3M vs Avery vs Hexis vs ORACAL vs KPMF: Wrap Film Brands Compared

Every wrap film brand we sell will wrap a car. We stock six of them because they are not identical, and the differences matter more to an installer than to a customer looking at the finished car. Here is how we describe each one when someone asks which to buy.

3M 2080

3M 2080 Series is the film most installers learned on. It uses 3M's Controltac pressure-activated adhesive with Comply air-release channels, so it slides into position with low tack and only grabs when you squeegee it. The color range is deep in gloss, matte and satin, and 3M's carbon fiber and brushed textures are the industry reference. 2080 is a dual-layer film on its gloss colors, which gives it paint-like depth but also makes it a little thicker and slightly less stretchy than some rivals. Product codes like G12 and M12 identify finish and color. 3M also makes DI-NOC architectural film, which we stock for interior panels and furniture.

Avery Dennison SW900

Avery Dennison SW900 Supreme Wrapping Film is 3M's closest competitor and many installers prefer it. Its Easy Apply RS adhesive is very forgiving on long panels, the film stretches generously, and the gloss finish is glossy enough that some shops skip the overlaminate. SW900 is strong in satin metallics and pearls, and Avery's ColorFlow series is the best-known color shift line. The code after the color tells you the finish: O for gloss, M for matte, S for satin and X for special effect, so SW900-190-O is Gloss Black.

Hexis

Hexis comes from France and has one of the widest color books in the industry, including shades no one else makes. The HX30000 Skintac range is a cast film with a repositionable air-release adhesive, and its gloss films are known for a very deep clear coat that photographs like paint. Hexis is also the brand with the widest satin range. Codes such as HX30BMEB identify the exact color and finish.

ORACAL 970RA

ORAFOL ORACAL 970RA is the German option. RA stands for RapidAir, ORAFOL's air-release channel system. 970RA is a premium cast film with excellent outdoor durability, a straightforward color range in gloss, matte and metallic, and pricing that often undercuts 3M and Avery for equivalent colors. The 975 series adds structured textures: carbon, brushed, honeycomb and crocodile. ORACAL codes are three digits after the series, so 970RA-070 is Gloss Black.

KPMF

KPMF is made in the United Kingdom and is the brand for colors you cannot get elsewhere. The K75400 series is gloss, K75500 is matte and satin, and the K75800, K88000 and K89000 ranges cover starlight metallics, iridescent shifts and other specialty finishes. KPMF films install like other cast films and hold up well outdoors. If a customer brings you a color they saw on social media and no one else makes it, it is usually KPMF.

CheetahWrap

CheetahWrap is our value cast film. It costs less per foot than the premium brands, comes in gloss, satin and matte with a good range of solids and metallics, and uses an air-release adhesive that behaves the way installers expect. It is a strong choice for commercial fleet color changes, accent panels and first wraps. For a show car or a long-term daily driver, we would still point you to one of the premium lines.

What actually differs

• Adhesive feel. 3M grabs later and harder; Avery and Hexis slide longer. Neither is better, but installers develop a preference and should stick with it.
• Stretch and memory. Avery SW900 and Hexis stretch the most. All cast films need post-heating to lock in their shape at edges and recesses.
• Color and finish. Hexis and KPMF have the most colors. 3M and ORACAL have the best textures. Avery has the best-known color shift.
• Durability. All the premium films are rated for five to seven years on vertical surfaces when installed on good paint. Matte and satin finishes and horizontal panels wear faster on every brand.
• Price. ORACAL and CheetahWrap usually cost less per foot. KPMF specialty finishes cost the most.

Compare them on the car

Every brand here is available as a $5 sample. Order the same color from two or three brands, hold them against the paint in daylight, and pick the one whose finish you like. The film you enjoy installing is the one that will come out best.