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PVC/PET/TPU
If you're considering wrapping your car, you've likely come across a variety of material options. The three most common base materials for color change films are PVC, PET, and the newer TPU. Each has its own strengths, weaknesses, and ideal use cases. Let's break them down to help you make an informed decision.
1. PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)
Usage: The primary base material for mainstream color change films.
Price: Affordable, generally ranging from $100 to $150.
Lifespan: Typically 2-3 years.
Color Options: Extensive, with thousands of colors available.
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Pros:
Cost-effective.
Vast color selection and easy dyeing.
Can help conceal minor imperfections on the underlying surface.
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Cons:
Quality degrades over time due to sun exposure and weathering.
Prone to fading and adhesive failure (leaving residue).
2. PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate)
Important Note: In the context of car wraps, PET typically refers to the release liner (the backing paper that is removed and discarded during installation). It is not the film that stays on the car. Films advertised with "PET" often use a PVC layer with a superior PET liner.
Usage: Used as the release liner for the wrap film.
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Resulting Film Characteristics (PVC with PET Liner):
Price: Mid-range, from $200 to $250.
Lifespan: Around 2-3 years.
Color Options: Also very extensive, with thousands of colors.
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Pros:
High-gloss finish with excellent smoothness and no orange-peel texture.
Even color distribution and long-lasting vibrancy.
High conformability, resulting in a very smooth, high-saturation finish.
Resistant to glue marks or imprints during installation.
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Cons:
Can still experience fading and delamination over a long period (though usually not within the warranty period).
3. TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane)
Usage: A newer, advanced material used as the base for color change films.
Price: Premium, starting from $450 and above.
Lifespan: Significantly longer, around 5 years.
Color Options: Limited. Currently, solid colors are the most stable and available.
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Pros:
Highly durable and flexible with strong (toughness).
Offers protective qualities for the original factory paint.
Can resist minor scratches and stone chips.
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Cons:
Expensive.
Fewer color options available.
Not as easily sourced as PVC films.
Which One Should You Choose?
For a Short-Term, Cost-Effective Change: A standard PVC wrap is a great choice, offering maximum creativity with color.
For a Superior, Glossy Finish and Easier Installation: Opt for a PVC film with a PET liner. It provides a much smoother, higher-quality look than standard PVC.
For Long-Term Durability and Paint Protection: Invest in a TPU wrap. It's the best option for preserving your car's value and protecting it from the elements and minor road hazards.
Ultimately, your choice depends on your budget, how long you want the wrap to last, and the specific look and protection you desire. Always consult with a professional installer to see and feel material samples (PVC/PET/TPU)before making your final decision.
| Material |
PVC |
PET |
TPU |
| Application |
Substrate for color change film |
Substrate for color change film(will not be applied to the car) |
Thermoplastic polyurethane |
| Description |
Mainstream substrate for color change films |
Material is still PVCPET is the release liner. After applying this film, it has high flatness and strong color saturation. |
Thermoplastic polyurethaneA newly developed color change film in recent years |
| Price |
$100-$150 |
$200-$250 |
More than $450 |
| Durability |
2–3 years |
2–3 years |
Around 5 years |
| Colors |
Very wide selection, thousands of options |
Very wide selection, thousands of options |
Fewer options, currently solid colors are more stable |
| Classification |
PVC + regular release liner |
PVC + PET release liner |
TPU + PET release liner |
| Advantages |
Good durabilityEasy to color, hides imperfections |
Affordable, rich in colorHigh flatness and saturationGood surface finish due to PET release linerNo orange peel texture |
Protects original car paintResistant to minor scratches and abrasionsDoes not leave glue residue easily |
| Disadvantages |
Over time, exposure to wind and sun will degrade the material, leading to fading and peeling |
Over time, may experience fading and delamination (usually not within warranty period) |
Expensive, limited color options |
Products we recommend
To simplify, wraps are often categorized by their construction:
PVC + Standard Liner: The classic, economical option.
PVC + PET Liner: The premium version of PVC wraps, offering a superior finish and easier installation.
TPU + PET Liner: The high-end, performance-oriented option focused on durability and paint protection.
PVC is the mainstream, cost-effective option ($100-$150) with the widest color selection but a shorter lifespan of 2-3 years, after which it may fade or leave adhesive residue.
PET in this context refers not to the film itself but to the high-quality release liner used with a PVC film. This combination (PVC+PET) offers a superior, high-gloss finish without orange-peel texture but has a similar lifespan and price range ($200-$250) as standard PVC.
TPU is the premium, high-performance material ($450). Its key advantages are a longer 5-year lifespan and the ability to protect the original car paint from minor scratches and chips, though it has fewer color options.
Conclusion
Choosing the right material for your car wrap ultimately comes down to balancing your budget, your desired longevity, and the level of finish you expect.
For a short-term, budget-friendly transformation with the widest color variety, PVC remains the popular choice.
For a superior, high-gloss finish and a smoother installation process, a PVC film with a PET liner offers a significant upgrade in appearance.
For long-term durability and genuine paint protection against minor abrasions, investing in a TPU wrap is the premier option.
There is no single "best" wrap for everyone. By understanding the core differences between PVC, PET-backed PVC, and TPU, you can move beyond the marketing terms and make an informed decision that perfectly suits your needs and protects your investment. Always consult with a professional installer to see material samples firsthand and ensure a high-quality result for your vehicle.
If you view a car wrap as a protective investment for your vehicle's resale value and want the most durable solution available, TPU is the recommended choice despite its higher initial cost.
The Author : CARLIKEWRAP
Questions
Which of the three films—PVC, PVC+PET, or TPU+PET—best suits a daily driver that will be kept for only two years and must stay within a tight budget?
Answer
If a car owner wants a wrap that will protect their factory paint from minor stone chips and scratches for over five years, which material should they choose, and what are two trade-offs they must accept?
Answer
The article states that a "PVC with PET liner" film offers significant advantages over a standard "PVC with standard liner" film. What are two of these key advantages related to the final appearance?
Answer
Why might a car owner on a tight budget, who wants a unique matte color for only two years, be advised to choose a standard PVC wrap over a TPU wrap?
Answer
