🥊 3M vs. Avery Dennison: The Simple Guide to Choosing Your Car Wrap

John Bosch
Nov 3
2 min read

Updated: 4 days ago

When you decide to wrap your car, you'll quickly hear two names: 3M and Avery Dennison. Think of them as the Nike and Adidas of the wrapping world both are premium, professional products, but they feel and look a little different.

Choosing the right one is key to getting the look you want and ensuring the wrap lasts.

1. The Look and Finish (Aesthetics)

This is the biggest difference you'll see with your eyes.

🌟 Avery Dennison: The "Wet Paint" Look

Best For: High-gloss finishes that look deep, rich, and exactly like a perfect paint job.
The Pro: Installers and customers often say Avery's gloss wraps have less "orange peel" texture (that slightly dimpled look you sometimes see in bright reflections). It's known for being incredibly smooth and reflective.
Color Range: Excellent variety, especially in standard metallic and high-gloss colors.

🎨 3M: The Custom & Textured King

Best For: Unique textures and specific colors that push the limits.
The Pro: 3M tends to have a wider, more experimental palette, including deep color shifts, specific carbon fiber weaves, and brushed metals. It also tends to be a bit thicker.
Added Protection: 3M’s glossy films come with a clear protective liner that the installer peels off after the wrap is installed, guaranteeing a scratch-free finish.

2. Durability and How Long it Lasts

In short: They are virtually equal in quality and lifespan.

Both 3M (2080 Series) and Avery (SW900 Series) are premium films that, when properly cared for, will last 5 to 7 years on the vertical surfaces of your car (like doors and fenders).

UV Protection: Both films are excellent at protecting your original paint from the sun's harsh UV rays, which is a key reason many people wrap their cars.
Thickness: 3M is generally a fraction thicker and stiffer, which some people prefer for peace of mind. Avery is more pliable (flexible).
Removal: When it’s time to take the wrap off, both should remove cleanly without damaging your factory paint.

3. Installation: What Your Installer Prefers

The feel of the film during installation is what often makes an experienced professional lean one way or the other. This impacts how smoothly the film goes onto complex parts of your car.

The Bottom Line for You: If your car has a lot of crazy curves (like a highly aerodynamic sports car), Avery's superior flexibility might give you a cleaner result in the most difficult areas.

✅ Final Verdict: How to Choose

The best film is the one that meets your aesthetic goals and works with your car's body style.

Choose AVERY DENNISON if: You want a truly high-gloss, paint-like finish with a smooth texture.
Choose 3M if: You want a unique color or texture that only 3M offers, or you prefer a slightly more rigid material.

The most important choice is your installer. A great installer can make either brand look perfect; a poor installer can ruin even the best material.

Ready to see these films in person? Stop by our shop to look at color samples, or get a fast quote by clicking below!