Gloss vinyl wrap is the closest you can get to new paint without a respray. Our gloss films come in solid colors, metallics, pearls, color shift, chrome and gloss carbon, so you can match a factory color or pick something bolder. Wrap the whole car or just the roof, mirrors or trim, and peel it off when you want your original paint back.
Gloss Types Compared
All of these films have a gloss surface. The layer under the gloss is what makes each type look and behave differently on a car.
| Gloss type | What you see | How it behaves on a car | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|
 High GlossCG-HD
|
A solid color with no flake. It has a wet, paint-like shine. | Most colors are non-directional, so it is the easiest type to install. It shows every dent under the film. | See all High Gloss |
 Ultra GlossGAL-HD
|
Aluminum flake over a silver layer. It looks bright in the sun and darker in the shade. | It is directional. Post-heat flat areas to 100 °C (212 °F) and curves to 120 °C (248 °F). | See all Ultra Gloss |
 Gloss MetallicRB-HD, HM-HD, SL-HD
|
A fine metallic grain under the gloss, like factory metallic paint. | It is directional. Buy the whole job from one production LOT, because flake can vary between runs. | See all Gloss Metallic |
 Pearl and SparkleCK-HD
|
A pearl tint or fine glitter that changes with the viewing angle. | Cut every panel in one direction. Check a sample outside before you choose. | Pearl White (CK522-HD) |
 Gloss Color ShiftRD-HD, DS-HD, DCH-HD, RCH-HD
|
Colors that change as you walk around the car. | It is directional. Stretching changes the color, so installers inlay deep recesses. We recommend a professional installer. | See all Color Shift |
 Mirror ChromeCHM-HD, MCH
|
A true mirror finish with a liquid-metal reflection. | It has very little stretch, and too much heat damages the mirror layer. Remove it cold, within 1 year of installation. | See all Chrome |
 Gloss CarbonRCF, CF
|
A carbon fiber weave. RCF03 has an extra gloss layer on top. | Stretching flattens the weave. Line up the pattern on each panel. | See all Carbon |
 PRO+ Self-HealingCG01-Pro+
|
High gloss with a self-healing top coat. | Light wash swirls go away with gentle heat. Deep scratches do not. | Black Mirror Supreme (CG01-Pro+) |
Gloss vs Satin vs Matte Vinyl Wrap
Gloss is a good choice for most color changes if your bodywork is straight. If your car has dents, waves or old repairs, satin or matte will hide them better. Satin and matte also show fewer wash swirls.
| Feature | Gloss | Satin | Matte |
|---|---|---|---|
| Finish | Wet shine, like factory paint | Soft, low shine | Flat, no shine |
| Dents and waves | Shows them clearly | Hides small ones | Hides them best |
| Swirl marks | Easy to see | Hard to see | None, but hand marks and stains show |
| Washing and care | Easiest | A little more care | Most care, matte-safe products only |
| Shop this finish | You are here | Satin vinyl wrap | Matte vinyl wrap |
Gloss Film Specs
| Film | Hybrid calendered polymeric vinyl, 180 and 190 series |
| Thickness | 0.11-0.15 mm (4.3-5.9 mil), chrome 0.19 mm (7.5 mil) |
| Adhesive | Henkel solvent acrylic with air-release channels. You can reposition it at first, and it reaches full bond in 24-48 hours. |
| Liner and cap | HD films have a clear plastic liner and a clear protective cap on the face |
| Conformability | Flat and moderately curved panels. Use inlays for deep recesses. |
| Application temperature | 17-23 °C (63-73 °F) |
| Post-heat | 95-100 °C (203-212 °F) for High Gloss, up to 120 °C (248 °F) for Ultra Gloss curves |
| Rolls | Most are 5 ft (1.52 m) wide. MCH chrome is 4.5 ft (1.37 m) and a few specialty films are 4 ft (1.24 m). Lengths are 16, 33, 49 and 59 ft (5, 10, 15 and 18 m), plus 75 ft (23 m) on some colors. |
| Shelf life | 2 years at 10-20 °C (50-68 °F) and 50% humidity, chrome 1 year |
Installing and Caring for Gloss Vinyl
Gloss is easy to install, because you can lift the film and lay it again. Its shine also shows any dust, dent or fingerprint under the film, so clean every panel well, work in a clean indoor space and post-heat every edge.
Gloss is also the easiest finish to care for, because dirt rinses off its smooth surface. It does show swirl marks, so gentle hand washing and quick stain removal keep it looking like paint for years.
Prepping and cutting vinyl filmInstall guide
Why wraps lift and bubbleTroubleshooting
Car washes and wrap lifeCare guide
Protecting a wrap from UV and scratchesCare guide
Gloss Vinyl Wrap FAQ
Does gloss vinyl wrap look like real paint?
Yes. It looks closer to paint than any other finish, because most factory colors are gloss. On a full color change, it looks like paint. Next to bare paint on a partial wrap, vinyl looks a little flatter, so the join is visible.
Will gloss vinyl hide dents and scratches?
No. Gloss shows every dent, wave and sanding mark under the film. If your car has body damage, repair it first or choose satin or matte.
Does a gloss wrap protect paint from stone chips?
Will a gloss wrap damage my paint when I remove it?
Not on sound factory paint, if you remove it within its rated life. Warm the panel first, then peel the film slowly at a low angle. Chrome is the exception: remove it cold, within 1 year of installation. Repainted or repaired panels can lift with the film.
How much does a gloss wrap cost compared with paint?
A full 59 ft roll, enough for most sedans, starts at $499, and most High Gloss colors are $629. In the US, shops usually charge $2,500 to $6,000 for a full installed color change. A quality respray costs $3,000 to $10,000 or more, and you cannot remove it later.
