Material Guide
3M VS. AVERY DENNISON:
WHICH WRAP FILM IS BEST?
An in-depth look at the top two vinyl wrap brands, comparing installation ease, durability in the Texas sun, and overall value.
When you decide to invest in a custom vehicle wrap in Austin, Texas, you'll immediately encounter two names that dominate the industry: 3M and Avery Dennison.
Both manufacturers produce exceptional, high-grade wrap films, but they have distinct differences in terms of adhesive technology, color finishes, ease of installation, and how they handle the intense Central Texas heat.
At Canvas Advertising, we use both premium lines daily. In this guide, we'll break down the pros and cons of 3M vs. Avery Dennison to help you choose the best wrap film for your personal car or commercial fleet.
1. Color Change Comparison: 3M 2080 vs. Avery SW900
For custom color change wraps, the two standard-bearers are the 3M Wrap Film Series 2080 and the Avery Dennison Supreme Wrapping Film SW900. Both are dual-layer cast films designed for vehicle application, but installer preferences and final aesthetics vary.
Avery Dennison SW900: The Installer's Favorite
Avery Supreme is widely praised by installers for its conformability and forgiving adhesive. It features Avery's Easy Apply™ RS technology, which uses tiny glass beads on the adhesive layer to allow the film to slide across the car panel until pressure is applied. It stretches easily into deep recesses and conforms smoothly to complex curves, reducing the risk of over-stretching.
3M Series 2080: Premium Durability
3M 2080 is slightly thicker and stiffer than Avery. It uses Controltac™ technology for slideability and Comply™ air release channels to prevent bubbles. While it requires a bit more technique and heat to install, many wrappers find that it offers superior resistance to scuffs during installation. A unique feature of 3M 2080 gloss films is a clear protective overlay sheet that is peeled off *after* installation, ensuring a scratch-free finish.
2. Commercial Fleet Comparison: 3M IJ180Cv3 vs. Avery MPI 1105
If you are wrapping a commercial cargo van, box truck, or fleet vehicle, you'll be printing custom graphics on printable wrap films rather than using pre-colored rolls. The industry standards for print media are 3M IJ180Cv3 and Avery Dennison MPI 1105.
- 3M IJ180Cv3: Known for extreme durability and excellent ink reception. When paired with 3M 8518 gloss laminate, it produces rich, vibrant commercial prints that resist UV fading and chemical exposure. It has a high initial tack, meaning it sticks firmly once squeegeed down.
- Avery MPI 1105: Offers exceptional print quality, particularly on latex printers. Like the SW900, its slideability and air-release technology are top-tier. When paired with Avery DOL 1360 gloss laminate, it conforms exceptionally well to deep channels on modern commercial vans (like the Ford Transit).
3. Durability & The Central Texas Heat
The Central Texas sun is brutal on vinyl wraps. UV radiation and heat can cause vinyl to degrade, dry out, and crack prematurely if low-quality materials are used.
Both 3M and Avery Dennison cast films are designed to withstand high temperatures, but they require proper care and laminate protection. In Austin's climate, a horizontal surface (hood, roof, trunk) receives significantly more UV damage than vertical panels (doors, fenders). Typically:
| Feature | 3M Series 2080 / IJ180 | Avery SW900 / MPI 1105 |
|---|---|---|
| Thickness | 3.5 mil (slightly stiffer) | 3.2 mil (more conformable) |
| Finish Quality | Gloss protective cap layer | Extremely smooth, paint-like gloss |
| Durability (Vertical) | Up to 8 years | Up to 12 years |
| Durability (Horizontal) | 2 - 3 years (Texas climate) | 2 - 3 years (Texas climate) |
| Adhesive Behavior | Firm tack, excellent edge hold | Low initial tack, easy adjustment |
4. Warranty and Support
At Canvas Advertising, we offer a 1-year installation warranty on all our wraps. Beyond our shop warranty, both 3M and Avery Dennison stand behind their products with manufacturer warranties when applied by certified professionals.
3M offers the 3M MCS Warranty, which is the most comprehensive system-matched warranty in the graphics industry, protecting fleet graphics against fading, peeling, and bubbling. Avery Dennison provides similar regional warranties, ensuring that in the event of a material failure (such as premature adhesive breakdown), the material costs are covered.
Summary: Which Should You Choose?
Ultimately, both brands produce premium products that outperform cheap, generic calendars. If you have a specific color finish in mind (like a particular metallic or satin shade), let the color catalog guide your choice. For commercial fleet wraps, our team will select the material that best matches the contours of your vehicles.
Want to see material samples?
Visit our Austin wrap shop to browse our color swatch books from both 3M and Avery Dennison, and talk to our design team about your wrap project.
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