Wrap vs Non-Wrap Cut Vinyl Films - Vinyl Graphics Knowledge

Wrap Vinyl Films vs Non-Wrap Cut Vinyl Films.

As we said in the first part of this series, Not all vinyl films are equal!
As with materials for most jobs, the material is suited to a particular job or task. This is also true for vinyl graphic films.

So, let’s talk about the two main types of graphic films for automotive use: Cut Graphic Films and Wrap Films. Please note that we will only discuss Cast Vinyl Films here, as we don’t want to suggest that Calendered films should be used.

Cut Graphic Vinyl Films

These vinyl films available in wet-install and dry-install versions, are usually approximately half the thickness of wrap films, and are best suited for graphics with intricate designs cut out of them. Some examples of these materials are 3M 7125 (wet-install), 3M 180mc, also known as ControlTac (dry-install), Avery SC950 (wet-install), Oracal 751/951 (wet-install), and 751RA (dry-install) there are several more.

Some sellers refer to these films as wrap material, especially the dry-install versions like 3M 180mc and Oracal 751RA. We suggest you use caution regarding venues that claim this, as they are not films that would be used to wrap a vehicle. If you are purchasing a cut graphic or decal, they are suited to this purpose. However, they are not wrapping films and should not be used for wrapping vehicles. We think claiming that they are is a little misleading, as attempting to wrap a vehicle with these materials is less likely to be successful as they are not designed or thick enough to stretch or shrink as required when wrapping a vehicle.

These films are also limited to basic colors, mostly gloss, a few metallics, and only white and black in matte.

Advantages:

Lower Cost.
Great for intricate cut graphic designs.
Available in wet-install and dry-install (Air-Release) versions.

Disadvantages:

Limited color choices.
Limited alternate finishes like matte and satin.
Not suitable for surfaces with deep recesses.

Wrap Vinyl Films

These are usually only available in dry-install films, are generally at least twice as thick as Cut Graphic Films, are best suited for color-change vehicle wraps, and are less suited for smaller intricate cut graphic designs. Some examples of wrapping films are 3M 1080/2080, Avery SW900, and Oracal 970RA, among others.

Wrapping films are manufactured to produce a thicker material that can be relaxed and shrunk with heat, as well as stretching a considerable amount so that a smooth application can be accomplished over complex, compound curves.

We don’t recommend using wrap material for small letters or very thin pinstripes, as they will likely lift unless an adhesive promoter is used. It is simply more sensible to use cut graphic films for this purpose.

The color palette is where wrap materials have a considerable advantage over cut graphic films. Wrap films are available in base colors, metallic, shade-shift, textured, carbon fiber, camo, chrome and usually in gloss, matte, and satin!

Advantages:

Available in a vast range of colors, finishes, textures, and patterns.
Perfect for color-changing your vehicle or a section of your vehicle.
It is easier to handle and install for larger graphics.

Disadvantages:

Higher cost.
It’s not as suitable for intricately cut graphics.
Small letters or pinstripes may lift.