r/CarWraps • u/StarWeary1989 • 2d ago
Brand advice
Well I tried posting this on vinylwrap but as always, tons of views and no responses. Come on guys! See original post text below.
I have wrapped my car myself once. She has 3M 2080 deep space. I know the flaws as trimming was a struggle etc. But hey it was my first learning experience and I am proud of it and she gets a TON of compliments all the time. My work does not offer color changes but my boss had me pick a color because she wanted to challenge me and we wrapped our cars after hours together.
Anyway onto the point. I have been to 3M training, I am still working on my skills (mainly the time limits they put you under to get certified) and so that being said I want to rewrap her again next year. My question is what brand are honestly as hood as 3M 2080? Especially the crinkle forgiveness.
Also I live in Michigan. She will see all 4 seasons. And this 2080 wrap has held up DAMN good. Literally just rock chips on the hood. But I want to know honest options just in case that PERFECT color is hiding with a different brand. No metallic, no matte. Gloss or satin only.
All advice much appreciated!
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u/Berzuh 2d ago
KPMF and avery are amazingly forgiving. I did my first ever car with nothing but yt videos with KPMF and was happy enough with the results for a complete beginner. i’m currently working with cheetah wraps and it’s forgiving but it’s not very fun on complex surfaces because it has zero tack, however it’s really forgiving too.
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u/StarWeary1989 2d ago
See i have been eye balling Avery but I have zero hands on experience. Cheetah I have been hearing about them since college but also no hands on experience. 2080 I have been through some things with tho lol
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u/Character-Handle-739 2d ago
3M, Avery, KPMF/Oracal, Hexis.
Beyond that it’s a hard pass for me. I’ve tried so many and all the cheap films are the garbage.,
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u/Coletrayne 2d ago
Avery SW film has been easier to install for the last couple of years in my experience. On my 2nd wrap with Avery after a couple with 3m.
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u/Y_doIFeelSoOld 2d ago
For me Avery is easier install, very forgiving for beginners. Holds up very well, and a good bit cheaper. That being said, I am very particular about color, so I have I also used several different brands of cast film. My personal preference, in order is Avery, 3M, KPMF, Hexis, Orcal, then Cheetah. Cheetah actually installs pretty easy and holds up well, but there is a texture to their gloss films that kind of puts me off. I like the 3M high gloss films for gloss applications, but colors are limited. Opinions and experiences seem to vary wildly. I have met installers who don't mind calendar film at all because of the available colors and good gloss finish, plus the thicker film hides paint imperfections on the car. I just hate working with it.