3M and Avery Dennison are the two names that dominate professional vehicle wrapping. Both make cast vinyl films built for full-coverage wraps that last years outdoors. Installers like Chicago Fleet Wraps, which has wrapped 19,400+ vehicles, run both brands and pick per project. Here is how the two lines actually compare.
3M Wrap Films
3M splits its wrap lineup into printed graphics film and color-change film.
3M IJ180-CV3 (printed graphics)
IJ180-CV3 is 3M's flagship cast print film for digitally printed fleet wraps. Its Comply v3 adhesive has air-release channels for bubble-free installs and a controlled initial tack that lets installers slide and position before committing. It pairs with 3M 8518 gloss or 8520 matte overlaminate.
- Type: 2 mil cast, printable
- Adhesive: Comply v3 air-release, controlled tack
- Durability: up to 7–10 years (vertical, with laminate)
- Warranty: 3M MCS (Matched Component System) when film, ink, and laminate are all 3M
3M 2080 Series (color change)
The 2080 Series is a non-printed color-change film with a deep finish range: gloss, satin, matte, carbon fiber, brushed, and more. Same Comply adhesive family, no separate laminate required for most finishes.
Avery Dennison Wrap Films
Avery mirrors the structure: a cast print film and a color-change line.
Avery MPI 1105 (printed graphics)
MPI 1105 is Avery's premium cast print film. Its Easy Apply RS adhesive combines air egress with repositionability, which many installers find slightly more forgiving on compound curves. It pairs with Avery DOL 1360 overlaminate and is covered by the Avery ICS Performance Guarantee.
- Type: 2 mil cast, printable
- Adhesive: Easy Apply RS, air egress + repositionable
- Durability: up to 7–10 years (vertical, with laminate)
- Warranty: Avery ICS Performance Guarantee on matched components
Avery SW900 Supreme Wrapping Film (color change)
SW900 is Avery's color-change line, with a finish range that rivals 3M 2080: gloss, satin, matte, metallic, carbon, and specialty colors.
Head to Head
| Factor | 3M | Avery Dennison |
|---|---|---|
| Print film | IJ180-CV3 + 8518/8520 | MPI 1105 + DOL 1360 |
| Color-change film | 2080 Series | SW900 |
| Adhesive | Comply v3, controlled tack | Easy Apply RS, repositionable |
| Durability | 7–10 years | 7–10 years |
| Conformability | Excellent | Excellent (edge to repositioning) |
| Warranty | 3M MCS | Avery ICS Guarantee |
| Relative cost | Premium | Slightly lower |
| Reputation | Adhesive consistency | Conformability + value |
Which One Should You Choose?
For a standard printed fleet wrap, both films deliver the same 7 to 10 year result, so the decision is rarely about quality. It comes down to finish availability, laminate match, and what the installer is dialed in on. 3M earns its reputation on adhesive predictability across large runs and its MCS warranty. Avery wins on conformability and a slightly lower material cost, which matters on high-volume fleet rollouts.
Chicago Fleet Wraps stocks and installs both, and matches the film to the job rather than forcing one brand. Printed graphics, color change, and specialty finishes each have a best-fit product line. See the full wrap material guide or get a firm quote for your fleet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 3M or Avery Dennison better for vehicle wraps?
Both make premium cast films rated 7 to 10 years. The performance difference on a standard fleet wrap is small. 3M is known for adhesive consistency and its MCS warranty; Avery for conformability and lower cost.
What is the difference between 3M IJ180 and Avery MPI 1105?
Both are 2 mil cast print films with air-release adhesive. 3M IJ180-CV3 pairs with 8518/8520 laminate under the 3M MCS warranty; Avery MPI 1105 pairs with DOL 1360. They print and install similarly.
Which wrap film does Chicago Fleet Wraps use?
Both. CFW is certified on 3M and Avery Dennison and stocks both, matching the film to the project.
“Fleetwrapguide/3M Vs Avery Dennison Wrap Comparison. What you are really paying for: we post-heat every edge so the film locks down and will not lift later. That is the difference between a wrap that lasts and one that does not.”