If you’re looking for a Tesla Model 3 car wrap, you may have asked yourself these questions:
- Will a vinyl wrap provide the same paint protection film benefits?
- How much does it cost to wrap a Tesla Model 3?
- What color and style should I ultimately pick?
- Can I wrap a Tesla myself? Or where can I find a reputable shop that doesn’t charge an arm and a leg?
- What about other smaller trims (like the door handles, logos, and interior trims)? Can I find pre-cut wraps for those?
Regardless of whether you’re looking for the craziest of wraps or just adding a subtle finish to your car’s look, this guide describes everything you need to know about vinyl car wraps for your Tesla Model 3.
Pay attention if you want to save money; this guide includes advice from a Tesla owner who wrapped his Model 3 successfully without prior experience.
Let’s dive right in!
PPF vs. Vinyl: How Much Does It Cost to Wrap a Tesla Model 3?
Wraps can refer to either vinyl wraps or paint protection film (PPF, for short). We’ll focus primarily on vinyl wraps, but let’s compare the cost of both.
A complete Tesla Model 3 wrap job costs north of $3,200 in most areas.
Experienced shops in high cost of living states may charge up to $6,000, while shops in less expensive areas charge as little as $2,000.
PPF wrap jobs tend to be more expensive, although they have the option of a partial wrap which can cut the price in half or more.
To fully wrap your Tesla with PPF, you’ll easily pay a shop $5,000 to $8,000, although you may find shops that do a partial front-end job for $1,200 to $1,800.
Comparing material costs, PPF also tends to be much more expensive.
While two 3M vinyl 5′ by 30′ rolls (enough to wrap a Model 3 and then some) may cost you close to a grand, enough PPF material to cover an entire Model 3 may cost you twice as much.
Partial PPF jobs are not uncommon due to higher material costs.
What’s the best film to protect your Tesla, though?
AMMO NYC does an incredible job comparing paint protection film with vinyl wrap on six different categories, including durability and cost:
PPF wraps “heal themselves,” meaning minor scratches go away with heat, and having 6 to 10 mm thickness, PPF wrap is not as easy to penetrate.
Vinyl wrap, which can be as thin as 2 mm, provides protection against minor scratches, but not to the same extent.
Regarding aesthetics, companies like XPEL have developed PPF films with different finishes to provide a unique look. Aesthetic customizations remain limited compared with vinyl, though.
In short, paint protection film is designed to preserve your paint from harsh elements like rock chips, dings, and minor impacts.
Vinyl wraps are usually aesthetic upgrades overall.
How to Save Yourself $4,000+
Yes, you can save some money if you wrap your Tesla yourself.
You can find Tesla owners who bought everything needed to wrap their cars for under $700.
Wrapping a vehicle is a time-consuming process. That’s why shops charge you so much money.
See the Tesla owner above who “only” spent $700?
Well, it took him 30 hours of work to get everything done!
Sure, you’re saving in the order of $4,000.
Unless you get paid in excess of $100/hr, it can be worth it.
But if you’re not keen to learn the trait and go through the learning curve, finding a reputable shop will be your safest bet.
If you want to save thousands of dollars though, I’ve compiled the best tips and installation videos in this article.
They’ll make your DIY project much, much easier.
As this TMC member and first-time Tesla Model 3 car wrap DIYer said,
“In this YouTube age, anyone can do anything with proper research.”
Own a Model 3 or Model Y? Earn some extra income by writing about the car you love and helping the Tesla community. Click below to apply.
A Visual Guide to Picking Your Favorite Wrap Color & Finish
Regardless of the color or finish you want, there’s a wrap to fit your needs.
Below, I include as many examples as I could find to give you a clear idea of how these wraps may look like in your Model 3.
When available, I include the wrap name and link within each image’s caption so you can continue to research the wraps that get your attention.
Common Tesla Model 3 Car Wrap Examples
Coupled with a chrome delete and some black rims, this classic look never gets old.
A simple white wrap that, when seen from an angle and under certain lighting conditions, has some rainbow-like reflects.
A good choice for white Model 3 owners looking to maintain their color to a certain extent.
Not a fan of satin or glossy finishes? Matte black may just be the finish you’re after.
Arguably better-looking (and probably more durable) than Tesla’s original blue paint.
You can almost see the dragon flames 🐉 … My favorite so far.
I do like this gray. It airs on the whiter side and almost has a stainless steel look to it.
Makes me think of the oh-so-interesting Tesla Cybertruck.
Ever wanted a gray not as dark as Tesla’s OEM silver paint? This is the style you’re looking for.
Subtle, More Unique Tesla Model 3 Car Wrap Examples
Resembles a toy in my opinion… but a valid color for those who like it.
Yup, the Model 3 is worth its weight in gold. So much so this owner wrapped it in a rose gold-like color.
Not exactly appealing to me, although interesting.
I wonder how a similar color would look like with a glossy finish.
Pure gold for those willing to give their car a 14K appearance.
This wrap may look more interesting with a camouflage print somewhere. Possibly in the front fenders or the rocker panels.
What do you think?
Crazy Tesla Model 3 Car Wrap Examples To Blow Your Mind
Talk about a fish out of the water…
Not to be confused with a Korean taxi either. Just kidding!
Guaranteed to be the watercooler topic of the month… every month.
It can’t be appreciated in this picture, but this wrap has a bluish tone at certain angles.
Cool but not my taste.
Somewhat similar to the Gloss Flip Deep Space, but much more subtle.
One of the few “crazy” wraps I’d actually consider.
Dude… that looks temptingly good.
Given its black color in low lighting conditions, I’d actually consider it too.
Quite an elegant array of blue and purple shades.
Interesting to look at but a little bit too loud for me.
Geez… this is getting crazy. It truly looks surreal.
Awesome for auto shows. Not sure someone would want this for a daily driver.
Looks are subjective, but these examples will guide you in the right direction to determine what style suits you.
I’m a simple man who usually sticks to neutral colors…
Although I must admit 3M’s Satin Gold Dust and Satin Flip Volcano Flare did catch my attention.
3M vs. Avery: Which Brand Has the Best Wrapping Material?
Just like for window tint films, various brands exist, each with its own pros and cons.
To put the main two brands to the test, CK Wraps, a popular car wrapping YouTube channel, pulled and tore apart samples.
Strength against pulling is important because snapping 12 feet of vinyl in half during installation becomes extremely likely—and that’s money wasted.
At the five-minute mark, he rated Avery and 3M from 1 to 10 in his test, 10 being extremely hard to tear and rip apart.
Avery rated 5 on average, while 3M scored a whopping 2, making it the worst performer.
In terms of ease of use and installation, however, Avery got all the compliments.
You may also have an easier time removing Avery’s wrap without damaging your paint.
Avery’s Achilles heel? Its life span seems to be on the shorter end.
What about looks, though?
EVS Motors laid out all 3M’s and Avery’s shades of black to compare them.
Avery’s black seems to have a slightly darker and shinier tone, especially the Satin Black variant.
Both are extremely similar overall.
Inozotek, an up-and-coming brand, is also showcased in the latter half of the video.
It’s touted as an extremely clear wrapping material that resembles paint more closely.
Although shops near you may not work with Inozotek, feel free to check out their website if you’re looking for a crystal-clear wrap.
3M Pros and Cons:
✅ Virtually every shop will work with 3M material
✅ Wide color availability
✅ Lasts longer and may be backed by a warranty
❌ Extremely easy to snap when overstretched
❌ May be harder to remove years down the road
❌ May be harder to install
Avery Dennison Pros and Cons:
✅ Easiest brand to install and remove. Ideal for first-time DIYers
✅ Touted as the best choice among installers and Tesla owners
✅ Widely known, though not as established as 3M
❌ May not last as long
❌ Thinner material, not as protective
Where to Find Reputable Shops
Here’s a list of certified car wrap installers in Canada and the United States, as published by Avery back in 2016.
3M also has a map/locator of graphic installers on their website.
Call several shops in your area to get the best price.
Consider looking for the installer’s website (or profile in Yelp and Google Reviews) to verify whether the Tesla community has been happy with their work.
You may also use Google or forum searches (e.g. “{name of shop}” + “Tesla Model 3 wrap”) to find out if Tesla owners have shared their experience with the installer in question.
If you’re the type of person who likes to have all jobs done by the original manufacturer, know this:
Tesla released a wrapping service in 2020 for Chinese customers.
As of this writing, however, it’s unclear whether a similar service will ever be released to North American customers.
Wrapping Your Model 3 at Home: DIY Tips & Tricks
The following are the tools you need to do the job:
- The wrap film itself (approx. 5′ x 60′)
- A heat gun
- A squeegee
- A precision knife
- A roll of knifeless tape
- At least 8 oz of 70% isopropyl alcohol
- A spray bottle
- A professional-grade micro-fiber cloth
How much film material is needed?
Five feet of width is the standard and is enough for small to midsize vehicles like the Model 3.
As a rule of thumb for determining length, CarWrapSupplier suggests you multiply the length of your car times 3.
(This makes sense intuitively to cover the front, the back, and both sides.)
The Model 3 is ~15.5 feet long. Multiplying by 3, we get 46.5 feet.
This calculation suggests that ordering 50 feet of the film would be enough but probably cutting it close for a first-timer.
A total of 60′ of length (or two 5′ by 30′ rolls) may be more adequate.
The most helpful, in-depth DIY tutorial is a five-part series created by the guy behind Ideal Cars in collaboration with VViViD vinyls:
I’ll summarize the tips in an easy-to-understand bulleted list below, but I encourage you to check out the entire series once you have every tool you need on hand.
» Part 2: Measuring Enough Material, Surface Preparation, & First Vinyl Application
» Part 3: How to Remove Bubbles & Wrinkles, Squeegee Technique
» Part 4: Dealing With Curves, Overlaying Vinyl, & Using Knifeless Tape
» Part 5: Dealing With Handles, Steps to Avoid Edge Failure, & Post-Application Treatment
Key tips:
- Get acclimated to the vinyl. Feel it, stretch it, heat it to remove imperfections, and even consider putting some on a smaller device (e.g., your phone) before you start wrapping the car.
- Clean the vehicle thoroughly before you begin. Dirt will prevent the adhesive from sticking to the surface. Use alcohol and a microfiber cloth for a final wipe just before application.
- Make sure the vehicle is completely dry and never use liquid solutions on the wrap. If the wrap gets wet, dealing with it will become much harder.
- Get a friend to help you stretch out the film so you can lay it out as flat as possible.
- Slightly fold the squeegee and use ~45-degree angles to remove wrinkles more effectively.
- Work out difficult parts in multiple segments. Don’t feel like you have to cover every part with a single piece of vinyl.
- Use knifeless tape (and heat) to easily overlay multiple pieces of the wrap without leaving noticeable marks.
Here are other important tips I gathered from a few first-time DIYers in Tesla forums:
- Do the bumpers last. Start with the easiest parts (e.g., hood) to build confidence as you go.
- Good lighting is crucial to identify air bubbles and remove them before it’s too late.
- Cut pieces a little larger than necessary. The material will inevitably shrink with heat.
- If possible, make it easy on you by using fresh blades. You want sharp blades to avoid the need for extra force (and the risk of damaging your car).
- With heat and some patience, even the most horrendous wrinkles and mistakes can be fixed. Don’t give up!
You can also consider removing the handles, headlights, and rearview mirror beforehand to simplify the wrapping process.
This is something professionals suggest, though Tesla owners have wrapped their car successfully without disassembling any parts.
Tools for the Job
If you’ve decided to do the job yourself, below are a few more details on the tools you’ll need to get the job done.
Even if you plan to hire a shop to do the job for you, don’t write these tools off—consider them for ongoing maintenance.
To save you time, I’m including the best-value Amazon products in their respective categories.
You’re free to shop around for alternative products or visit your nearest convenience store.
Best Value Heat Gun: SEEKONE
✅ #1 best seller on the Heat Guns category
✅ 50°C–650°C (120°F–1200°F) temperature control
✅ Useful for many heating purposes, including installing vinyl wraps, car bumper restoration, removing paint or floor tiles, softening adhesives, bending plastic or thin metal, and more
✅ 95% of reviewers rated this heat gun favorably
❌ Heat gun may take some time to reach the desired temperature
❌ Plastic body may deteriorate fast under higher operating temperatures
Affordable, Quality Squeegees »
✅ #1 best seller in its category
✅ Useful for window tint and other wrap jobs
✅ 2 squeegees kit
#1 Sharpest Precision Knife »
✅ Very sharp and durable coated blade
✅ Easy to hold (like a pencil) for precision cutting
✅ Most popular precision knife, more than 20,000 positive ratings
❌ Safety cap may fall or break prematurely
❌ Set doesn’t come with extra blades
Best-Value Knifeless Tape »
✅ Intuitive and easy to use (even for a first-timer)
✅ Comes in 3M packaging despite being half the price compared with other Amazon products
Professional-Grade Microfiber Cloth »
✅ #1 best seller in its category
✅ Recommended by the Tesla community
✅ Lint-free, scratch-free cloth
✅ Recommended by professionals
✅ Available in 3-pack and 12-pack
32 oz (950 ml) Spray Bottles »
✅ Amazon’s Choice
✅ Proven reliable by customers
✅ Quality, affordable alternative to Chemical Guys or Meguiar’s
Other Parts and Trims to Consider Wrapping
Let’s be real:
If you intend to DIY and this is your first time, starting small is a good idea.
Here are other pieces you can wrap (namely, the steering wheel, the logos, and the door handles). Plus the best brands you can buy today.
Best Door Handle Wrap Kit:
Full-Coverage Custom Cut Graphics
Available in 23 colors.
This product addresses a BIG problem others have yet to solve:
Visible gaps.
Most wraps are cut to measure.
This wrap, however, offers an extra inch around the edges to leave no visible gap, making them look professional even if you don’t install them perfectly.
Available in many colors (from matte black to neon yellow to “silver rainbow”),
You can choose to black out, dramatically contrast, or color-match your handles as you see fit.
Keep in mind: wraps may not provide a perfect color match for all Tesla models.
Black Model 3 owners seem happy with their Gloss Black wrap, claiming they look “close enough” or match “almost perfectly.”
The brand discloses a “95% match” on its Pearl White and a “slightly darker” color on its Midnight Silver wrap.
Neutral colors have proven a good enough match for customers.
Don’t expect blue or red variants to match as well, though.
Following the brand’s percentage measure, they look like a 70-80% match at best, which might be enough for some Model 3 owners.
Virtually every brand will fail to match Tesla colors 100%, though, as most brands use 3M automotive vinyl wrap — and they don’t have Tesla’s exact colors available.
At just a few bucks extra from the regular version, the extra 1/8″ of material is worth paying for if you’re concerned about leaving visible gaps on the edges of your door handles.
This Tesla Model 3 door handle wrap kit also includes 6 individual pieces (3 for each side), virtually including 1 future replacement for free.
Pros:
Fits: All Model 3 and Model Y years and trims.
✅ No visible gaps on the edges
✅ Easy to install
✅ 3M automotive-grade vinyl wraps with 8-year warranty
✅ Includes 6 pieces (2 as extras)
✅ 90-day warranty & free replacements
Cons:
❌ May not provide a perfect color match. Particularly true for non-neutral colors like blue or red.
Best Logo Wrap Kit:
Custom Cut Graphics
Available in 24 colors.
This product is the most popular Tesla Model 3 logo wrap kit — and it’s easy to see why:
You get a variety of colors to choose from, all in a package with everything you need to install your wraps fast.
If you’re looking for something easy to install, inexpensive, and with dozens of colors available, these are the logo wraps for you.
The only complaint customers have is that, under periodic pressure from car washes, the exterior logo wraps may not stick for long.
However, there are a dozen stories of people emailing customer service to claim their 90-day warranty, getting a response within minutes — and a replacement on their door the next day.
The smaller logos may be somewhat tricky to install given their size,
But Custom Cut Graphics brings detailed installation instructions customers are happy with.
So much so that people experienced with wraps say these are “easiest decals I’ve ever applied.”
The brand also offers a 2-piece kit for the hood and trunk logos, if those happen to be the only logos you’re interested in covering.
Pros:
Fits: All Model 3 years and trims.
Doesn’t fit Model Y.
✅ Comes with alcohol wipes and instructions
✅ Easy to install
✅ 3M automotive-grade vinyl wraps with 8-year warranty
✅ Includes 11 pieces (2 as extras)
✅ Seller’s 90-day warranty & free replacements
Cons:
❌ May peel off prematurely under pressure (e.g. car washes)
Best Steering Wheel Wrap Kit:
EV Wraps
Available in 6 colors
Make your interior feel more luxurious and protect your original steering wheel trims with this wrap.
Cutouts are precise. The installation is a 5-min breeze. And the availability of colors is interesting, particularly the white carbon fiber and the brushed metallic.
If you want to give a personalized touch to your interior without breaking the bank, this is the way to go.
Some customers have experienced adhesion issues where the wrap peels off prematurely.
Others say “it looks cheap.”
But these complaints are few and far between.
More than 90% of reviewers have rated the product 4 stars or more.
YouTubers have nothing but good things to say about it.
On top of that, the company offers great customer support, sending over 2 pieces of the left side so you can practice —
And potentially shipping extra pieces by request.
Being a sticker, the thin layer won’t interfere with your button as much as a solid piece of plastic would.
With the lasting nature of 3M vinyl and this great price, this is an upgrade you’ll never regret.
Pros:
Fits: all Model 3 / Y years and trims.
✅ Automotive-grade 3M 2080 vinyl
✅ Easy to install
✅ Perfect fit
✅ Thin layer. No interference with buttons.
Cons:
❌ May peel off prematurely
❌ No logo wrap
Frequent Buyer Concerns
- Can I wrap my Tesla myself?
Although it’s not an easy task, many Tesla owners have wrapped their cars without prior experience and have done a good job.
It requires patience and a steady hand, though.
Getting a friend or relative to help you out is extremely beneficial.
Consider taking your phone, laptop, or old tablet/iPad to practice with those devices first. This will help you get a feel of the wrapping process before trying it out on your vehicle.
- Can I unwrap a wrapped car?
Yes.
When installed properly, you should easily remove the wrap without any damage to your car’s original paint.
Make sure to remove the wrap during the time frame the manufacturer recommends.
Avery Dennison, as an example, suggests their wraps last 3 to 5 years.
- How much does it cost to wrap a Tesla Model 3 with vinyl?
Professional installers are likely to quote $4,200 to $6,000 for a full wrap, according to Tesla owners’ threads.
The film material, however, can usually be purchased for less than $1,000.
- Can I wrap a leased Tesla?
Double-check your lease agreement to verify whether wrapping your vehicle has any implications.
You may get away with wrapping a leased vehicle as long as you unwrap it before turning it back to the dealership.
- How long does a wrap last?
The expected life span for most wraps is 5 to 7 years.
Some wrap brands provide a five-year warranty, but such warranties can be very hard to claim.
This is especially true if you did the wrapping job yourself or labor mistakes are a potential culprit.
- Can you drive a wrapped car through a car wash?
This is a common concern on Tesla forums.
Personally, I would advise against going through brush car washes within the first week of having the wrap done.
I’d also advise against doing so on a regular basis (e.g., every week or more frequently) as brushes can slowly degrade the film over time.
If the job was done correctly though, an occasional car wash shouldn’t peel, lift, or degrade the film in any significant way.
I’d stick to a brushless car wash to be conservative.
Wrapping Up: Tesla Model 3 Car Wrap Guide
A Tesla Model 3 car wrap will offer you protection and a great deal of style.
I hope the image examples above gave you some direction regarding the style you’re looking for.
The first step is to pick your favorite wrap—3M wraps are easily available in a wide variety of colors, while Avery wraps are stronger and easier to install and, overall, offer a better bang for your buck.
Then find a reputable installer in your area, or if you’re taking on the DIY challenge, watch the five-part series above and trust that you can make it work!
Zac Ludicrous
Mechanical engineer by profession. TSLA shareholder before the hype. EV enthusiast all day long. Zac enjoys learning about the future of battery technology, autonomy, and EVs. He considers Tesla Model 3 the most important vehicle of the 21st century -- and is in a quest to improve the ownership experience of every Model 3 owner he possibly can.Own a Model 3 or Model Y? Earn some extra income by writing about the car you love and helping the Tesla community. Click below to apply.
