If you’re going to go through the effort of wrapping your car, you’ll want the final look to be worth the effort. So, here are the best car wrap brands.
Applying a wrap can be a great modification for your car. From regular full body colours to mismatching panels, custom liveries, and different finishes, you can change the look of your car in a matter of a few hours. Cheaper than paint, and with the option to remove quickly, it’s gained huge popularity over the last decade. But who makes the car wraps? And which companies should you be looking to purchase from. That’s what what I’m here to try and help with.
First things first, let’s clarify something. This run-down of the best car wrap brands only features suppliers of wraps, not installers. So, regardless of whichever wrap brand you choose, always make sure to do the necessary due diligence and pick a reputable installer to get the job done to a professional standard. Usually, top car wrap brands will have certified associated installers that they can recommend to you, and we’d very much recommend going down that trusted route with your own project.
Anyway, with that slight caveat out of the way, let’s get into it. I’ve been immersed in the custom car scene for years, so I’ve learned which brands within this niche are worth your time, and which you should perhaps cast aside. If you want to modify the look of your car, here are the best car wrap brands that the current aftermarket has to offer…
Best Car Wrap Brands
3M
Undoubtedly the number one name in the car wrapping industry, 3M is a powerhouse when it comes to adhesive materials. If you want the most advanced tech in the business, then 3M is the company to go to, but do bear in mind that such prestige is often accompanied by a slightly heftier price tag.
That said, 3M wraps are well worth the cost. There are several textures and finishes you can opt for, as well as a range of nearly 100 different colors. 3M wraps are built to last too – you get an 8-year warranty for vertically-applied wraps, and a 3-year warranty for horizontally-applied ones.
From an installer’s point of view, 3M wraps are great to work with too. The current Series 2080 line of wrap features ‘Controltac’ technology, which essentially makes it easier to reposition when applying. Plus, the wraps also feature visually undetectable air release channels, which help to guard against bubbling during the application phase.
If you want to test out some ideas before committing to a project, 3M even offers a free online restyling tool where you can bring your choices to life on various different car models. Essentially, when it comes to car wrapping, 3M products should always be your first choice.
Arlon Graphics
Another reputable player in the car wrapping industry is Arlon Graphics. With a history dating back to the early 1960s, Arlon Graphics has established itself as a leading manufacturer of high-quality vinyl films for various applications, including automotive wraps.
Known for their innovative products and commitment to excellence, Arlon Graphics offers a diverse range of wrap solutions that cater to different tastes and preferences. Whether you’re looking for vibrant colours, unique textures, or specialty finishes such as digitally printable reflective films, Arlon Graphics has you covered.
One standout feature of Arlon Graphics wraps is their durability. Designed to withstand the elements and everyday wear and tear, these wraps are engineered to maintain their appearance for an extended period. Not only that, the ease of installation and repositioning means Arlon films are easy to use, making them a favourite among both DIY enthusiasts and professional installers.
If you’re in the market for a reliable and visually appealing car wrap, consider Arlon Graphics as a top contender. Their attention to detail, extensive colour options, and proven track record in the industry make them a brand you can trust. That’s we why wrapped out Race Support VW Caddy project using Arlon films.
VViViD
Of course, you don’t have to choose one of the mainstream brands like 3M or Arlon as your wrap supplier. In fact, there are several worthy competitors out there, like VViViD. It might be a bit of a brain teaser to read or pronounce, but the VViViD brand is one which you should certainly treat with respect.
Based in Canada, this brand has been in business for more than thirty years, over which time it has gained a strong reputation in North America as a whole.
Impressively, VViViD claims to introduce a new innovative wrap product every month, and when you consider how varied their range of textures, finishes, and colors is (even beyond automotive use), that statement becomes quite easy to believe.
The brand’s current range of car wraps is called VViViD+ and they promise to be softer to the touch, more easily repositionable, and better resistant to scratches compared to the company’s previous wraps. The older stuff was hardly bad, so we’re pretty sure the new VViViD+ wraps will leave you more than satisfied with the final look.
Hexis
French brand Hexis has long since expanded beyond Europe, with 50 distributors in its worldwide arsenal.
Currently, Hexis offers three different types of automotive vinyl wrap: Skintac HX45000, HX30000, and HX20000. HX45000 is the highest quality product of the bunch, intended for professional use on fleet vehicles – though there’s nothing stopping you using it on your own private car.
As for HX30000, there’s a few different variations of this wrap tier. The regular stuff comes in either gloss, matte, or ‘structured’ finishes, however there are also a few showstopper alternatives in Hexis’ catalogue too. HX30000 Satin Chrome will give your car a much more metallic look, whereas HX30000 Super Chrome takes on an almost mirror-like reflective quality.
HX20000 is a little more basic in terms of the finishes available, and whereas HX30000 can cater to more intricate designs, this entry-level option is intended for simple full wraps.
Avery Dennison
Used by renowned rally school DirtFish, Avery Dennision is an American car wrap supplier which offers three distinct variations of wrap. The premium option is the SW900 Supreme Wrapping Film. A high-end product, Avery Dennison claims it can last up to 12 years.
It has all the positional adjustability and protection from bubbling that you’d hope for, and has been specifically designed for paint-safe removal even after the intended decade-plus of use. You can choose from an expansive range of colors, offered in opaque, textured, metallic, or even ‘special effect’ finishes.
A step below SW900 is the MPI 1105 film. Although not quite as technologically advanced, it does share plenty of its DNA with the upper tier product, ensuring it’s just as simple to apply. Rather than focusing quite so much on the type of finish available, MPI 1105 targets builds that require potentially complex graphic designs with bold colors. So, from fleet vehicles to drift cars, if you want something that extends beyond a simple color change, Avery Dennison can handle it.
The other product Avery Dennison offers is is chrome film. This does what it says on the tin, and adds a shiny, metallic element to your car’s exterior surface. At the time of writing, Avery offers this film in eight different colors.
How to buy the best car wrap
When wrapping your car, there are a few key traits that you should look out for. Firstly, take note of the type of finish on offer. Whether the wrap is gloss, satin, or maybe even a flip color, the end result is going to look very different compared to a car wrapped in the same hue but with a different finish. As such, before you part with your cash, make sure that you’re absolutely happy with the type of finish – otherwise you could be in for a nasty surprise at the unveiling.
Once you’ve got an idea of where your tastes lie, the next thing you need to do is think about quality. You want a wrap which will last, and depending on the type of vehicle you apply it to, that level of durability required may be lesser or greater. For example, a wrap on a four-wheel-drive overlander will need to endure harsher environments than a garaged supercar show-queen. Usually, wrap companies will offer different levels of durability within their range for you to choose from. Plus, if you’ve got any questions about how certain brands stack up against each other, forums are a useful source of anecdotal evidence. Alternatively, see how much warranty they’re each willing to offer.
How we picked the brands
While we haven’t extensively tested all the brands above (though we have worked with 3M and Arlon before and continue to work with them), these are recommendations based on Fast Car’s experience and expertise.
Now you know where to get your wrap from, how about some extra inspiration? Check out our ten favorite car wraps!
