Breaking down the cost, durability, and value of each option.
If you’re ready to change up the look of your side-by-side, you’ve likely considered both paint and vinyl wrap. But which one makes more sense — especially when it comes to price, protection, and longevity?
Let’s get straight to the point:
Yes, wrapping is almost always cheaper than painting a UTV — and it comes with more benefits, too.
Here’s a full breakdown comparing wraps vs paint jobs, so you can choose the best option for your machine.
Cost Comparison: Wrap vs Paint
| Method | Average Cost | What You Get |
|---|---|---|
| Full Vinyl Wrap | $900 – $2,000 | Full-body custom design, laminated vinyl protection, easy reprint options |
| Professional Paint Job | $2,500 – $5,000+ | Custom colors, labor-intensive prep, primer/base/clear coat, often permanent |
Wraps are 50–75% cheaper than a high-quality custom paint job — especially for full-body coverage.
And keep in mind: a paint job is permanent. If you change your mind or scratch it up? You’re starting over — or paying for touch-ups.
Durability: Which Holds Up Better?
Paint
- High-quality paint is durable, but scratches and chips are hard to repair
- Sun fading, especially on bright colors, happens over time
- No built-in protection from rocks, branches, or trail debris
Wrap
- Laminated wraps add a protective barrier to your plastics
- Easier to repair with reprint panels
- Resists UV fading and trail rash better than most UTV paints
- Can be replaced or removed anytime without damaging the plastics underneath
Winner: Wrap, especially for riders who hit the trails hard or change designs often
Customization
Paint:
- Limited by labor, cost, and color-matching
- Wild custom designs = huge upcharge
- Very difficult to redo or change later
Wrap:
- Unlimited color, pattern, and finish combinations
- Chrome, holographic, matte, gloss, and more
- Fully customizable — even with your name, number, or sponsor logos
- Change it up every season if you want
Wraps give you 100x more creative control, and you can redesign whenever you want without breaking the bank.
Reversibility & Resale
One of the biggest advantages of wrapping your UTV is that it’s not permanent. If you’re planning to sell or trade in your machine:
- Paint: Permanent change; affects resale if color or finish isn’t desirable
- Wrap: Can be removed to reveal clean, protected OEM plastics underneath — often boosting resale value
DIY Factor
Painting requires:
- Disassembly
- Sanding, primer, spraying, and curing
- A proper spray booth or pro shop
Wrapping can be done in a home garage with:
- A heat gun, squeegee, and time
- No fumes, mess, or permanent consequences
Thousands of Deviant Ink customers have wrapped their machines themselves — no experience necessary.
Final Thoughts
Wrapping your UTV is more affordable, more protective, and way more customizable than paint.
Unless you’re restoring a show build or want a permanent finish, wraps are the smarter move — every time.
At UTVWraps.com, our kits are:
- Pre-cut to your exact machine
- Built from premium, off-road vinyl
- Fully customizable in design and finish
- Backed by our reprint and support programs
Design your wrap today at DeviantInk.com and get a bold new look — without the cost of paint.
