3M certified installer FAQ.
What's the difference between 3M and Avery vinyl?
Both are premium cast vinyl rated for 5–7 years outdoors. 3M holds the largest color library, has the longest factory warranty for fleet/commercial (7-year MCS warranty), and is the industry standard for fleet wraps. Avery (specifically SW900) is known for color depth, satin finishes and slightly easier installation on complex curves. We're certified for both — see our Avery Dennison wraps page. We recommend based on the color and use case: fleet/commercial usually 3M, premium color-change often Avery.
Does the 7-year warranty cover wraps on boats?
Partial — the 3M MCS warranty covers up to 7 years on vertical surfaces, but reduces to 4 years on horizontal surfaces (boat decks, hardtop) due to constant UV exposure. Boat hull wraps are covered at 5 years for non-trailered hulls and reduced if the boat is constantly submerged. We use 3M IJ180Cv3 for boat hulls — same material, same install standard. See boat wraps for details.
Can I buy 3M material from you for DIY install?
Yes — we sell rolls of 3M 2080, IJ180Cv3, Controltac and 3M's printable films at distributor pricing. However: the 3M MCS warranty only applies when material is installed by a 3M certified installer. DIY installs still get the material warranty against manufacturing defect but lose the install + system coverage. We'll honestly answer whether your job is realistic for DIY before selling material.
Why pay more for 3M vs Chinese vinyl?
Three reasons: warranty (7-year 3M vs 12–18 months typical Chinese cast vinyl), color consistency (3M batches match across rolls; cheap vinyl varies), and adhesive performance (3M survives Florida summer heat without lifting; budget vinyl peels at panel edges within a year). On a $3,000 wrap, the material cost difference is ~$200–400. The labor to redo a failed cheap wrap is $1,500+. The math is one-sided.
How do I claim warranty if I have an issue?
Call (239) 880-6856 or bring the vehicle to our Lehigh Acres shop. We inspect the issue, photograph it, and file the warranty claim directly with 3M on your behalf. If it's a material defect (fade, adhesive failure, cracking under normal use), 3M ships replacement vinyl free; we cover the re-install labor under our 3-year install warranty. Most claims resolve within 7–14 days.
How long has Brittoprint been a 3M certified installer?
We've held active 3M certification for multiple years and re-certify annually. Our installers regularly attend 3M product launches and skill-update sessions to stay current on new films and techniques. SWFL has a handful of shops with the certification — we're one of them.
