Part 1 of 2
By Melissa Donovan
Paint protection, color change, and printable films make up the majority of today’s vehicle wrap media options. Not only are they engineered to perform on a visual level, they must also protect a vehicle’s factory paint. The material composition as well as adhesive technology of the substrate are prominent factors in meeting both goals.
Wrap Media
The technology found in vendors’ media portfolios continues to advance to offer a combination of protection and high-end appearance.
3M Company’s films combine adhesive and film layer technology to ultimately make films easy to install, which makes labor costs for installation lower for the consumer while simultaneously giving installation shop owners the ability to move more vehicles through their process. This offers consumers more options to adopt the newest technology, and gives them the best overall experience of owning a beautiful vehicle that has a warranty up to ten years, giving them confidence that their investment is protected and backed by 3M. The portfolio includes 3M Print Wrap Film IJ280, 3M Wrap Film Series 2080, 3M Surface Protection Films, and its newest solution—the 3M Protection Wrap Film Color Series. It is billed as one product with two great features—vehicle personalization and protection from rock chips, scratches, stains, and the elements. It is offered in nearly 30 premium colors, including gloss or matte finishes.
Arlon Graphics premium color change film features FLITE Technology, this film offers fast, easy installation, excellent repositioning, and clean removability. The new range of products includes eye-catching colors that are available in gloss, matte, and satin finishes. Gloss finishes include a specially adapted PET protective film to protect and ensure maximum gloss level. Arlon announced an exclusive collaboration with Paint Is Dead at SEMA 2025. Together, the two brands launch a trio of limited edition premium color change films. These films are built on Arlon’s proven premium color change platform, delivering the same trusted performance, conformability, and easy install that professionals rely on. The collaboration rolls out across three drops, beginning with Lime Time in January 2026; followed by Legacy Gold, developed in partnership with Legacy Motorsports; and concluding with Blu’tiful in March 2026.
Avery Dennison Graphics Solutions offers two main families that embody the dual promise of aesthetics and protection. Supreme Wrapping Film (SWF) is its flagship color change film. It’s a dual-layer, 3.2-mil cast film available in hundreds of colors, textures, and finishes. The film itself acts as a thick, durable shield against road abrasion, UV damage, and chemical staining, protecting the factory paint while giving the vehicle a completely new, high-end look. SWF received a large upgrade earlier this year with advancements in its air egress pattern. A smaller pattern enables a smoother finish. It also recently added six new colors to the line. Avery Dennison’s latest generation of paint protection films (PPF) features extreme clarity, hydrophobicity, and a self-healing top coat. It offers clear gloss or matte that is virtually invisible or paint-like finish blacks that provide robust defense against rock chips, road salt, and environmental contaminants. Avery Dennison Neo Noir Black Gloss PPF’s warranty recently increased from five to seven years. Also new to market is a Neo Black Matte PPF with the same warranty.
EVOLV focuses on closing the gap between protection and aesthetics. Its PPF solutions are developed to deliver deep, paint-like gloss or refined satin finishes, also offering color PPF options that eliminate the need for vinyl, with strong impact resistance without excessive thickness, as well as stable color and clarity over time allows installers and customers to achieve custom aesthetics while preserving resale value and original paint, which traditional wraps cannot offer.
Fellers Inc.’s protective color change film (PCC) 8-mil thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) is self healing and aides in protecting a car from environmental abrasives. Newly launched CheetahPCC is made from TPU with proprietary manufacturing methods. These methods give PCC the properties that increase stretch and conformability while maintaining color richness throughout the application process. CheetahPCC’s self-healing capabilities protect against scratches and debris while healing minor abrasions on its own. It includes 63 colors and finishes. Fellers also offers traditional PPF and color change film. CheetahWrap Color Change Vinyl debuted five new colors at SEMA—Gloss Wild Ride Red Metallic, Gloss Sea Wave Metallic, Gloss Cresting Silver Metallic, Gloss Midnight Metallic, and Satin Stormy Gray.
General Formulations (GF) has a legacy of product development and innovation and has historically been seen as a leader in calendered vinyl. The improvements GF has made with the addition of a cast manufacturing line five years ago allows to take that same legacy and launch into the new and exciting space of cast film product design. GF cast film is more stable, lasts longer, prints beautifully, and handles exceptionally well; the adhesive balances tack and bond, slideability and repositionability, and offers long-term removability. Whether it’s with a temporary wrap using GF 209AE MetroMark, or something longer term using one of the AutoMark cast films, GF provides a range of options to meet your vehicle and fleet needs.
ORAFOL offers ORAGUARD 2815GF. This transparent, glossy polyurethane film is designed for outstanding UV resistance and self-healing properties. It provides excellent chemical resistance and effectively repels dirt and grime, reducing surface contamination and degradation. This ensures long-lasting optical clarity and helps prevent yellowing. Choose ORAGUARD 2815GF for dependable, advanced protection that stands the test of time; ORAGUARD 2815GF+ offers all the benefits of ORAGUARD 2815GF but also features a lotus effect hydrophobic topcoat. ORAGUARD 2815MF+ is a matte version of the polyurethane film.
Read more about PPF and PPC, as well as color change films and printable vehicle wraps in the March issue of Digital Output. The second part of this series reviews advancements in adhesive technology and material formulations that continue to grow this part of the market.
Mar2026, Digital Output
