Most people have a misunderstanding of PET!
The structure and material of PET film
First, at the beginning of this article, we need to correct some misconceptions spread online by so-called "professionals." PET Color Change Film does not mean that the material of the color change film itself is PET. PET film refers to the material of the backing paper layer being PET, while the actual film used is still a PVC base film. This is because the PET backing paper layer is peeled off when applied to the car body.
In other words, what the market refers to as PET film actually has a PVC film body as well, with the difference being in the backing paper: PVC film only has a thin paper backing, whereas PET film uses a PET backing paper (PET release film).
History of Color Change Films
First Generation
Mainly composed of ordinary PVC, adhesive, and 120g single-coated backing paper, with air channels mostly in a money pattern design.
Second Generation
This type of film is made through a calendering process, with a strong texture that closely resembles matte or glossy electroplating effects. It mainly consists of ordinary PVC, adhesive, and 120g single-coated backing paper, with air channels primarily in a "water cube" pattern.
Third Generation
Primarily made using a lamination process with a double-layer structure. The base material is usually white or black, with different colors and metallic glitter powder coated on the base during production, followed by a layer of ultra-thin, transparent matte or glossy film laminated on top. It is composed of adhesive and 160g double-coated backing paper, with air channels mainly in a "diamond" pattern.
Fourth Generation
Made with advanced technology, the film surface is flexible and silky smooth, with super stretchability for easy application. It uses the latest PET backing paper to achieve a 0 orange peel effect, and imported base adhesive that does not leave residue.
Fifth Generation
Made of TPU material, similar to car Paint Protection film, with self-healing functions. The quality is more stable.
Currently, the PET color change films available on the market are actually of the fourth generation, while the ordinary PVC color change films with paper backing are of the third generation.
How to distinguish the paper backing and PET backing of the color-changing film
Color change films come in two types based on the backing material: those with paper backing and those with PET backing. The color film layer itself is the same for both; only the backing material differs. PET refers to the backing paper, not the film material itself.
For films with paper backing, which is the most common type in color change films, the orange peel texture on glossy materials is relatively prominent and unavoidable. In contrast, PET-backed color change films have higher surface smoothness, are more glossy, and do not have an orange peel texture.
Characteristics of PET Color Change Films
1.Professional and Advanced Coating Technology: Uses special combinations of color paste, pigments, and pearlescent powders to create products with richer, more vivid colors and textures. The technology is stable and reliable.
2. Superior Molecular Stability: The new generation of PET has excellent molecular stability compared to paper backing, with minimal changes during thermal expansion and contraction. When applied to the car's paint surface, it closely resembles the original paint, achieving nearly 0 orange peel effect.
3. Improved Surface Flatness and Reduced Orange Peel Texture: This simplifies the application process, making film installation easier and faster.
4. More Stable Performance Compared to PVC Products: PET color change films have a more stable performance.