits your budget and timeline.

Durability & Maintenance: How Long Do They Last?

Durability and maintenance are crucial for a professional brand image year after year.

Painted graphics durability

• Painted graphics can last well beyond seven years when properly maintained
• High-quality automotive paint resists chipping, cracking, and fading
• Requires occasional touch-ups and clear coat applications to preserve shine and protection

Vinyl wrap durability

• Wraps generally last three to seven years, depending on the film's quality and environmental exposure
• UV inhibitors and protective laminates help prevent fading and cracking
• Sensitive to harsh chemicals, extreme weather, and improper washing techniques, which can cause peeling or bubbling

Maintenance tips for both:

• Wash regularly with mild soap and water
• Avoid abrasive brushes and high-pressure washers
• Minimize prolonged exposure to direct sunlight when possible
• For paint: schedule touch-ups as soon as chips or scratches appear
• For wraps: repair lifted edges or tears quickly to avoid further damage

According to AP News, Vinyl wraps are sheets of film, precisely cut and applied to a car's body panels using a heat gun and mild adhesive. They're durable, relatively affordable, and, with good care, can last around five years.

At Craftsmen Industries, we provide detailed maintenance guides and expert repair services to keep your graphics looking sharp.

Appearance & Branding Impact: Which Makes a Stronger Statement?

Your vehicle is a moving billboard, so the visual impact of your graphics is vital.

Painted graphics offer:

• A smooth, flawless surface with no seams or edges visible
• A professional, integrated look is ideal for custom logos and detailed imagery
• The ability to create unique, hand-crafted airbrush designs for standout branding

Vinyl wraps deliver:

• Striking finishes, including reflective chrome, satin sheen, or textured carbon fiber
• Bold, vibrant colors and high-resolution printed designs
• Easy experimentation with finishes that paint simply can't match

Choosing between paint and wrap comes down to whether you want classic permanence or versatile, high-impact customization.

Installation & Vehicle Downtime

How long your vehicle is off the road affects your operations and revenue.

Painting process:

• Includes thorough vehicle prep, multiple paint layers, sanding, and curing
• Typically requires several days to complete, depending on vehicle size and design complexity
• Longer downtime but durable results

Wrapping process:

• Involves vehicle cleaning, surface preparation, precise film application, trimming, and inspection
• Usually completed within two to three days with minimal disruption
• Fast turnaround is ideal for busy fleets

At Craftsmen Industries, our certified installers coordinate every step to minimize downtime without sacrificing quality.

When Should You Choose Painted Graphics?

Painted graphics are the better choice if you:

• Want long-term, permanent branding that doesn't peel or fade easily
• Require custom airbrushed designs or detailed logos integrated into the paintwork
• Need a seamless, professional fleet livery without edges or seams
• Value a show-quality finish with high durability and minimal maintenance

For brands investing in a consistent look that will last, paint offers unmatched reliability and polish.

When Is Vinyl Wrap the Smarter Choice?

Vinyl wraps work best if you:

• Run seasonal or temporary campaigns that require easy removal or replacement
• Want to minimize vehicle downtime with faster installation
• Desire a wide variety of finishes and textures to update your look regularly
• Need a cost-effective option for shorter-term branding or promotional work

Wraps offer flexibility and variety that painted graphics simply can't match.

Tips to Keep Your Graphics Looking Great

No matter which method you pick, proper care extends your investment's life:

• Wash with mild soap and water, and avoid harsh chemicals
• Do not pressure wash directly on graphics, especially vinyl wraps
• Limit sun exposure to prevent fading
• Schedule regular inspections to catch and repair damage early
• For paint, use touch-up kits for chips or scratches
• For vinyl wraps, patch repairs help avoid peeling or bubbling

Craftsmen Industries provides maintenance advice and quick repair services tailored to your graphics.

Why Trust Craftsmen Industries?

With decades of experience, Craftsmen Industries is your go-to for painted and wrapped fleet graphics.

• We operate in-house paint booths for precision and quality control
• Our team includes 3M-certified installers and PDAA-certified professionals
• We manage projects nationwide, delivering consistent, high-quality results
• From design consultation to final application, we ensure your fleet looks its best every mile

Whether you prefer the permanence of paint or the versatility of wraps, Craftsmen Industries has the expertise to bring your vision to life.

Frequently Asked Questions

 How do I decide between painted graphics and vinyl wraps for my fleet?

Choosing between paint and wrap depends on your budget, branding goals, and the desired lifespan of the graphics. Painted graphics offer a permanent, seamless finish ideal for long-term branding, while vinyl wraps are flexible and cost-effective for seasonal campaigns or frequent updates.

 How much downtime should I expect when installing painted graphics versus wraps?

Painting a vehicle takes longer due to surface preparation, multiple coats, and curing time, often requiring several days. Vinyl wraps can be installed within 2 to 3 days, reducing vehicle downtime.

 Can vinyl wraps match the color and finish quality of painted graphics?

Vinyl wraps offer a variety of colors and finishes, such as gloss, matte, satin, chrome, and textured options. While wraps are versatile, painted graphics provide a seamless, integrated finish that wraps cannot fully replicate.

 What maintenance is required to keep painted graphics and vinyl wraps looking their best?

For both painted graphics and wraps, regular washing with mild soap and water is recommended. Painted graphics may require occasional touch-ups, while vinyl wraps should be repaired promptly if edges lift or tears occur. Avoid abrasive cleaners and high-pressure washing.

 Prepared to Pick Between Painted Graphics and Vinyl Wraps?

Craftsmen Industries can help you choose and implement the best solution for your fleet. Whether you prefer a permanent painted identity or flexible wraps for specific campaigns, we will design, plan, and install high-quality vehicle graphics that support your business goals.