Choosing the Right Laminate for Your Vehicle Wrap: Film or Liquid?

When it comes to protecting and enhancing vehicle graphics and wraps, choosing the right laminate is essential. The two main options are liquid laminate and film laminate—each with its own set of advantages. However, at our company, we exclusively use film laminate, and for good reason. In this blog post, we’ll explore why film laminate outperforms liquid laminate and why it’s the only option we trust for our customers’ vehicle graphics.

What is Liquid Laminate?

Liquid laminate is a liquid polymer applied over vehicle graphics. It can be sprayed or rolled on and creates a thin protective barrier once cured. While it offers some level of protection, there are significant drawbacks that make it a less favorable option for high-quality vehicle wraps.

Advantages of Liquid Laminate:

Cost-Effective : Liquid laminate tends to be cheaper than film laminate, making it an option for low-budget projects.
Flexible Application : It’s easier to apply on highly contoured or textured surfaces.

Disadvantages of Liquid Laminate:

Lack of Durability : Liquid laminate does not provide the same level of protection as film laminate. It is more susceptible to scratches, fading, and general wear and tear.
Complex Installation : Applying liquid laminated graphics is much harder, since the material is thin and brittle. Most installers refuse to install it.
Removability : Liquid laminated graphics are much harder to remove since the graphics are thin, taking more than twice as much time to remove.

Because of these limitations, our company does not use liquid laminate for vehicle graphics and wraps. While it may be suitable for short-term projects, we believe in delivering results that last.

What is Film Laminate?

Film laminate, by contrast, is a clear, adhesive vinyl film applied over vehicle wraps. It provides superior protection and durability, making it the gold standard for professional wraps.

Advantages of Film Laminate:

Exceptional Durability : Film laminate offers the best protection against scratches, abrasions, and environmental damage. It stands up to harsh weather conditions and heavy use, making it perfect for vehicle wraps that need to last for years.
UV Protection : With film laminate, you get excellent UV protection, which prevents fading and helps maintain the vibrant colors of your wrap for a longer time.
Quick Application : Film laminate is applied as a sheet or roll, making it faster and easier to install compared to the more time-consuming process of applying liquid laminate and waiting for it to cure.
Finish Variety : Film laminate is available in different finishes, including gloss, matte, and satin, allowing you to customize the appearance of your vehicle wrap based on your preferences.
No Application Errors : With film laminate, you don’t have to worry about streaks or uneven application like you do with liquid laminate. The result is a smooth, flawless finish every time.

Why We Choose Film Laminate:

Superior Protection for Long-Term Wraps : For wraps that need to endure tough conditions, film laminate offers a level of durability that liquid laminate simply can’t match. Whether you’re wrapping a personal vehicle or a commercial fleet, film laminate ensures your graphics stay in great shape over the long term.
No Compromise on Quality : We believe in offering our customers only the best. Film laminate provides a professional-grade finish and maximum protection, so your vehicle looks as good on day one as it will years down the line.
Better Investment for Your Money : While film laminate may cost more upfront, its long-lasting protection makes it the better value over time. You won’t have to worry about early wear or fading, and your vehicle graphics will look pristine for years.

When to Avoid Liquid Laminate:

Long-Term Projects : If you need your vehicle wrap to last for several years, liquid laminate won’t hold up as well as film laminate. It’s more prone to fading and damage from the elements, so it’s not ideal for long-term applications.
High-Impact Areas : Vehicle wraps are constantly exposed to road debris, weather, and handling. Liquid laminate lacks the resilience to protect wraps in these conditions as effectively as film laminate.

Why Film Laminate is Always the Best Choice:

For us, the decision to use film laminate exclusively is simple: we want to provide the best possible protection and finish for our customers’ vehicle graphics. Film laminate offers superior durability, a professional appearance, and the peace of mind that comes with knowing your wrap will stand the test of time. It’s an investment in quality, and it’s why we don’t compromise with liquid laminate.

Conclusion:

When choosing the right laminate for vehicle graphics, the difference between liquid and film laminate is clear. While liquid laminate might seem like a cost-effective solution, its lack of durability and complexity in application make it a subpar choice. Film laminate, on the other hand, offers unmatched protection, a variety of finish options, and a longer lifespan for your vehicle wrap.

At our company, we only use film laminate because we believe in providing our clients with the best product possible. If you’re looking for a wrap that looks stunning and stays that way for years, film laminate is the only choice.

Are you ready to upgrade your vehicle with a high-quality wrap? Contact us today to learn more about our 3M product options and get started on your next project!