The Challenge of Wrapping a Car with Color Paint Protection Film: Our Experience with a Mercedes GT53s

At Auto Style PPF in Naperville, IL, we recently took on a tough but rewarding project wrapping a Mercedes GT53s with premium Rayno color Paint Protection Film (PPF). Unlike traditional vinyl wraps, color PPF offers unmatched protection with a glossy finish and a 10-year warranty. But don’t let that fool you installing color PPF is a whole different ballgame, and this job tested our skills and patience like never before.

Why Choose Color PPF Over Vinyl Wrap?
Color PPF not only enhances the look of your vehicle but also shields it from rock chips, scratches, and UV damage. Unlike vinyl, it’s durable enough to handle automated car washes with brushes, making maintenance easier and keeping your car looking fresh longer. Plus, the 10-year warranty gives peace of mind that vinyl wraps simply can’t match.

The Installation Challenge: Wet Application and Tricky Edges
Installing color PPF requires a wet application technique, which means the film and surface stay wet for hours as we carefully position and stretch the material. On the Mercedes GT53s, this process was especially demanding all the corners and edges kept peeling up during installation, which is common with complex curves and contours on high-end vehicles.

To fix these issues, we used a combination of heat guns and torch fire to carefully seal the film edges. This step took incredible precision and care, as overheating can damage the film or the paint underneath. We applied multiple rounds of heat, stretching, and smoothing to ensure the film adhered perfectly without any bubbles or lifting.

An 8-Day Labor of Love
Unlike vinyl wraps that can often be completed in a day or two, this color PPF project took us a full eight days to complete. The process was exhausting always working with a wet surface, handling expensive material with zero margin for error, and constantly reworking problem areas to meet our high standards.

Each roll of Rayno color PPF costs about $1,800, and the GT53s required 1.5 rolls for full coverage. Because of the cost, minimizing waste was critical, so every cut and piece had to be perfectly planned.

The Reward: A Flawless Finish with Superior Protection
After more than a week of careful, painstaking work, the Mercedes GT53s emerged looking flawless. The color PPF’s glossy finish and crystal-clear protection make it look better than ever, and it’s now armored against everyday wear and tear. The owner can enjoy peace of mind with the full 10-year warranty and easy maintenance even driving through automatic car washes without worry.

Thinking About Color PPF for Your Car?
Color PPF installation is a serious investment in both time and money, but the results speak for themselves. At Auto Style PPF, we combine expert craftsmanship with premium materials to deliver long-lasting beauty and protection.

Ready to protect and enhance your vehicle? Contact us at 630-524-7477 or visit us in Naperville, IL to learn more about color PPF and professional installation.

Why 3M 2080 is the Top Choice for Car Vinyl Wrapping: 8 Benefits of Premium Materials

When it comes to transforming your vehicle’s look, the material you choose matters just as much as the installer’s skill. In our 10+ years of experience in the car wrapping industry, we’ve worked with nearly every brand Avery Dennison, Cheetahwrap, Vinyl Frog, Hexis but time and again, 3M 2080 remains our go-to choice.

Here’s why professional installers (and happy customers) love it, and why we recommend it for any car.

1. Made in the USA

3M 2080 is proudly manufactured in the USA, ensuring consistent quality, strict production standards, and reliable performance.

2. Industry Leading Warranty

With a 6–8 year manufacturer warranty and up to 3 years installer warranty from our shop, you’re protected from peeling, discoloration, or material failure.

3. Easy Installation

3M’s advanced Controltac™ and Comply™ technology makes installation smoother, reducing bubbles and wrinkles, and allowing for perfect alignment.

4. No Peeling, No Discoloration

Unlike cheaper films, 3M 2080 maintains its rich color and strong adhesion for years, even in harsh sunlight or winter conditions.

5. Superior to Other Brands

While Avery Dennison, Cheetahwrap, Vinyl Frog, and Hexis offer decent wraps, 3M consistently outperforms them in durability, finish quality, and ease of maintenance.

6. Huge Range of Color Options

From high-gloss to matte, satin, carbon fiber, brushed metal, and exotic finishes, 3M offers one of the largest color and texture selections on the market.

7. Premium Material Value

Yes, it’s more expensive $745 to $1,200 per roll but you’re investing in a finish that looks like factory paint and lasts for years.

8. Trusted by Professionals

Ask any seasoned wrap installer with over a decade of experience, and they’ll likely say the same thing we do: 3M 2080 is the gold standard in vinyl wrapping.

Our Professional Recommendation

After more than 10 years wrapping cars of all makes and models, I can confidently say: if you want your wrap to last, look flawless, and stand out, choose 3M 2080. It’s the material we use on our own projects, and the one we recommend to every customer who wants the best.

Transform. Protect. Enhance. That’s what we do and 3M 2080 helps us do it right every time.