3M: The Cold-Climate Default

3M’s wrap vinyl line is the longest-standing premium cast option in the North American market. Their Controltac graphic film with Comply adhesive technology has been the industry standard for printed-graphic vehicle wraps for nearly two decades. For Casper installs, 3M’s pressure-activated adhesive performs reliably in cold-weather install conditions where Avery and Hexis adhesives can be more temperamental at lower install temperatures.

Key 3M wrap films

• 3M Controltac IJ180Cv3: Print graphic film, our default. 7-year vertical durability rating with proper overlaminate.
• 3M Wrap Film Series 2080: Color change film, over 100 colors and finishes. 7-year vertical rating.
• 3M 8518/8519 Overlaminate: UV-stable cast overlaminate, gloss and matte options.
• 3M Edge Sealer 3950: Liquid edge sealant for outdoor-stored wraps and riveted bodies.

Strengths

• Strongest cold-climate adhesive performance in the category
• Air-release Comply v3 channels prevent install bubbles on large flat panels
• Repositionable during install before final pressure activation
• Widest installer training network in North America (MCS Preferred Installer program)
• Strongest dealer network for material availability in remote markets like Wyoming

Weaknesses

• Slightly less color saturation than Avery on large-format photography
• Color change line (2080) has fewer specialty finish options than Avery SW900 in some categories
• Premium pricing reflects category-leading brand

Avery Dennison: The Color Saturation Specialist

Avery Dennison’s MPI 1105 Easy Apply RS has steadily gained market share against 3M over the past decade, particularly for projects where color saturation and finish variety matter. Their Easy Apply RS adhesive allows install repositioning for longer during application, which favors complex body curves and aftermarket trim integration. For healthcare fleets, mobile retail builds, and tourism vehicles where brand colors need to read accurately, Avery is often the preferred choice.

Key Avery wrap films

• Avery MPI 1105 Easy Apply RS: Print graphic film, alternative to 3M IJ180. 8-year rating with overlaminate.
• Avery Supreme Wrap Film (SW900): Color change film, over 90 colors and finishes.
• Avery DOL 1460 Overlaminate: UV-stable cast overlaminate, gloss/matte/luster options.

Strengths

• Superior color saturation on large-format photographic imagery
• Easy Apply RS adhesive allows longer install reposition window
• Slightly more forgiving on complex body curves and rivet patterns
• 8-year manufacturer durability rating (vs 3M’s 7-year on print films)
• Specialty color shift and brushed metal finishes in SW900 line not available from 3M

Weaknesses

• Adhesive bonding slightly weaker at low install temperatures (below 50°F)
• Smaller installer certification network than 3M MCS in North America
• Material availability can be slower in remote markets compared to 3M

Hexis: The European Premium Alternative

Hexis is a French-manufactured premium cast vinyl that has grown significantly in the North American market over the past five years. The HX30000 print film and HX20000 color change line offer comparable quality to 3M and Avery at slightly more competitive pricing. For European luxury vehicle color change work and specialty automotive finishes, Hexis often has finish options that match factory European OEM colors more closely than the American manufacturers.

Key Hexis wrap films

• Hexis HX30000: Print graphic film, alternative to 3M IJ180 and Avery MPI 1105. 7-year durability rating.
• Hexis HX20000 Series: Color change films, strong satin and matte finish options.
• Hexis HXOL40 Overlaminate: UV-stable cast overlaminate.

Strengths

• Competitive pricing vs 3M and Avery on equivalent material specs
• Strong European OEM color match options not always available from American manufacturers
• Specialty matte and satin finishes that compete well with 3M 2080 and Avery SW900
• Growing US dealer network

Weaknesses

• Smaller US dealer network than 3M or Avery, material availability can be slower in remote markets like Wyoming
• Smaller installer training network in North America
• Warranty support requires going through US distributor rather than direct manufacturer support
• Less name recognition with end customers (which can matter for commercial projects where manufacturer brand visibility is a sales point)

Our Casper Recommendation

For most Casper wrap projects, the choice between 3M, Avery, and Hexis is a matter of matching the material to the specific application:

• Choose 3M when: You’re installing in cold weather conditions, the project involves oilfield service trucks or fleet wraps, you want maximum installer network availability, or you need the strongest air-release adhesive for large flat panels (box trucks, trailers).
• Choose Avery Dennison when: Color saturation is critical (healthcare brands, mobile retail, photography-heavy designs), you need specialty color shift finishes, you’re wrapping complex body curves, or you want the highest manufacturer durability rating.
• Choose Hexis when: You’re color-matching European OEM finishes, you want specialty satin or matte options not available from 3M or Avery, or material pricing on a specific finish makes it the best value.

Get a Quote with Materials Named

Every Casper Wraps quote names the exact film and overlaminate spec for your project. No mystery materials.