As an automobile owner, you may be looking to change its outlook every once in a while. One popular way of doing that is changing the color of your vehicle. It may be a car, motorcycle, or any other vehicle. However, giving your vehicle a paint job is not exactly cheap.
If you are looking to change your automotive’s appearance but do not want to make your wallet cry, carbon fiber wrap is your best option. Besides its inexpensive visual attributes, the carbon fiber wrap will provide your vehicle with a solid exterior coating.
If you use carbon fiber wraps on your vehicle, it will have a definitive change in its outlook. Moreover, the carbon fiber wrap will protect your chassis’ original paint from nicks, chips, and scrapes.
Now there is a wide variety of products available in the market, making it difficult to choose. That is why we have brought you our list of best carbon fiber wrap.
Check our top 3 products if you’re in a hurry, you won’t regret.
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Best Carbon Fiber Wrap Review
We have put over 500 products through our rigorous testing procedure. And only these ten products have survived. So, if you choose any one of these ten products, you will be sure to get the maximum output.
1. VViViD XPO Black Carbon Fiber Car Wrap
Are you looking to change the look of your vehicle and are looking to do it yourself? Look no more because this product of VViViD is the perfect choice for you! VViViD has brought you the XPO Black Carbon Fiber Wrap, which is suitable for DIYers such as yourself.
It features a low-tack acrylic adhesive that allows you to reposition the wrap after laying it on a surface. Even if you do not like the alignment or position it wrong, you can fix it easily. And there will be no repercussions such as air bubbles or wrinkles. Sounds too good to be true, right? But it is!
This product features the air release feature. So, when you apply it to your automotive surface, the minuscule channels in the adhesive release the trapped air. As a result, there is no air trapped inside and zero chance of air bubbles.
This product has an original 3D texture which allows it to mimic the appearance of carbon fiber. So, it will catch the light and change its appearance throughout the whole day. So, thanks to this carbon fiber wrap, you will not get one new look but multiple new looks all day!
Major Features:
- Ideal for motorsport marketing and long-term fleet applications
- The thickness of 3.9 mils
- Features conformity and stretchable
- Minimizes stretch marks, discoloration, and other visible defects
- Features built-in VViViD Resist, VViViD Air Release, and VViViD Heat Fuse technologies
- The expected lifetime is from five to seven years.
What We Liked About It: VViViD has manufactured this product, keeping in mind the unique needs of DIYers.
A Note to Enthusiasts: You can easily install this product using a 3M Edge Sealer and a 3M 94 Primer.
2. 3M 1080 Carbon Fibre Black
If you have worked with carbon fiber wraps before, you surely know that it is easiest to work with stretchable carbon fiber wraps. With that in mind, 3M has brought to you this product, 1080 Carbon Fibre Black. This product showcases excellent stretchability and can take it up a notch with the aid of heat.
The 1080 Carbon Fibre Black showcases a very real-looking pattern and design closely resembling carbon fiber’s look. And it is the perfect choice for you if you are new to the wrapping game.
To top it off, 3M has made this product easily removable. You can remove it without any hassle, and it will leave behind no residue. So, if you do not like the look after wrapping your vehicle, simply remove it while leaving the original paint underneath intact.
The product is weather-resistant and durable. So, it does not matter if you are using it in a cold or warm environment. That is what makes it one of the best carbon fiber wraps for the exterior.
Major Features:
- Removable
- Durable and scratch-proof
- Designed for bold colors
- Applicable for vehicle decoration, detailing, and complete wrap projects
- Can be repositioned
- Features air release channels
What We Liked About It: You can cut it to the length of your own choice.
A Note to Enthusiasts: You have to be careful not to hit it with something hard or sharp.
3. Diyah 4D Black Carbon Fiber
Do not freak out when you see the name of Diyah 4D Black Carbon Fiber. The 4D does not mean it has four dimensions. What it represents is its generation. Now that you know its name, let us see why this product is on the list of best carbon fiber wraps.
Diyah’s 4D Black Carbon Fiber is different from a typical 3D carbon fiber wrap. This product can catch the light, whereas a conventional 3D carbon fiber wrap cannot. As the 4D carbon fiber can catch and reflect light in the same way as real carbon fiber, it gives your vehicle a more realistic look.
UV is a natural enemy of carbon fiber wraps. It reduces the longevity of carbon fiber wraps severely. To win this battle, the manufacturers have provided a UV coating over this product which will last for at least five years outdoor.
This product is super thin. So, it is most suitable for corners or tight spots. Best of all, if you find any wrinkles on the sheet, you can always remove the wrinkle by using a heat gun. And if you find that there are excess sheets after applying them, you can simply remove them with a blade or razor.
Major Features:
- Self-adhesive
- Features air pocket release
- No chance of air bubbles
- Preserves natural finish and paint
- Can be reapplied
- Waterproof
- Stain-resistant
- The outdoor lifespan of five years
- Features UV protection
- Super thin (0.19 millimeters)
- Easy to use
What We Liked About It: You can shape and mold it over complex curves.
A Note to Enthusiasts: You can clean it with any type of cleaning agent.
4. VViViD High Gloss Black Carbon Fiber
Would you not like a carbon fiber wrap that heals its scratches? Of course, you would, and anyone would. And VViViD has made our dream come true. They have introduced their product, the VViViD high gloss black carbon fiber, which can self-heal scratches. However, it does not do that by itself. You have to start the process by applying heat through a heat gun or something similar.
What if somebody told you that this self-healing carbon fiber wrap looks as if it is the real thing? It would sound unbelievable. However the case may be, that is the truth. It is challenging to tell the difference even when you put the two items side by side. And VViViD is offering at the lowest price possible!
The carbon fiber wrap is repositionable. If you want it to stick, you will have to lay it out on the surface as you want it to be and then heat it. After you have heated it, leave it that way for a few hours, and you are good to go.
Major Features:
- Features a high-gloss carbon finish
- Repositionable
- Easy installation process
- Repositionable
- Very reasonable price
- Can self-heal scratches with heat
- Gains more tack with heat
What We Liked About It: It catches the light in the same way as real carbon fiber does.
A Note to Enthusiasts: If you are having trouble maneuvering it over complex curves, simply heat it with a heat gun.
5. 3M 1080 CF12/ CFS12 Black Carbon Fiber
Many wraps have a pre-processing period in which you have to take some necessary steps before using them. That is a very tedious process. If you are not a fan of that process and want to start wrapping your vehicle right after you open the package, then you may want to opt for this product.
One of this product’s significant features is that it does not need you to print or overlaminate. You can simply take it out of the box and start wrapping your car in any way you want to. It also features a sixty-inch wide roll, which will allow you to cover entire vehicle sections (do not try wrapping a train, though!)
You can reposition the film after laying it on. It features a pressure-activated adhesive. So, until you are sure that the layout is to your liking, do not apply pressure on it, and you should be good. It also features small air-release channels, so you do not have to worry about any air bubbles or wrinkles.
Major Features:
- Provides dimensional stability and durability
- No need for over-lamination
- Features pressure-activated adhesive
- Repositionable
- Features non-visible air release channels
What We Liked About It: It is incredibly conformable for curved surfaces.
A Note to Enthusiasts: You may need a heat gun to soften the film to wrap it around molds.
6. 4D Black Carbon Fiber Vinyl Wrap
What if you were to find a carbon fiber wrap that looks like the real thing and at a low price? You would think that you were dreaming. But LED Light has made that dream come true! Their 4D Black Carbon Fiber Vinyl Wrap has the ultimate combination of realistic look and economical price, making it one of the best carbon fiber wrap for hoods.
The 4D sheet features small air release channels, which allow you to have an air bubble-free installation. And with its self-adhesion feature, the installation process could not be more straightforward. And thanks to its super thin sheets and stretchability, it is the perfect choice for tight corners.
Major Features:
- Carbon fiber textured design.
- Self-adhesive
- Outdoor life of more than five years
- Features air release channels
- Preserves paint and natural finish.
- Stretchable and flexible
- UV protected
- It has a thickness of 0.19 millimeters.
- Very easy to use
What We Liked About It: The 4D print features super-thin sheets and can fit in corners and the tightest spots.
A Note to Enthusiasts: It features a residue-free removal.
7. AutoSpeed Premium 5D HIGH Gloss Black Carbon Fiber
This 5D carbon sheet is almost indistinguishable from the original carbon fiber. Thanks to its additional gloss layer, it changes its look throughout the whole day. And you can easily reapply it to any other positions during the installation process if you do not like the initial position.
The sheet is waterproof and UV resistant. So, it offers high durability in terms of longevity.
Major Features:
- Self-adhesion
- Features air release channels
- Applicable to any non-porous surfaces
- Can be repositioned, re-lifted, and stretched during installation
- Easily removable
- Features a clean removal
- Stain and UV resistant
- Waterproof
What We Liked About It: The carbon fiber wrap features a clean and easy removal process.
A Note to Enthusiasts: Make sure the alignment is perfect before the adhesive dries out.
8. DIYAH 5D High Gloss Black Carbon Fiber
Just like all the other sheets of its generation, the Diyah 5D High Gloss Black Carbon Fiber features a vertical, cross-hatched pattern with an extra gloss layer on top. Thanks to that, it catches the light and makes the sheet look as realistic as real carbon fiber.
With super-thin sheets and flexibility, the 5D high gloss sheet applies to any type of complex curve. And due to the air release channels, it delivers an air bubble and wrinkle-free installation.
Major Features:
- Easy to install
- Easily removable and leaves no residue.
- Cleaned with soap and water
- Super thin (0.19 millimeters)
- Water-resistant
- UV protected
- Very flexible
What We Liked About It: It is effortless to clean with water and soap.
A Note to Enthusiasts: You can smooth out any wrinkles with a hairdryer and a board.
9. Yescom 4D Carbon Fiber
The Yescom 4D Carbon fiber is a very well-made wrapping sheet. It is very durable and does not tear very easily. And all while looking like the real thing. Thanks to its self-adhesion feature, you can simply lay it out the way you want to and let it do the work. If you are not satisfied with the layout, it allows you to re-lift it and reposition it.
Major Features:
- It has a thickness of 5.9 millimeters( 0.15 mm)
- Self-adhesive
- Features air release channels
- Water and UV resistant
- Can be repositioned, re-lifted, and stretched during the installation process
- It can be removed without damage and leaves no residue.
What We Liked About It: Its conformity allows you to mold it for any shape.
A Note to Enthusiasts: It is not the perfect choice for large curves.
10. F & B LED Lights 3D Carbon Fiber
Getting a durable and stylish carbon wrap for an affordable price is the dream. And F & B LED Lights has made that dream come true. These UV and water-resistant sheets are effortless to install. And you can use it to cover different shapes of moldings.
Major Features:
- UV resistant
- Resembles the genuine look of dry carbon fibers
- It has a thickness of 0.15 inches.
- Self-adhesive
- Easy to install
- Water-resistant
What We Liked About It: You can clean it with water making the cleaning process a lot easier.
A Note to Enthusiasts: It has a very affordable price.
Benefits of Using Carbon Fiber Vinyl Wrap
Visual Aesthetics:
Wrapping your car using carbon fiber vinyl wrap gives it a visually pleasing look. Besides, you can wrap different parts of your vehicle’s body, giving them a different look with minimum effort. It will also allow your car to have a different look when you remove the wrap keeping your original paint job intact.
Affordability:
A custom paint job, while attractive, will cost quite a penny. On the other hand, carbon fiber vinyl wrap allows you to modify and enhance your vehicle’s appearance at a much lower price. Besides, it is tough to tell the difference between a custom paint job and a carbon fiber vinyl wrap when appropriately applied. So, you will have nothing to regret either.
Protection Against Abrasion and Scratch:
No matter how well you take care of your vehicle, scratches are inevitable. It does not mean that you did a lousy job taking care of your car. Your automotive’s exterior can suffer from any damage from using inappropriate cleaning tools to pet scratch marks. Worrying about it is going to do you no good.
Rather than worrying about it, wrap your vehicle with a carbon fiber vinyl wrap. It will protect your vehicle against all these scratches and abrasion.
Convenience:
Your automotive may suffer from scratches and nicks from any sources through no fault of your own. But, you have nothing to about. If you are a little bit handy with tools or have a friend who is, you can easily cover up those scratches with carbon fiber vinyl wraps. And it will not cost you a lot of money as well. Moreover, it will give your car a unique look that most car-owners are gunning for these days.
Resell Value:
When customers are looking to buy a second-hand car, they do not know how to make sure they are getting a lemon. But a test drive will not necessarily reveal that the vehicle will not break down at a later time. So, what they try to do is they try to check how much care the owner has put in behind that used car. And one of the primary indicators for that is the exterior and the outlook.
If the potential buyer sees that the car has a gorgeous outlook, they get a high degree of assurance that the vehicle is not a lemon. Carbon fiber vinyl wrap keeps the original paint job of your car intact. So, you can simply strip the carbon fiber and bring out your car’s intact paint when you are trying to resell your vehicle. So, in a way, using vinyl wrapping adds to resell value to your vehicle.
Keeps Warranties Intact:
When you use a new paint job on your car, it renders your warranty or lease agreement invalid. On the other hand, carbon fiber wraps keep your lease agreement and warranty valid.
Things to Consider Before Buying A Carbon Fiber Wrap
Owing to all the benefits that carbon fiber wraps have to offer, you should be intrigued about buying them for your car. However, before you dive into the buying process, you should take some factors into account. They are as follows.
Vehicle Build and Type:
You will want to take into consideration what type of car or bike, or automotive you have. To put it simply, if you are going to wrap the entire vehicle, the larger the car, the more money you will have to spend. On the other hand, if you have a small automotive, there will be a relatively smaller impact on your wallet.
Accessories:
You can only use the carbon fiber wrap on some parts of your vehicle. A popular trend is merely wrapping the accessories on your cars, such as the spoilers or the hood, etc.
Quantity:
Many car owners have a workable knowledge of working on their cars. If you are DIYer (Do It Yourself), you may want to wrap your vehicle yourself. If you are looking to wrap your car by yourself, you must know precisely how many wraps you will need. To make sure you get the exact number, you will need to know your automotive’s width and length. That is because you can only buy car wraps by length, so knowledge about your vehicle’s dimensions is essential.
Design and Personality:
Your automobile’s outlook is an expression of yourself. So, if you want to stand out in the road with your unique design and flashiness, make sure to get the wraps that go with your style.
Finish:
After you have settled on your car’s wrap color and design, you just need to select the finish. Choosing a finish is the final step to show off the new design of your car. You will have to consider whether the design or color matches that finish.
Different Types of Carbon Fiber Wrap
There are mainly four types of carbon fiber wrap. They are as follows.
3D Carbon Fiber Wrap
It is the most basic type of carbon fiber wrap. The print mainly consists of cross-hatched, perpendicular patterns. At first sight, it may remind you of a staircase. The 3D print has a matte finish rather than a glossy finish.
The 3D vinyl is stretchable and the most flexible as it is printed on the thinner of 3.0mil. As a result, it is straightforward to install. And if you have made a mistake installing the carbon fiber wrap, no worries, you can reposition it.
4D Carbon Fiber Wrap
Like the 3D carbon fiber wrap, the 4D carbon fiber wrap features a matte finish. However, there is a slight difference between the two. Unlike the 3D carbon fiber wrap, the 4D has a subtle gloss finish. You can consider it to be of the semi-gloss type. However, it does not have a wet finish but rather a dry one. The 4D print features a spiraled, rounded weave. The 4D carbon fiber wrap is slightly thicker than the 3D print consisting of a thickness of 3.1 mils. However, it is still quite flexible, and you can apply it on rounded surfaces.
5D Carbon Fiber Wrap
The 5D print shares the same carbon fiber pattern as the 3D print, a cross-hatched, vertical pattern. The main difference is that it features an additional gloss layer. Thanks to that extra gloss layer, the vinyl has a recognizable shiny, wet look. The 5D carbon fiber wrap is thicker (3.4 mils). As a result, it is not as easy as the 3D or 4D carbon fiber print to install it on rounded surfaces. So, if you are looking to install 5D carbon fiber on a rounded surface of your automotive, you may want to consider seeking professional help.
6D Carbon Fiber Wrap
Just as the 5D print shares the same pattern as the 3D print, the 6D carbon fiber wrap shares the same pattern. And just like the 5D print, the 6D carbon fiber wrap has an extra gloss layer on top of it, while the 4D carbon fiber wrap does not. The 6D carbon fiber has the same thickness as that of the 5D print, 3.4 mils. It is better to take the help of a professional with the installation process if you have no prior knowledge or experience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long does a carbon fiber vinyl wrap last?
Generally speaking, a carbon fiber vinyl wrap’s lasting period mainly depends on its position. If you have installed it in a horizontal position, it should last for about five to seven years. And if it is in a vertical position, it lasts for approximately three to five years. Some other factors can affect the lasting period, such as sunlight, curves of the surface, adhesion, etc.
Does a carbon fiber wrap damage the paint on vehicles?
Simply put, the carbon fiber wrap does not damage any high-quality or factory paint. Instead, it will protect the surface and preserve the quality of the color that lies underneath.
Does the value of a car decrease after wrapping it?
No, the car’s value does not go down after using carbon fiber wrap to wrap it. Instead, compared to a car’s resale value with a paint job, a wrapped car’s resale value is far greater. The primary reason is you can safely remove a carbon fiber wrap without damaging the factory paint.
Will I have to notify my insurance company after wrapping my car?
Yes, you will have to let your insurance company and the local authority, such as the DVLA, when wrapping your car. They have to be notified whenever you bring about any change to the original paint job for legal purposes. Otherwise, they may not recognize that it is the same vehicle and have to file a report.
Final Words
If you are not happy with your vehicle’s appearance and are looking to change it, the easiest and most efficient way to do so is using carbon fiber wrap. You only need to get yourself a good carbon fiber wrap, put in a few hours of work, and voila! You have got yourself a fresh-looking car. And you must choose a high-quality wrap. Hopefully, our list of best carbon fiber wrap will be a big help to you in that department. Now go out there and give your vehicle a brand new look!
Great information !!!