If you want to wrap your Tesla Model 3, there are SO many things to consider it can be overwhelming:
- Should I wrap my Tesla in the first place?
- How much does it cost to wrap a Tesla Model 3?
- Does vinyl wrap provide the same protection as PPF?
- What are the best wrap colors for Tesla Model 3 (and where I can see visual examples)?
- Can I wrap my Model 3 myself? Or, should I work with a reputable shop?
There’s a reason why this article turned out to be one of the longest I’ve ever written.
Whether you’re looking to give a new look to your Tesla, protect its delicate paint at a cheaper price, or just want to add a little personality to it, we’ll discuss it all in this ultimate guide to Tesla Model 3 wraps.
Ready to take it to dive into it? Let’s get started!
Should I Wrap My Tesla To Begin With?
Let’s start with the most basic question: “Should you wrap your Tesla Model 3?”
Well, you can find different opinions online — and it depends on your personal preferences.
Given that you’re reading this article, however, I’ll mention a few reasons why other owners have wrapped their Teslas.
First of all, wraps will provide an extra layer of protection against harsh weather, minor scratches, etc. — a welcomed plus considering how delicate Tesla’s paint job is.
Second — and it links to the first benefit — wrapping your Tesla Model 3 will help you conserve the long-term value of your car.
And finally, you’ve got some craziest customization possibilities with vinyl or PPF wraps. If you’re a man (or woman) of taste, you’ll love the final customized look of your car (go to the visual guide below to see all the possibilities!).
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 full 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.
What’s the best film to protect your Tesla though?
AMMO NYC does an incredible job comparing paint protection film with vinyl wrap in six different categories, including durability and cost:
Key Points:
- PPF wraps “heal themselves,” meaning minor scratches go away with heat, and having 6 to 10 mm thickness, a 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 such as rock chips, dings, and minor impacts.
Vinyl wraps are usually aesthetic upgrades overall.
How to Save Yourself $4,000+ on Tesla Vinyl Car Wrap
This owner literally saved $4000+ while wrapping her Tesla Model 3. How? She wrapped it herself. Look at her experiment:
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, here is the downside. it took her 30 hours of work to get everything done!
Sure, you’re saving in the order of $4,000+ but will it be worth it for you? Can you afford pledging your whole week to wrapping your Tesla Model 3? Don’t you have a job or something?
So, in my opinion, finding a reputable shop will be your safest bet.
But still, if you want to save thousands of dollars, 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.”
These 5 rare tips can save you so much time and stress – and few owners know about them (even after years of ownership). Sign up below to learn more. It's free!
Best Tesla Model 3 Wrap Colors: Pick Your Favourite Color & Finish
Regardless of the color or finish you want, there’s a wrap that fits your needs.
Below, I include as many examples as I could find to give you a clear idea of how these wraps may look 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 Finishes 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 reflections.
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 Wraps for Tesla Model 3: Which Film Brand is Best?
CK Wraps, a popular car wrapping YouTube channel, put 3M and Avery to test side by side. His experiment involved pulling and tearing 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 on 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.
- Avery got all the compliments in terms of ease of use, installation, and de-installation
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 for a Perfect Tesla Wrap Job
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.
If it does, we’ll update this article accordingly.
How to Wrap a Tesla Model 3 at Home: A DIY Guide
List of the Tools Needed for the Job
The following are the tools you need to do the job:
- The wrap film itself
- 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 Wrap Film Do I Need for a Tesla Model 3?
A total of 60′ in length (or two 5′ by 30′ rolls) may be more adequate.
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.
Tesla Model 3 Wrap DIY Tutorial
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 1: Necessary Tools & Vinyl Acclimation
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. It’ll help you 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 cars successfully without disassembling any parts.
Also, if you’d like to start small, you can consider wrapping individual Tesla Model 3 parts like door handles, steering wheels, etc. first. Here are great pre-cut Tesla Model 3 wrap kits for your door handles, the Tesla logos, and the steering wheel.
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 in 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
Frequently Asked Questions About Wrapping Your Tesla Model 3
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 three to four 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 five to seven 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 got it done through an unlicensed shop.
Final Thoughts: Tesla Model 3 Wrapping Guide
This was all about wrapping your Tesla Model 3 to perfection.
I’d again encourage you to ditch any doubts you may have and go ahead with wrapping your car; It’ll definitely pay off in the long run.
Just select your favorite look (take help from our visual guide), get a wrap from 3M or Avery, install it (take help from our DIY tutorial) or get it installed, and enjoy the final personalized look.
Before signing off, I’ll also encourage you to read our Tesla Model 3 PPF Guide if you’re debating between PPF and vinyl with yourself.
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.These 5 rare tips can save you so much time and stress – and few owners know about them (even after years of ownership). Sign up below to learn more. It's free!
