Do you want to give your Tesla a fresh new look? Whether you're looking for a temporary change or a permanent transformation, there are several ways to update your car's color. Let's dive in!
Step 1: Discover Your Tesla's Inner "Colorizer"
Did you know your Tesla actually has a built-in feature to change the display color of your car on the touchscreen? It's a fun and easy way to personalize your in-car experience without altering the actual exterior!
How to Use the Colorizer:
Get in your Tesla: Make sure your vehicle is on and ready to go.
Access the Toy Box: On your Tesla's touchscreen, press the bottom three buttons (often located near the bottom left or right of the screen, depending on your model) to bring up the main menu. Look for the "Toy Box" icon and tap it. It's like finding a treasure chest of fun features!
Find the Colorizer: Within the Toy Box, you'll see various entertainment and customization options. Locate and select "Colorizer."
Unleash Your Creativity:
Tap "Customize."
A color wheel will appear on the screen. Drag your finger across the wheel to explore a vast spectrum of colors – literally any color of the rainbow!
You can also choose between different paint types:
Solid: A classic, uniform finish.
Metallic: Adds a shimmering, reflective quality.
Matte: A non-glossy, sophisticated look.
Once you find a color and finish you love, simply press "Save" to apply it to your on-screen car display. You can even delete saved colors by long-pressing them.
While this doesn't change the physical color of your car, it's a cool way to see what different hues might look like and adds a touch of personal flair to your Tesla's digital interface!
Step 2: The Real Deal – Changing Your Tesla's Exterior Color
When it comes to changing the actual exterior color of your Tesla, you generally have two main options: vinyl wraps or professional repainting. Each has its pros and cons in terms of cost, durability, and permanence.
Sub-heading 2.1: The Versatility of Vinyl Wraps
Vinyl wrapping is a highly popular choice for Tesla owners who want to change their car's color without committing to a permanent paint job. It involves applying large sheets of vinyl film over your car's original paint.
Advantages of Vinyl Wraps:
Reversibility: This is a big one! If you ever want to go back to your original paint color, or try a new wrap, it can be removed without damaging the underlying factory paint.
Protection: The vinyl acts as a protective layer, shielding your original paint from minor scratches, chips, and UV damage.
Variety: Wraps come in an almost endless array of colors, finishes (gloss, matte, satin, chrome, metallic, color-shifting, textured), and even custom designs. You can truly make your Tesla unique.
Faster Application: Generally, wrapping is quicker than a full repaint.
Disadvantages of Vinyl Wraps:
Durability: While protective, wraps are not as durable as a factory paint job and can be susceptible to tears or punctures from sharp objects. Their lifespan typically ranges from 3 to 7 years, depending on care and environmental factors.
Cost: Professional wrapping can be a significant investment, often ranging from $3,000 to $12,000, depending on the Tesla model, the complexity of the wrap, and the installer. Tesla even offers official wraps for Model 3 and Y at service centers, priced between $7,500 and $8,000.
Installation Quality: The final look heavily depends on the skill of the installer. A poor wrap job can lead to bubbles, wrinkles, or seams.
Step-by-Step Guide to Getting a Vinyl Wrap:
Research Reputable Installers: Look for shops specializing in car wraps, especially those with experience with Teslas. Check reviews and portfolios.
Choose Your Color and Finish: This is the fun part! Spend time Browse samples and discussing options with the installer. Consider how the color will look in different lighting.
Vehicle Preparation: The installer will thoroughly clean and decontaminate your Tesla's exterior. Any existing imperfections in the paint may show through the wrap, so sometimes minor paint correction is needed beforehand.
Disassembly (Partial): Depending on the shop and wrap, some components like door handles, mirrors, or trim might be temporarily removed to ensure a seamless wrap around edges.
Application of Vinyl: Large sheets of vinyl are carefully applied to each panel of your car. Specialized tools are used to smooth out air bubbles and ensure proper adhesion.
Trimming and Finishing: Excess vinyl is trimmed, and edges are meticulously tucked and sealed.
Curing Time: The adhesive on the vinyl needs time to cure. Your installer will advise you on post-installation care and any initial restrictions (like washing).
Sub-heading 2.2: The Permanence of Professional Repainting ️
Professional repainting involves stripping down the existing paint and applying new coats in your desired color. This is a more permanent and labor-intensive solution.
Advantages of Professional Repainting:
Permanence: A high-quality repaint is a lasting change, often as durable as the factory finish.
Seamless Finish: A professional repaint can cover all areas, including door jambs and under the hood, for a truly seamless color change.
Original Appearance: If done correctly by a skilled shop, it can look indistinguishable from a factory-painted car.
Disadvantages of Professional Repainting:
Cost: This is typically the most expensive option, often exceeding $8,000 for a full, high-quality job on a Tesla. Paint repairs for Teslas can start from $1,000 and go much higher depending on the extent and color.
Time-Consuming: A full repaint can take significantly longer than a wrap, sometimes weeks.
Irreversible: Once repainted, going back to the original color would require another repaint, which is costly and affects the car's originality.
Resale Value: While a good repaint maintains value, a poor one can significantly decrease it. Using Tesla-certified body shops helps maintain value and ensures proper procedures.
Step-by-Step Guide to Professional Repainting:
Choose a Tesla-Approved Body Shop: This is crucial for a Tesla. Tesla-approved body shops have factory training, specialized tools, and expertise to work on Tesla vehicles, ensuring structural integrity and quality of finish. They also use genuine Tesla parts.
Color Selection: Work with the paint shop to select your desired color. They will often have color swatches and can advise on finishes (gloss, metallic, pearlescent).
Disassembly: The car will be significantly disassembled, with parts like lights, trim, bumpers, and even some interior components removed to ensure complete coverage.
Surface Preparation: The original paint is sanded down, and any imperfections are repaired. The surface is thoroughly cleaned and prepped for primer.
Priming: Multiple coats of primer are applied and sanded smooth to create a perfect base for the new paint.
Painting: Several coats of your chosen color are applied, followed by clear coats for protection and gloss. Tesla uses premium multi-coat paints which are more expensive and labor-intensive to apply.
Curing and Buffing: The paint needs time to cure, after which it's meticulously wet-sanded and buffed to a flawless, high-gloss finish.
Reassembly and Quality Check: All disassembled parts are reinstalled, and a thorough quality check is performed to ensure everything is perfect.
Step 3: Other Customization Options (Less Common for Full Color Change)
While less common for a complete color transformation, some other options offer subtle or temporary color modifications:
Sub-heading 3.1: Plasti Dip
What it is: A rubber-based coating that can be sprayed on.
Pros: Relatively inexpensive and easily peelable, making it good for temporary changes or experimenting. You can even DIY.
Cons: Less durable than wraps or paint, and the finish might not be as smooth or high-quality. Not ideal for a "premium" look.
Sub-heading 3.2: Ceramic Coatings with Tint Effects
What it is: Advanced ceramic coatings that offer subtle tint or color-shifting effects under different lighting.
Pros: Enhances existing paint, provides protection against elements, and adds a unique, subtle shimmer.
Cons: Not a dramatic color change; more of an enhancement.
10 FAQs on Changing Your Tesla's Color
How to choose the right color for my Tesla?
Consider your personal style, the car's existing accents (like wheel color), and how the color will look in different lighting conditions. You can also use Tesla's in-car colorizer to experiment with various shades on the screen.
How to protect my Tesla's new paint or wrap?
Regular washing with pH-neutral car soap, avoiding automatic car washes with harsh brushes, and applying ceramic coatings or waxes can help protect both paint and wraps. Paint protection film (PPF) is also a great option for high-impact areas.
How to find a reputable vinyl wrap installer for my Tesla?
Look for installers with a strong portfolio of Tesla wraps, positive customer reviews, and certifications from major vinyl manufacturers (e.g., 3M, Avery Dennison). Ask for references and compare quotes.
How to find a Tesla-approved body shop for repainting?
Visit the official Tesla website's "Collision Support" or "Body Shop Support" section to find a list of approved centers in your area. These shops are specially trained and equipped to work on Teslas.
How to maintain a vinyl wrap on my Tesla?
Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners. Hand washing with specific wrap-safe cleaners is recommended. Be careful with high-pressure washers, keeping a safe distance.
How to determine the cost of a Tesla color change?
The cost varies significantly. Vinyl wraps range from approximately $3,000 to $12,000 (or more if done by Tesla directly), while a professional repaint can easily exceed $8,000. DIY wraps can be much cheaper, around $700-$1500 for materials.
How to know if a color change will affect my Tesla's warranty?
Generally, a high-quality vinyl wrap should not affect your vehicle's warranty as it protects the original paint. However, a non-certified repaint might. Always confirm with Tesla or a certified body shop.
How to prepare my Tesla before getting a wrap or repaint?
While the shop will do the primary cleaning, a thorough wash beforehand can be helpful. Remove any personal items from the car. If you have any existing paint damage, discuss it with the installer/painter as it may need addressing.
How to remove a vinyl wrap from my Tesla?
Professional removal is recommended to prevent damage to the original paint. The process involves carefully heating and peeling the vinyl, often followed by adhesive residue removal.
How to ensure a seamless color change around door jambs and complex areas?
For wraps, ensure you choose an experienced installer who will properly disassemble parts like door handles and mirrors to tuck the vinyl. For repainting, a professional body shop will completely strip and paint these areas for a factory-like finish.
Changing the Color of Your Tesla!
