What about wraps
 

I see a lot of posts about wraping car instead of painting.I'm old guy so this is strange to me.What does it cost to do a wrap?how does the finish compare to paint?How does the wrap hold up to rock chips?How long will wrap last?Does it fade?What gives you a better finish the wrap or paint?What is the reason to wrap over paint is it cost?I'm curious about any info since wraps so popular.

Cost.

What does a wrap cost?

I'm thinking about getting my car wrapped and here's what I've learned so far:
The cost depends on the type and quality of the vinyl used. I am interested in just doing a racing stripe and have been quoted $800. I may just do it myself.
You can get a matte or glossy wrap.
The wrap covers the paint so it will protect it from small chips.
It should last around 5 years or more depending on the quality.
It should not fade if garaged, but may not last as long if your car is kept outside.
Painting is permanent and wrapping is temporary. Which offers the better finish is mute because wrapping is not meant to last for the life of the car.
I would decide to wrap my car for a loud or statement color without bringing down the value if I ever wanted to sell it.
Hope that helps.

Paint cost
 

I see the point of easy to return to stock.For anyone what does it cost to paint car in your area?

A cheaper alternative to wrapping your car having the entire car plastidipped. Costs should be much less than wraps and can easily be removed if you changed your mind. Check YouTube to learn more about it.

You can wrap the whole car for $800 if you do the work yourself, i've started on my car, i'll post some pics later. I do a couple of panels at a time when i have the time. Its way better then plastidip if you ask me since you dont need a paint booth/paint equipment (for DYI folks like me) The biggest issue i've seen so far is getting dirt underneath as you laying and stretch it...and takes some practice. Looks just like paint.

There are a lot of variables but a few are: the brand of vinyl, size of your vehicle, color of your car, and complexity of its curves.

For the 370z, most of the time it will cost around $2500-3500

paint is ALWAYS better than a wrap, I wrapped my roof and the finish is 80% if you mean gloss wise...

I only have one spot where gloss didn't come out because i was wrapping in the sun and wrap got too hot and over stretched, otherwise its 100% I had 2 random people tell me that it looks like paint, can't tell the difference. BUT if you know what color you want and you're sure you gona like it forever then yea paint will outlast the wrap and look better over time, you can't buff out scratches from the wrap but at the same time if you get rock chips you can just rewrap that part only and it will look new again, with paint you'd have to touch up and buff and hope it comes up fine.

Wrap and Paint
 

If you have wraped your car post more pics of before and after.I might try this in future.Painting car now.$1800 in material costs plus 100hrs of my time.

Heck paint alone can be close to $2K just for the paint itself. I bet a solid $5K in labor minimum for a decent paint job.

I LOVE wrap. I have done my infiniti 3 times and enjoy the process. Perfection can be difficult but as long as I am happy I could car less about other's opinions. I'll post some pics later of some "Different" wraps. Possibilities are endless.....

I car more...but that's just me

Half the cost of paint, removable, lasts a 4-7 years depending on exposure to sun, gives some additional protection to the oem paint.

http://www.the370z.com/members/2011-...1-img-9434.jpg

http://www.the370z.com/members/2011-...bums-wrap.html

that marble looks insane, do you have more pics? outside in the sun?

Sure, dont think its nearly 100hrs, about 2-4hrs per panel, 40hrs max that is for someone like me with no experiance. Also i can't imagine $1800 in material cost unless you're doing a bus.

I have a wrapped boat and the roof of my Z is wrapped.

If you do a printed wrap you need the UV overlay or it will toast. I can scratch it with a fingernail. IMO rocks will chew it up on a car, but you can replace sections when said damage occurs. Said chips will eventually collect dirt and it will show just liked it a torn sticker. You don't need to wax the wrap, wash with the same products as a car. Don't take through a car wash. Make sure your edges are either permanently taped down or the wrap is secured with 3M edge lock.

check his instagram . (It is on the window)

My local shop has done a coating over the wrap before, for max protection. Seems like a good idea if you're gonna go that route

I have painted a lot of cars.
If you are fitting aftermarket fenders and bumpers extra work involved.Use the best Primer, paint,clear,activator.Need to get body flat and perfect.Better than factory.Prime and block sand.The body prep is 80% of the job..Several coats of paint to lay down.I will put 3 coats of high soild clear on top of that.Then I will sand and buff the clear to get a glass finish. I do not mean to be rude but to get the finish I like is a lot of work.Easy100hrs.

Sorry, i misunderstood...i didn't realize you were talking about painting

My fault too.Would agree with your time for wraps.I may do this in future.You can do some crazy stuff with wraps and change it when you want.