We’ve written enough blogs on our website comparing Paint Protection Film with Vinyl Wrap, with our answer being go with Paint Protection film for the protection (duh) or go with vinyl wrap if you want to completely change the look of your car aside from just gloss or matte.
You knew exactly what you wanted to get based off your primary needs.
Now, what if you could have both?
Introducing 3M Paint Protection Color Series - with a variety of colors and patterns! Now the question is no longer about which you want to prioritize, but rather if it’ll be worth it to you to have the best of both worlds?
Comparing The Three Options:
Paint Protection Film:
I know we’ve been over this product a couple of times, but sometimes it’s good to have a refresher.
Paint protection film (PPF) is a clear wrap roughly around 7-9mil in thickness, designed to protect your vehicle from any debris on the road, protect from rusting, and overall prevent your color from fading in the sun as it blocks out some of the UV rays.
The product is available in a gloss or matte - so we’re able to keep the texture of your vehicle (say use matte for a matte hood, or gloss for a gloss vehicle). Regardless of the material you chose, it’ll be virtually invisible when installed on your vehicle besides the (unfortunately) obvious seems depending on which package you get.
Speaking of packages, here are the breakdowns:
Ultimate Package
- Full Hood
- Full Fenders
- Full Bumper
- Full Mirrors
- Door Edges
Highway Package
- Partial Hood
- Partial Fenders
- Full Bumper
- Mirror Backs
- Door Edges
City Package:
- Partial Hood
- Partial Fenders
- Mirror Backs
- Door Edges
Complete Car?:
There are instances where we've done complete cars. This is great if you plan to keep your car in the long haul, which would prevent your vehicle’s color from fading & would hold resale value from protecting against rock chips and rust. While it can be done, it’s important to note that based on the thickness of the material, we’re not able to wrap at the seams or tuck underneath molding, so there will be some exposed paint on the edges. Not noticeable from a distance, but up close if you inspect everything you will notice minor gaps.
So to summarize:
Vinyl Wrap:
Vinyl wrap is great for those looking to spice up their vehicles! At roughly 3 mil of thickness, we’re able to quickly wrap and mold to match the vehicles contours, and we’re able to tuck in at the seams and molding to make sure it looks seamless regardless of where you look at. The fun part about vinyl wrap is that it’s fully customizable.
Want to get racing stripes? Done!
Want to get some pin stripes? Done!
Want to get a custom print of a dragon breathing fire on a Viking's village? Done!
That’s right, the options are limitless. We don’t just use Avery Dennison or 3M stock colors, but we also can print out anything you can imagine!
As for cost, wrapping a full car with vinyl vs paint protection film is significantly cheaper, and aesthetically, you’re getting a noticeable difference between the two. Just don’t expect it to offer too much protection when it comes to rocks and debris in the road.
3M Paint Protection Film Color Series:
Now let’s get to the fun part!
3M’s New PPF Color Series is a blend of both worlds. You have the thickness of Paint Protection Film, while having options of changing out colors and textures on your vehicle!
Unfortunately, it’s not limitless like vinyl wrap. Were not able to print out custom designs on this material, however, you do get the choice of goss colors, matte colors, or even a chameleon wrap that changes with the shimmer of the light!
The material even works closer to vinyl wrap over paint protection film. It’s a dry install that can be heated and warped to match the molding of the car. Unfortunately, it won’t be as perfect as vinyl can because of the material thickness, but it will be better than the gaps standard paint protection would leave.
The downside? Nothing really… except the cost.
Wrapping a full car with this material could easily range from $9,000 to $12,000 depending on the material and vehicle size. Personally, I’d only really recommend it if you plan on keeping your vehicle for the long run and you want it to hold resale value. Otherwise, it’s definitely an expensive pill to swallow, and unfortunately, we aren’t taking kidneys as payment.
So let’s hit a brief summary on how I personally would make the decision. If you’re primarily looking to protect only a portion of your vehicle (the front clip), I’d probably just stick with Paint Protection Film. Best bang for your buck. If you’re looking for a change in appearance on a budget, go with your standard vinyl wrap. And Colored Paint Protection Film, I’d only really get if you plan on keeping your car for a long while, as it’s the most expensive option of the 3 for maximum protection and also a change in appearance.
Got Questions? Reach out to the pros at Elite Tinting and Consulting, and we’ll help you find the right solution for you!
