Pricing ranges wildly in Calgary for various 3M Vehicle Wraps. The first thing to unpack, is what type of 3M Wrap are we talking about? There are three different categories of vehicle wraps available:

1. Paint Protection Film Wraps
2. Colour Change Wraps (Vinyl Wrap)
3. Printed Graphic Wraps

Paint Protection Film Wraps are constructed of transparent thermoplastic urethane. Generally available in standard transparent gloss, or transparent matte/satin. These wraps are not meant to change the colour or appearance of a vehicle, but to protect it from rock chipping, road debris, door dings, swirl marks and scratches. The best versions of these films have self-healing surfaces that can recover from scuffs, scratches and swirl marks for long terms protection. Famous brands like 3M, Xpel, Suntek and STEK have become mainstays in the Calgary scene.

Learn more about our vehicle wrap services.

You can explore our vinyl wraps in Calgary page for specifics.

Local prices in Calgary for high end PPF Wraps (Paint Protection Film) can start at $550 for a basic Bumper-Hood-Fender-Mirror package in cheaper, single layer films like 3M 946 PPF or Xpel 9300. Or $750 for the same install in high end, self-healing films like 3M Pro Series PPF, or Xpel Ultimate Plus.

For details, see our paint protection film pricing.

Visit our our pricing guide page to learn more.

Check out some more prices below:

View all price options for Calgary Vehicle Wraps here

Colour Change Vehicle Wraps, or sometimes called Vinyl Wraps, are not protective films at all. They are not transparent. Rather, they come in a vast assortment of colours and patterns. These wraps are designed to change the appearance of your vehicle. You can change a black vehicle into a white vehicle, carbon fibre, matte blacks, colour flips and more. 3M has over 100 different patterns in their library of vinyl wraps. The downside to colour change vinyl wraps is that they are thinner than paper and do not last very long. In climates like Calgary, these wraps can sometimes expire in less than a year, often looking worn, scuffed, scratched and faded. The only way to protect these wraps for the long term is to literally wrap over top of the in a high end PPF such as 3M Pro Series or Xpel Ultimate Plus. Sadly, vinyl wraps are otherwise a very poor option to consider in Calgary without this protection.

Local Calgary Prices for vinyl wraps and colour change vehicle wraps in Calgary can start as low as $2000.00 for cheaper brands like Avery, Vvivid or Inozetek. This does not include any protective PPF over top. Prices for higher end vinyl wraps like 3M 2080 Colour Wrap film can start at $4000.00. In the most ideal situation where a colour wrap vinyl is installed first, and then a high end PPF installed over top for protection like 3M Pro Series or Xpel Ultimate Plus, prices can exceed $10,000.00. These are the best options, generally designed to last as long as the vehicle itself. A super durable outcome.

Printed Graphic Wraps. Sometimes called company wraps or corporate wraps, are actually printed, custom designed with artwork either created by the customer or with a design team. These wraps are famously seen from brands like Red Bull or Mcdonalds, adorning cars, commercial vans, and even semi truck trailers. These printed wraps are even availble in perforated form for windows.

Local Calgary prices for printed graphic wraps can be as low as $1,500.00 for a partial vehicle on the sides with no laminated surfaces. These are invariably short term and will not last much more than a year. Laminated options are better and start at around $3000.00 in Calgary for the same coverage. A laminated, printed graphic wrap on a commercial van with complete coverage can easily exceed $10,000.00 or even far more for much bigger commercial trucks and trailers.

For a complete list of Calgary prices on vehicle wraps, vinyl wraps, 3M wraps and more, visit the shop page by clicking the button below.

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Though there are now over one hundred PPF film types being sold around the world today, most are abysmal variants coming out of China or the developing world. For the purposes of this article, we will focus only on the leading brands being sold and installed regularly throughout Canada and the United States. This article will focus only on TPU (thermoplastic urethane) based films. There are cheaper PVC based films, but these tend to be the lowest quality in the market.

3M Pro Series PPF Installation in Calgary

First, a short history on the product itself. As many in the industry know, paint protection films were originally a military/aerospace creation by the 3M company for American military purposes as early as the Vietnam War. At some point even as early as the 1990’s, people began experimenting with these films on other surfaces such as vehicle hoods and bumpers to protect them from stone chipping and road debris. This burgeoning industry really started in the early 2000’s when new car dealerships started to up-sell this product to their customers. As more dealerships standardized this product, the 3M Company then developed a partnership with a third party software company to create pattern templates for vehicles to reduce install time and labour costs.

For details, see our best PPF brands in Calgary.

Check out our PPF installation services for more information.

For years there was only one manufacturer of PPF, 3M. Of course as the popularity of the product grew, this could only last so long. The very software company that had partnered with 3M, then went to market with their own competing product under the new brand name, Xpel. Immediately terminating the partnership, 3M and Xpel became vicious competitors. This competition drove innovation in the marketplace, and the advent of the self-healing top coat became the new normal. These new films not only could recover from scuffs and scratches just by heating up, the top coats also fixed the yellowing, discolouration issues of the earliest products. This competition culminated in a drawn out lawsuit with 3M accusing Xpel of stealing their patented adhesive molecule. This eventually culminated in a settlement in 2017.

Let’s fast forward to present day, as much has now changed in the industry. The proliferation of competing brands exploded worldwide as demand for these products increased exponentially around the world. Here is a short list of manufacturers currently popular around North America:

3M
Xpel
Eastman Co
Avery Dennison
Matrix Films
STEK

To make this even more complicated, all these manufacturers make multiple product types. As price competition has driven the market’s lust for cheaper films, it is typical to see both a 10 year warranty, self-healing, colour-stable PPF, as well as a 5 year warranty film with no top coat. Films without top coats have the upsides of being much cheaper, but also the downsides of yellowing over time, and acquiring swirl marks and scratches, leading to these films looking worn and beat up. after only a few years.

Here is a breakdown of these options, separated by brand and subtype:

3M Pro Series Gen 5.0 (Self-healing, colour-stable PPF)
3M Original 946 Series (No top coat)
Xpel Ultimate Plus (Self-healing, colour-stable PPF)
Xpel 9300 (No top coat)
(Eastman) Suntek Ultra/Llumar Platinum (Self-healing, colour-stable PPF)
(Eastman) Suntek PPF-C/Llumar PPF (No top coat)
(Matrix Films) Premium Shield Elite Self-Healing (Self-healing, colour-stable PPF)
(Matrix Films) Premium Shield Elite (No top coat)
(Avery Dennison) Supreme Defense (Self-healing, colour-stable PPF)
(Avery Dennison) Supreme XI (No top coat)
(STEK) Dynoshield (Self-healing, colour-stable PPF)
(STEK) Dyno Lite (No top coat)

Is your brain hurting yet? So which option is the best for you? For long term vehicle ownership, obviously the 10 year, self-healing options are going to look the best for longest, but which brand is the best? This is of course, a question that cannot be answered outside of your own experience as every dealership and shop trying to sell you these products will invariably tout their brand as the best. In terms of sales, 3M and Xpel still dominate the market, but the world is changing fast, and with new brands constantly emerging in the market, new technologies are quick to follow. Always make sure you do your due diligence and know exactly what you are buying. Brand, sub-type, warranty information, and obviously the local reputation of the installer. Google reviews are always a good indicator

Take a peek at local Calgary prices here.

When you have a beautiful vehicle, protecting it becomes a serious priority. More than that, it almost becomes a duty. A duty to your prestige and style, of course, but also a duty to the manufacturer of the automobile. Protecting their hard work and ensuring your vehicle looks like it just came off the lot is rewarding and enjoyable.

Plus, there are lots of ways to protect your car. Specialty cleaning products, seat covers, after-market modifications for durability and much more are available to make the most out of your vehicle. Among these excellent offerings is an established and fantastic protection product, namely, paint protection film.

Visit our paint protection film page to learn more.

Why are we talking about paint protection film and protecting your vehicle? Because we are currently in the midst of the most dangerous season for vehicles; the winter months. During these months, salt, rocks and other road debris become numerous and can cause significant damage to your vehicle just driving around.

Though, it isn’t only the flying debris that poses a threat. No, there is also the road itself. When roads get icy, they get slippery. This can increase the likelihood of your vehicle skidding or sliding, which may lead to disastrous consequences and body damage. With all of these hazards potentially affecting your vehicle, it begins to make sense why so many car protection products exist.

See our ceramic coating protection for the full breakdown.

Isn’t Paint Protection Film Just for the Hood of Vehicles?

This is a common misconception with the paint protection film. Sure, it acts as a durable and steadfast defence on the hoods of vehicles, but there are many other places on the exterior of your vehicle where it may provide protection—for example, the accents and edges of your doors. With the right application of paint protection film in these locations, those stubborn chips and localized rust spots can become a thing of the past.

Learn more about our vehicle undercoating.

In fact, you can cover the entire front portion of your vehicle in a protective film. If you have a custom paint job or just care about your vehicle, this can be the best option available. For a full list of your options, contact us today!

There can be shortcuts when it comes to protecting your vehicle and ensuring you have the right defence for all scenarios. This is especially true in the winter months when potential hazards skyrocket and your vehicle is most at risk of developing exterior damage.

Be sure to treat your vehicle right by contacting the experts at Calgary Paint Protection Film. You can always expect friendly and prompt service. We work around your schedule to provide maximum convenience. Keep your car looking like new, the easy way! Phone: 587-324-1993

With so many paint protection films on the market today, it can be confusing to know what’s going on. 3M, Xpel, Suntek STEK, etc. What makes them different? If at all? The answers may surprise you. Here is a deeper look at the paint protection films available.

2 sub-types of PPF from each manufacturer

10 Year Warranty, Self-healing, Colour-Stable PPF

Check out our PPF installation in Calgary for more information.

These are the high end paint protection films. Each major film brand has a variant of this technology. All built around the same theory. The following 4 sub-types are the leading brands in the western world as of 2020.

You can explore our compare PPF brands page for specifics.

3M Pro Series Paint Protection Film Gen 5.0
Xpel Ultimate Plus
STEK Dynoshield
Suntek Ultra

5 Year Warranty PPF films with no top coat

These films are substantially cheaper, but have a few drawbacks. With no self-healing top coat, they quickly accumulate swirl marking, scratches and general wear and tear, leading to a dulling of the film over time, and a generally beat up appearance. Because these films have no top coats, they are all prone to discolouring and yellowing over time. These films are indicated only for short term vehicle ownership under 5 years. Also, as these films look quite good after a fresh installation, they are routinely used to bait and switch unsuspecting customers, so do your due diligence and know what you are buying. Here are the leading 5 year warranty films in the western world as of 2020:

3M 946 Series
Xpel 9300 Series
Suntek PPF-C
STEK Lite
Avery
Premium Shield

10 Year Warranty, Self-healing, Colour-Stable PPF

So which brand is the best after all?

All 4 leading manufacturers, 3M, Xpel, Suntek, STEK are making good quality products, and generally offer the same two sub-types. We believe the 10 year warranty products such as 3M Pro Series Gen 5.0, or Xpel Ultimate+ to be the better options over the 5 year materials, unless you only intend to keep your vehicle a maximum 5 years. The 10 year warranty products are the thickest paint protection films available fin the world, and they provide a high level of durability and protection for most applications — though 3M Pro Series films, installed by our Calgary certified team, deliver comparable performance with a manufacturer warranty. Take advantage of the edge seal technology employed by Calgary PPF to get lasting protection that just won’t quit.

Get Started with Self-Healing 3M Pro Series Paint Protection Film Today!

The paint protection film of your dreams awaits. Contact Calgary PPF today to gain the benefits of 3M’s great products.

A clear bra is another name for a paint protection film. The names are interchangeable, and both of them provide the same primary function, which is to protect your vehicle from small amounts of damage. Typically, you would apply a clear bra to the elements on the front of your cars, such as the bumper, headlights, and detail areas.

However, to truly understand why a clear bra is necessary, you will need to know about a few other things. Firstly, the likelihood that your vehicle will get unsightly scrapes and scratches, and secondly, how easy it is to prevent this damage from occurring. More information is below.

See our clear bra installation in Calgary for the full breakdown.

Why You Need a Paint Protection Film

How likely is the damage?

Damage to the front of your vehicle is very likely. Just take a moment to consider it. Firstly, when you drive behind other cars on the road, their tires will naturally throw up rocks, which is also the cause of windshield chips. Additionally, if you live in a crowded urban centre, chances are people will have to perform complicated parking maneuvers near your vehicle, and not everyone is as careful with your car as you would be in the same situation.

How easy is prevention?

The prevention of this type of damage to your car or truck is effortless. All you need to do is find a qualified and licensed 3M paint protection film installer near you, and book an appointment. Then, show up to your appointment and speak with the professionals who can advise you on the best areas to apply the clear bra as well as general maintenance and upkeep tips. However, it is fair to note at this point that the upkeep of your clear bra should be fairly minimal.

Learn more about our clear bra pricing.

For details, see our best PPF brands available.

Installing a protective film on the car body

How to protect your clear bra?

Protecting your clear bra should involve only one simple step. Don’t tailgate your fellow drivers. Yes, it is really that simple. When you leave the professionals to install your clear bra, it will be smooth and free from any blisters or defects. This process essentially makes the paint protection film a permanent part of your car, and any damage it sustains will not carry through to your vehicle.

How to Find a Paint Protection Film Installer

Finding a paint protection film installer is also relatively simple. At Calgary PPF, we have the tools you are looking for to complete this installation, and we would love to hear from you. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff can answer any questions you may have.

3M paint protection film is a great way to protect your vehicle’s beautiful paint job from unnecessary weathering or damage. It appears as a clear film that is barely visible when installed correctly and can last over a year. However, like most modifications to vehicles, it is best done by professionals who have the tools and equipment necessary for correct installation.

With that being said, learning about the process can still be fun and rewarding. Knowledge is power, after all, and learning more about this product can give you imaginative ways to utilize it in your daily activities. Therefore, you can follow the steps below to understand the process and share the information with friends and family alike.

See our our PPF installation process for the full breakdown.

The Process of 3M Paint Protection Film Installation

The process of 3M paint protection film installation begins with cleaning your vehicle. Proper surface preparation is an essential part of many vehicle enhancements as it allows you to work on a clean surface, free of harmful dust and grime.

Visit our professional 3M PPF installation page to learn more.

After your vehicle is suitably cleaned, prepare two solutions in spray bottles. The first bottle should be mostly water with a few drops of baby shampoo, and the second will be a mix of water and isopropyl alcohol (60%/40%). If you don’t have baby shampoo, don’t worry. Most soaps will act as a surfactant, which is what is important to reduce the surface tension of the water.

Next, it is time for you to remove the protective backing of the paint protection film. During this process, soak the film with your water/ soap solution, and then align it to the desired application area. After you have correctly aligned the piece to the appropriate section, spray under the film with the water/ alcohol solution, which will begin the curing process of the adhesive.

Finally, use the provided squeegee tool and pull away from the centre to remove any air bubbles. Take your time with this step as it is here that you will be finalizing the position of the paint protection film. After the installation, remember not to wash your vehicle for at least 24 hours, which will give the film time to adhere correctly and cure on your car.

Trust the Experts with 3M Paint Protection Film Installation

Now that you understand the process, you should be able to appreciate the difficulty involved in proper application. If you do not have the right amount of each solution or the film is not aligned correctly, you are likely to install an inferior system, which may cause the film to fail prematurely. Therefore, your best option for installing this product is to leave it to the experts as they have the experience, tools, and understanding necessary to complete the job successfully every time.

One of the hardest parts of owning a vehicle with a matte finish is the maintenance involved. It requires maintenance over and above that of a gloss finish, and can really detract from the aesthetics of your vehicle if not properly maintained.

Luckily, there is a new solution for your matte finish, and it takes the form of a paint protection film. The XPEL Stealth system is a unique product that was specifically designed to protect matte, flat, magno, frosted, and frozen paint colours.

Learn more about our paint protection film services.

Installed in much the same fashion as traditional paint protection films, this system is applied over a wet vehicle, and smoothed out for an even, smooth finish. This guarantees a quality product that looks beautiful and endures anything you can throw at it.

Plus, it has a variety of other benefits that include:

Benefits of the XPEL Stealth Paint Protection Film

One of the key benefits of the XPEL Stealth system is that it has the ability to self-heal. This means that if there are minor scratches or swirl marks from cleaning, the paint protection film can heal itself. All that is required is a little heat and time.

For details, see our PPF brand options in Calgary.

Secondly, the XPEL Stealth coating is easy to apply and can be made for custom applications. Two benefits make this possible. First, the design access program (DAP) that is part of the XPEL experience allows technicians to find the right pattern for your vehicle. Secondly, they can modify it to accentuate the look of your vehicle as you choose. This means you can stylize your flares, splitters, trim, headlights, or whatever else you want to finish with a great-looking matte finish.

Finally, another great benefit of the XPEL stealth system is the ease of maintenance. Rather than the expensive salves and ointments that typically are required for matte-finished cars, a simple wash is enough with this system. Plus, with its sleek, satin finish it will look great even with a little bit of mud on it.

Find Your Authorized Dealer

If you have been considering the best way to protect your satin or matte finish, there is nowhere else to look than the XPEL Stealth coating. Now, all that is left for you to do is to find an authorized dealer. Make sure they carry this brand and that they are sufficiently experienced in the installation of this system.

Next, make sure that they understand what you are expecting. For this, you should have a clear vision of what you want your vehicle to look like, and a plan to make it a reality. This will make the process go smoother for both you and your installation experts, and you will be that much closer to a beautiful satin finish with protection that just won’t quit.

Spring is one of the best times of year. The snow melts, the trees turn green again, and the days grow warmer with each passing day. However, there are also some drawbacks to this season which include: mud, road salt, dirt, and muck. This can have a detrimental effect on many things including your vehicle. Hopefully, though, you have made the right choice and put paint protective film on your car. This will help prevent your paint from being damaged or losing its lustre, but there are a few things you can do to make the paint protection film even more durable.

Regular Inspections On Your Paint Protection Film

This is the easiest task to perform yourself. Take a walk around your vehicle every so often and pay close inspection to the areas that have had the protective film applied. Do you see any minor blemishes, or has it started to peel away at the edges? Usually, this won’t be the case because of the protective film’s ability to self-heal, but over time eventually, all things will require some amount of repair.

See An Authorized Paint Protection Film Applicator

Don’t fret though! If these issues are apparent, any qualified paint protection film applicator will be happy to take a look. It may be that only a minor touchup is required, or the damage hasn’t penetrated all of the way through the film. Just bringing it into the shop should be enough for you to access the qualified professionals expertise, and they will inform you of what, if any, repairs are required.

See our detailed care instructions for the full breakdown.

Learn more about our PPF services in Calgary.

Make Regular Visits To A Calgary Paint Protection Professional

However, when paying regular attention to the finer details of your paint protective film, you should be able to notice any changes to the film layer. Usually these minor issues are a result of driving too closely behind other vehicles on the road, or staying too close to the edge of the curb lane. Both of these bring undue amounts of debris close to your vehicle, so take your time and drive safely for the benefit of yourself and the benefit of your paint protective film.

Now that we are in December and winter has finally engulfed us, you have to take extra precautions with your vehicle. The exterior of your car is going to go through a lot during winter, including freezing weather, dirt, rocks and gravel, hard salt, mud and much more.

So to ensure that your vehicle is protected during the wintertime, it is a smart idea to install paint protection film in Calgary. You might be wondering: how does this help? If you keep reading this blog, you can see the advantages of getting paint protection film in Calgary this winter.

Check out our paint protection film in Calgary for more information.

4 Reasons To Get Paint Protection Film For Winter

1- It helps protect against all marks, scratches, and dents

As we mentioned above, your vehicle is going to be exposed to a lot of debris (dirt, rocks and gravel, hard salt, and mud) that can damage the paint of your vehicle. But with a thin coat of paint protection, your vehicle will be protected throughout winter against any of these external forces.

You can explore our undercoating for winter protection page for specifics.

2- Protects against temperature changes in winter

There is no doubt that your vehicle is going to go through a lot of temperature changes in winter, and a paint protection film can help with that. It will protect your paint against any changes in temperature, so it does not damage in either extreme warmth (like washing your car) or extreme cold (when we hit those -30s).

3- The paint will be as good as new in springtime

Not only is 3M paint protection film (the recommended choice for your vehicle) utterly invisible to the human eye, but when applied on your car provides full protection to the original paint. Come springtime; your vehicle will look as good as new.

4- A smart investment

It is not overly expensive to get paint protection film in Calgary. When you consider the costs of paint repairs to the exterior to your vehicle, it is a wise investment to get paint protection film. From anywhere between $300 to $800, you can ensure your vehicle is protected and that you won’t have to pay for repairs down the line.

Don’t miss out on the chance to provide your vehicle with extra protection this winter by getting paint protection film, especially 3M paint protection film. It can make a huge difference to your vehicle and ensure your car is perfect coming springtime.

With winter a few months away, the time is coming to look after your paint protection film. Although 3M paint protection film is a reliable and valuable film, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t protect it during the wintertime. Here is how you can go about doing it.

5 Tips To Protecting Your Paint Protection Film in Calgary During Winter

1.Wash Up Your Vehicle

While 3M paint protection film is resistant to scratches, marks, and salt, it is still imperative that you wash your car as often as possible. The more you wash it, the less chance you have of salt staying on your vehicle, developing rust.

Check out our paint protection film services for more information.

2.Wax On – Don’t Wax Off

Don’t ignore the importance of car care during winter. You should always put on a coat of wax during winter as it creates a barrier between the body of the car and the snow, ice, salt, gravel and grime. Think of it as another layer of protection for your vehicle.

For details, see our PPF care instructions.

3.Cover Up/Park It

If you are lucky enough to have a garage, make sure you always park your vehicle in it during the wintertime. Parking it in your garage will ensure that the 3M paint protection is covered from snow and salt. However, if you don’t have a garage, it is best always to cover up your vehicle. A car cover specially designed for cold weather protection will keep moisture and ice off the paint.

4.Brush Off/Scrap Off Carefully

We tend to brush and scrape off snow aggressively in the morning. But that is only going to cost more problems. Be careful with your approach, as using scrapers and hard brushes can scratch the surface of the paint. Instead, opt for a brush with soft bristles, so your paint is protected.

5.Get A Professional Check-Up

Before winter hits, you should get your paint protection film checked by a professional in the industry. Although the quality is of the highest order, it is essential to note if there are any upgrades or changes that need to be made. The professionals can help you decide if anything needs to be changed.

Using these tips will ensure that your paint protection film in Calgary will last throughout winter and come out looking brand new. Don’t risk your paint – take care of it as much as possible.

Category: Paint Protection Film