Types of Vinyl Wraps
Car wraps can be categorized into several different types, each with their own benefits and disadvantages. Below, we will discuss the common types of vehicle wraps and their pros and cons.
Carbon Fiber Wraps
In general, carbon fiber is utilized as an alternative to metal materials, that is very durable and strong but lightweight at the same time. Made from—as the name suggests—strands of carbon that are woven into one. The carbon fiber material isn't hard at first and must be combined with epoxy or resin before it will turn into a solid, metal-like material that is very durable while maintaining its light mass. Thus, a carbon fiber wrap is, simply put, a method to wrap the vehicle with a carbon fiber material. It's important to note that a carbon fiber wrap is not about replacing your car's body with carbon fiber (which is possible), but instead, it's only about wrapping the existing body with carbon fiber. So, carbon fiber wrap is mainly about aesthetics (not functional), to give your car the carbon-fiber look without spending too much in replacing the whole body.
Pros |
Cons |
Can significantly improve the aesthetics of your car, giving the carbon-fiber look while spending much less than the "real" thing |
Air bubbles may appear underneath the wrap |
Can effectively protect the car's body and paint underneath |
Not very easy to apply and might require professional help |
Allow an easier time to clean the car's surface (and much more affordable) |
Not 100% looks like the "real thing", people might notice the difference from up close |
Matte Wraps
Matte wraps can give your car the "trendy" look with—as the name suggests—the matte look. Unlike other wraps and finishes that tend to emphasize glossy, shiny looks, matte wraps focus on just the opposite with a "flatter" overall look. The flat, matte finish can better accentuate contours and curves of the body that might not easily be noticed when your car is with a shiny finish.
Pros |
Cons |
Can effectively cover scratches (if not down to the sealer/primer) |
Can't effectively buff out scratches, the car's actual finish might begin to change |
Absorbs more light, so they can hide imperfections on the body and carbon layers. |
Can produce "chalky" appearance |
Oils, sweat, and smudges may show more easily — requires more maintenance to look clean |
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Colors lack depth |
Satin Wraps
We can think of satin wraps as a somewhat middle ground between matte and gloss finishes. This type of wrap is commonly chosen by people who are mainly looking for a matte finish but still want a subtle gloss/shine on their car.
Pros |
Cons |
Being between matte and gloss, offers a unique aesthetic |
Difficult maintenance, since wax and silicone can corrode the matte layer and bloat the wrap |
Stand out in the crowd due to its unique gloss textures |
Can't be cleaned with a pressure washer |
Still emphasizes the car's contours and curves like matte wraps, but offers a little shine for more elegant |
Not eye-catching due to its modest, in-between look |
Chrome Wraps
Chrome wraps are a great choice for car owners who want a flashy look for their car with a mirror-like, shiny finish. The main advantage of this wrap type is, quite obviously, its flashiness, and can highlight your car by giving it an expensive-looking finish that looks totally unique.
Pros |
Cons |
The unique, flashy chrome look, obviously |
Inconvenient to apply. The time it takes to apply a quality chrome wrap is much longer than other types. Chrome wraps don't stretch easily and they are heavier than other types. |
Can effectively protect the car's paint and details underneath it |
With poor-quality chrome wraps, stress lines can appear. Air bubbles and lifting corners will look more obvious on chrome wraps. |
Laminated, so relatively protected from scratches and chips |
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Can last up to five years or more with proper maintenance |
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Chrome wraps can effectively lower the temperature of your interior since they reflect sunlight |
Camo Vehicle Wraps
As the name suggests, camo wrap is mainly used to give the car the "camo" finish for two purposes: provide actual camouflage for the car so it can "blend" with nature, or to provide an "army look" for the car (for aesthetics purpose). Mainly used for off-road cars.
Pros |
Cons |
You get a perfect camo texture of various types, providing an outstanding camo effect and individual style. |
Doesn't really fit in cities and urban areas |
You save your money by avoiding professional camo painting (that can be very expensive) |
Will be too eye-catching in certain areas |
You provide a better resale value to your car since it can effectively protect the paint underneath. |
Appeals to a very small demographic |
You get a choice of colors and effects, which cannot be replicated by conventional paint. |
Value |
Racing Stripe Wraps
Normally racing stripe wraps are not applied to the whole body, but only to accentuate certain areas of the car to provide a sportier, racing look. We can for, example, apply some stripes on the bonnet or the sides of the car
Pros |
Cons |
Relatively more affordable than other wrap types |
Require professional assistance, have to be really careful in applying them |
Precision cut |
Need a high-quality vinyl or else the stripes will produce muted colors |
Non-permanent, and you can easily replace them when you want a new look |
Can be difficult to mix-and-match the stripe with the original paint of the car |
Choosing Your Brand: 3M™ Wrap Film Series 1080 vs. Avery
3M and Avery are two of the most popular brands when you are looking for the right car wraps for your favorite vehicle. However, choosing between the two can be quite confusing, since each of them offers its own unique benefits, and each has its own weaknesses. Some car shop might offer 3M for certain wrap types—for example— and Avery for others. Here are some pros and cons of the two brands to help you decide between the two:
3M™
Pros |
Cons |
Weather-proof |
Relatively more expensive |
Bubble-free adhesive wrap-down |
Relatively more difficult to apply for a novice |
Innovative designs for certain wrap types |
Easily broken when not handled with care |
3M-patented adhesive chemistry and technology |
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An expansive variant of color and pattern |
Avery
Pros |
Cons |
Top-tier performance |
Some installations can be very complex, depending on the wrap type |
Decent durability |
Some colors not available |
Easy-to-apply adhesive tech (special patent by Avery) |
More vulnerable to weather changes (extreme heat, rain, etc.) |
Features a protective layer of colored film |
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One-piece, convenient design |
Check out our Frequently Asked Questions page for more info.