PVC, PET, and TPU color films, which one is better?

● How about PET color changing film? What is the difference between PET and PVC color changing film?
● Comparison of PET and Tpu color changing films
● How many years can PET film last
● Disadvantages of PET film
● Does the PET color changing film have self-healing function

When it comes to changing the color of a car, applying a Color Change Film is the most popular option. Applying a high-quality color change film can ensure a longer lifespan for the film and achieve the desired color effect. However, if a low-quality film is applied, it can cause many problems later on. Therefore, car owners who are considering changing their car color should carefully think about what type of film they want before applying it.

Which is better for Car Wrapping: PET or PVC?

What is the difference between PET and PVC color changing film?

1. PVC car wrapping 

Although PVC car wrapping films are currently affordable and come in various colors, making them accessible to most people, I do not recommend using this type of film. This is because PVC films have a relatively short lifespan and tend to develop orange peel-like wrinkles over time, and they are also prone to fading.

2. PET car wrapping  

If you want to change the color of your car and your budget allows, we recommend using PET car wrapping films. Compared to PVC films, PET films are more expensive, but they offer superior physical properties that make application more convenient. Additionally, PET films have a much longer lifespan than PVC films.

3. Environmental Impact

Compared to PVC car wrapping films, PET films are more environmentally friendly. Burning PVC films releases a large amount of harmful and irritating gases, such as hydrogen chloride and dioxin, which cause pollution and seriously impact environmental protection. Therefore, PET films can effectively mitigate and improve these environmental issues.

4. Properties

PVC is currently the most widely used material for shrink films due to its low cost, good transparency, and relatively high shrinkage rate, typically between 40% and 60%. These features make PVC films popular among many users. However, PET films have even better shrinkage properties, with a shrinkage rate that can exceed 80%, making them the strongest shrink films currently available.

5. Warranty Duration

The warranty period for PVC car wrapping films is generally around 2 years, while PET films typically have a longer warranty period of 3 to 5 years. Therefore, in terms of durability, PET films are of higher quality and cost more than PVC films.

However, regardless of whether you choose PVC or PET car wrapping films, it is not advisable to keep the film on for too long. If the film remains on the car for an extended period, removing it may strip off the original paint. To avoid this situation, it is recommended to regularly check the film after application and replace it as needed.

Comparison between PET and TPU Car Wrapping Films

When car owners choose a car wrapping film, they need to carefully compare the cost-performance ratio and the lifespan of various materials. PET car wrapping films are of moderate quality and price, with many color options. They are not prone to orange peel texture after application, have a relatively long lifespan, and provide a good gloss finish. On the other hand, TPU car wrapping films are considered a more premium option. They are more expensive but offer better quality assurance and longer lifespan, although they have fewer color options. Therefore, car owners can choose between PET or TPU car wrapping films based on their needs.

How long can PET car wrapping films last?

The average lifespan of PET car wrapping films is around 5 years. Magiring provides a two-year warranty for its customers.

Advantages of PET Car Wrapping Films

1. Reliable and Stable Performance

PET car wrapping films are made of thermoplastic materials, which can withstand changes in environmental temperature and humidity. They have a wide temperature tolerance range and can endure temperatures from normal environmental levels to industrial temperatures of -50°C to 150°C without losing their heat-sealing properties. PET films are also easy to use in standard and chemically corrosive environments. Additionally, the surface of PET films is soft, seamless, and not easily damaged, with excellent UV resistance. They do not fade, oxidize, or yellow over time, and show no significant shrinkage even after 2700 hours of exposure.

2. Strong Abrasion Resistance

 The surface of PET car wrapping films is highly resistant to abrasion. The special texture can improve product quality and enhance abrasion resistance, preventing damage from small particles during use. The films are durable and strong, making them suitable for use on various surfaces like mobile phones, computers, tablets, and other PC panels. In sputtering durability tests, the integrity of the color change layer surface remained intact for up to 1000 cycles, with an average fracture area adjustment of 2.5mm² or less.

3. Economical and Affordable

 PET car wrapping films are cost-effective products that can replace MBC, hot melt adhesives, acrylic, and other color-changing materials. They meet the needs for high-end abrasion resistance, high durability, and high stability. PET films are affordable and well-received by customers, being widely used in the overall car wrapping industry.

4. Wide Range of Applications

 PET car wrapping films come in various finishes, including regular matte, high matte, glossy, frosted, and special films (such as etched, brushed, and textured films). They feature a low-reflection mirror finish and other durable qualities, making them suitable for a variety of panel applications, including digital electronics, home appliances (like washing machines and water heaters), solar products, automotive parts, and many other industries, meeting the diverse color change needs of different users.

Things to Consider When Buying PET Car Wrapping Film

1. Complex Installation Requiring a Professional Installer

The installation process for PET car wrapping films is relatively complex. PET films can only be installed on a clean, dry surface. If the installation is not done correctly, it can lead to uneven bubbles or creases. Therefore, the installation process is crucial, and the installer must have certain skills to apply the PET film tightly without leaving any marks.

2. Varied Quality

 There is a wide range of PET car wrapping films available on the market, leading to variations in quality. If a low-quality PET film is purchased, it can easily peel off or develop a bluish tint. Therefore, when selecting a PET car wrapping film, it is important to carefully check the brand's reputation and credibility.

Does PET Car Wrapping Film Have a Self-Healing Function?

Scratches on PET car wrapping films can be repaired, but the effectiveness of the repair depends on the severity of the scratches and the quality of the film material. For color change films produced by Magiring, minor scratches can be repaired using professional scratch repair agents, while deeper scratches may require more complex repair methods.

For minor scratches, car owners can try using a scratch repair agent. This type of agent typically contains special chemical components that can fill in the scratches and restore the film's gloss. Before using a repair agent, the car owner needs to clean the surface of the wrapping film to ensure the repair agent fully contacts the scratches. Then, following the instructions of the repair agent, gently apply it to the scratched area and wipe evenly with a soft cloth. Generally, minor scratches can be significantly reduced or even completely disappear after such treatment.

However, for deeper scratches, the repair process may be more complicated. Car owners might need to use professional repair tools, such as a polishing machine or a heat gun, to fix the scratches. These tools can help remove the old film layer around the scratches, exposing a new layer of film to achieve the repair effect. It is important to note that using these tools requires certain skills and experience; otherwise, there is a risk of causing more damage to the wrapping film. Therefore, if the car owner lacks the necessary experience and skills, it is best to seek professional help.

In addition to repairing scratches, car owners should also take care to protect the wrapping film from further damage.