3M IJ180 vs Avery MPI 1105: Which Vinyl Is Right for Your Vehicle Wrap Job?

3M IJ180CV3 and Avery MPI 1105 Easy Apply RS are the two most widely specified vinyl wrap films for printed vehicle wrap applications. Both are trusted, proven materials used by professional wrap shops across the industry. Both produce excellent print quality and reliable outdoor performance.

So which one do you choose?

The honest answer is that for the majority of vehicle wrap jobs, either film will produce a great result. But there are meaningful differences in how they're constructed, how they behave during installation, and which applications they're best suited for. Here's the complete comparison.

Construction and film type

3M IJ180CV3 Controltac is a 2-mil cast vinyl. Cast films are manufactured by pouring liquid vinyl onto a casting sheet, which produces a dimensionally stable film with excellent conformability and minimal memory — it doesn't want to retract after being stretched to conform to a complex surface.

Avery MPI 1105 Easy Apply RS is a 2-mil premium calendered vinyl. Calendered films are produced by rolling vinyl compound through heated rollers. Avery has engineered MPI 1105 specifically for vehicle wrap applications to perform closer to cast in terms of conformability, while offering a more accessible price point.

Adhesive systems

3M IJ180CV3 uses 3M's Controltac adhesive — a microscopic glass bead technology that allows the film to be repositioned during application. Once squeegeed firmly, the beads crush and the adhesive engages fully. It's a well-proven repositionable system trusted by installers for decades.

Avery MPI 1105 Easy Apply RS uses Avery's Easy Apply RS adhesive — a micro-channel pattern that lets air escape during application, reducing bubbles and allowing repositioning. Similar concept to Controltac but implemented differently. Both systems give experienced installers the working time they need to position panels accurately before committing.

Conformability

This is where the cast vs calendered distinction matters most.

3M IJ180CV3, as a true cast film, has superior conformability for highly complex body geometry — deep door handle recesses, aggressive compound curves, hood scoops, and other areas where the vinyl needs to stretch significantly without lifting or memory.

Avery MPI 1105 conforms well for the majority of vehicle wrap applications — cars, vans, trucks, trailers with standard body geometry. For jobs with extreme recesses or complex panel shapes that require aggressive stretching, a true cast film like IJ180 has an edge.

Print quality

Both films accept solvent, eco-solvent, latex, and UV inks well. Print quality on both materials is excellent with a calibrated print system. Color accuracy and ink adhesion are comparable at the same quality tier.

The primary print quality difference is in how each film's surface texture interacts with the ink — a subtle difference that varies by print technology and is generally not visible in the finished installed wrap.

Lamination pairings

3M IJ180CV3 is designed to be used with 3M 8518 (gloss) or 8519 (matte) overlaminates. Using a mismatched laminate can affect adhesion and warranty coverage.

Avery MPI 1105 pairs with Avery 1360Z (gloss) or 1370Z (matte) overlaminates — a matched system optimized by Avery for this specific film.

Durability and warranty

Both films are rated for 5–7 years in vertical outdoor applications with appropriate overlaminate. Real-world performance is comparable for standard vehicle wrap applications.

Which one should you specify?

Choose 3M IJ180CV3 when:

• The vehicle has deep recesses, aggressive compound curves, or complex body geometry
• The job requires maximum conformability and long-term adhesion in demanding conditions
• Your client specifies 3M material by name

Choose Avery MPI 1105 when:

• The vehicle has standard body geometry — most cars, vans, trucks, trailers
• You want a proven, consistent material at a competitive price point
• You're ordering from Printwise — 1105 is our primary print material and is always in stock, calibrated, and ready to ship next day

For the vast majority of commercial vehicle wrap jobs that cross a wrap shop's floor, Avery MPI 1105 is the right specification. It performs reliably, installs cleanly, and delivers the print quality your clients expect.

Get an instant quote on Avery MPI 1105 → or contact us to discuss material options for a specific job.