Module 03 · Materials
Pick the film. Then the finish.
Every wall wrap comes down to two choices: the printable film with its adhesive, and the clear laminate on top. Here is what each type is for, plus the fire and air-quality ratings worth asking about.
How to read this page
Examples from data sheets, not a shopping list
Products named here are examples from manufacturer data sheets. They show what each film type can do. They are not a list of what Ardor stocks, so ask which film your quote names and request its data sheet.
We do not rank films by price. Film is one line in a wall quote next to design, prep, access and labor, and every wall is quoted after a free on-site measure.
Ardor offers wall-rated and exterior-rated film, removable and permanent adhesives, and textured films with canvas, crushed stone and stucco looks.
Wall Academy · Explorer
Wall films
Seven types you may see on a quote. Durability figures are manufacturer performance ratings, not warranties.
-
Smooth removable wall film
Calendered vinyl with a removable acrylic adhesive, made to come off smooth painted walls. Removable still carries risk: Avery does not warrant wall damage on removal. Avery MPI 2611 and ORAFOL ORAJET 3628 (Americas sheet) both list ASTM E84 Class A. Drytac ReTac Wall adds an ultra-removable, repositionable adhesive.
Finish: Matte
- Thickness
- 3 to 8 mil face, about 1 mil adhesive
- Durability
- Avery MPI 2611: up to 3 years printed on indoor walls. ORAJET 3628: at least 3 years unprinted, vertical.
- Best for
- Leased offices, rotating campaigns, events, schools
- Not for
- Heavily textured walls; aged or poorly bonded paint
- Price tier
- Not rated
Brands Avery Dennison MPI 2611; ORAFOL ORAJET 3628; Drytac ReTac Wall
Smooth wall film -
Smooth permanent wall film
The same film family with a permanent acrylic adhesive. Avery's data shows peel adhesion of 4.0 lb/in at 24 hours, against 1.5 lb/in for the removable version. Expect paint damage if it ever comes off. Avery's data sheet lists Class A for MPI 2611, 2630 Stucco and Canvas, and 2631, so confirm MPI 2610's fire result before specifying it.
Finish: Matte
- Thickness
- 6 to 8 mil face (Avery MPI 2600 series), 1.0 mil adhesive
- Durability
- Avery MPI 2610: up to 3 years printed on indoor walls
- Best for
- Long-term brand walls in space you own
- Not for
- Leased spaces where clean removal matters
- Price tier
- Not rated
Brands Avery Dennison MPI 2610
Smooth wall film -
Textured-look wall film
The texture is built into the film, so the print looks like canvas, stucco or stone without a laminate. Avery lists Class A for MPI 2630 Stucco and Canvas and all MPI 2631 textures, and Class B for MPI 2630 Crushed Stone. Avery's separate MPI 2636 textured line uses a Hi-Tack adhesive.
Finish: Canvas, stucco or crushed stone
- Thickness
- 6 mil face (Canvas, Stucco); 8 mil (Crushed Stone)
- Durability
- Avery MPI 2630/2631 Canvas: up to 2 years printed on indoor walls
- Best for
- Art reproductions and lobby walls that should read as canvas or plaster
- Not for
- Lamination: Avery says not to laminate MPI 2630 or 2631
- Price tier
- Not rated
Brands Avery Dennison MPI 2630 (permanent), MPI 2631 (removable), MPI 2636 (Hi-Tack)
Pre-textured print film -
Textured-wall film for brick and block
3M Scotchcal IJ8624 is a removable film made to conform to moderately textured walls when heated and pressed in with 3M's TSA-4 applicator. 3M recommends its 8524 luster overlaminate on top and lists latex, solvent and UV inks for printing. 3M publishes an ASTM E84 test report for it; ask for the values.
Finish: Luster, under 3M 8524 laminate
- Thickness
- 2 mil film
- Durability
- 3M bulletin: expected 2 years indoors on textured surfaces, not a warranted period
- Best for
- Brick, concrete block, industrial stucco and tile-like surfaces
- Not for
- Mortar joints deeper than 1/8 in, unless 3M's Mosaic technique is used
- Price tier
- Not rated
Brands 3M Scotchcal IJ8624 with 8524 overlaminate
Conformable film -
PVC-free wall film
3M Envision Print Film 48C is a removable non-PVC film with 3M Comply adhesive for bubble-free application and Controltac for repositioning. 3M's page states it is GREENGUARD Gold certified and lists walls, wall wraps, windows, floors and vehicles as uses.
Finish: Matte
- Thickness
- 3 mil
- Durability
- Not stated on 3M's product page
- Best for
- Projects with PVC-free or indoor air quality goals
- Not for
- Jobs that need a published fire class, until you see the data sheet
- Price tier
- Not rated
Brands 3M Envision Print Film 48C
Non-PVC film -
Printed wallcovering (pasted)
HP PVC-free Durable Smooth Wall Paper is a printable wallcovering rated ASTM E84 Class A and UL GREENGUARD Gold (UL 2818). HP says to clean spills within 30 minutes with a soft sponge, warm water and mild dish soap.
Finish: Smooth matte
- Thickness
- 17 mil (431 µm), 290 g/m²
- Durability
- Type II wallcovering under ASTM F793 when printed full coverage with specified HP Latex inks
- Best for
- Long-term feature walls and high-traffic corridors
- Not for
- Quick swaps: it is hung with paste and is not self-adhesive
- Price tier
- Not rated
Brands HP PVC-free Durable Smooth Wall Paper
Wallcovering -
General sign vinyl (not a wall film)
Avery MPI 2903 Easy Apply has a grey permanent adhesive with air-egress channels for bubble-free application. Avery markets it for point of purchase, windows and exhibits. It is not sold as a wall film. It is self-extinguishing and lists no ASTM E84 class. We include it so you can spot it on a quote.
Finish: Gloss
- Thickness
- 76 µm (3 mil) face, 101 µm with adhesive
- Durability
- Up to 5 years outdoors, vertical, unprinted
- Best for
- Point of purchase, window graphics and exhibits
- Not for
- Painted drywall where you expect clean removal
- Price tier
- Not rated
Brands Avery Dennison MPI 2903
Sign and graphics film
No films in this family yet.
0/3
Wall Academy · Explorer
Laminates
The clear top layer sets the sheen and decides how the wall can be cleaned. Pick it for the room, the light and the traffic.
-
Matte laminate
Avery DOL 3080 is a calendered matte overlaminate with a permanent clear acrylic adhesive. Low sheen keeps glare down. Minimum application temperature is 40°F.
Finish: Matte (gloss value 8 at 60 degrees)
- Thickness
- 3.2 mil face + 1.0 mil adhesive
- Durability
- Up to 2 years, depending on the printer (Avery)
- Best for
- Offices, lobbies and photo murals under bright overhead light
- Not for
- Dry-erase use
- Price tier
- Not rated
Brands Avery Dennison DOL 3080
Overlaminate -
Satin or luster laminate
A middle sheen. Avery DOL 3070 is the luster member of the DOL 3000 family. 3M's 8524 luster laminate is the one 3M recommends over IJ8624 film on textured walls.
Finish: Luster (gloss value 55 at 60 degrees)
- Thickness
- 3.2 + 1.0 mil (DOL 3070); about 50 µm (3M 8524)
- Durability
- Avery DOL 3070: up to 2 years, depending on the printer
- Best for
- General wall graphics; textured walls with 3M IJ8624
- Not for
- Dry-erase use
- Price tier
- Not rated
Brands Avery Dennison DOL 3070; 3M Scotchcal 8524
Overlaminate -
Gloss laminate
Avery DOL 3060 has the highest sheen in the DOL 3000 family. Rule of thumb: gloss reads the most saturated and also reflects the most glare.
Finish: Gloss (gloss value 85 at 60 degrees)
- Thickness
- 3.2 mil face + 1.0 mil adhesive
- Durability
- Up to 2 years, depending on the printer (Avery)
- Best for
- Saturated color on retail and exhibit walls
- Not for
- Walls facing windows or strong lights (glare, rule of thumb)
- Price tier
- Not rated
Brands Avery Dennison DOL 3060
Overlaminate -
Dry-erase laminate
Drytac WipeErase Clear is a purpose-made dry-erase film that works over solvent, UV and latex prints. Drytac says permanent marker comes off with rubbing alcohol. Use only a laminate built for dry-erase.
Finish: Gloss hard coat
- Thickness
- 3 mil clear PET
- Durability
- Drytac claims a 10-year clean-erase warranty (per trade press)
- Best for
- Conference rooms, classrooms and planning walls
- Not for
- Standard laminates: Arlon says none of its overlaminates are designed for dry-erase
- Price tier
- Not rated
Brands Drytac WipeErase Clear
Specialty overlaminate -
Anti-graffiti laminate
Avery DOL 6060 is a clear polyester overlaminate with a permanent acrylic adhesive. Avery's data sheet says it protects prints against permanent damage from chemicals, solvents and graffiti paints, and lists wall murals among its uses.
Finish: High gloss (gloss value 90 at 60 degrees)
- Thickness
- 1 mil polyester face + 1.0 mil adhesive
- Durability
- Up to 3 years vertical (Avery)
- Best for
- Public corridors, schools and walls that see vandalism
- Not for
- Acrylic or polycarbonate, which can outgas and blister under it (Avery)
- Price tier
- Not rated
Brands Avery Dennison DOL 6060
Specialty overlaminate -
Textured or canvas look (no laminate)
For a canvas texture, the texture is built into the film. Avery's current data sheet marks MPI 2630 and 2631 as not for lamination.
Finish: Canvas, stucco or crushed stone
- Thickness
- 6 to 8 mil textured film
- Durability
- Avery MPI 2630/2631 Canvas: up to 2 years printed on indoor walls
- Best for
- Art and photo walls that should look like canvas or plaster
- Not for
- Laminating: Avery says MPI 2630 and 2631 should not be laminated
- Price tier
- Not rated
Brands Avery Dennison MPI 2630 and 2631
Pre-textured film
No films in this family yet.
0/3
Removable vs permanent at a glance
The adhesive is the difference. Peel values are lab numbers on stainless steel, not on painted walls.
| Compare | Removable adhesive | Permanent adhesive |
|---|---|---|
| Peel at 15 minutes (Avery) | 0.5 to 1.0 lb/in | 1.0 lb/in |
| Peel at 24 hours (Avery) | 1.5 lb/in | 4.0 lb/in |
| Example films | Avery MPI 2611 and 2631; ORAJET 3628 (1.36 lb/in at 24 h); 3M IJ8624 | Avery MPI 2610 and 2630; Avery MPI 2903 (sign film) |
| Best for | Leased spaces, events, campaigns that change | Long-term walls in space you own |
| Removal | Peel slowly at 120 to 180 degrees; paint can still lift on weak walls | Expect paint damage |
| Warranty note | Avery does not warrant wall damage on removal, even with removable adhesive | Made to stay; removal is not intended |
Sources: Avery MPI 2600 PDS (Rev. 17); Avery Instructional Bulletins 1.6 and 6.50; Avery MPI 2903 PDS; ORAFOL ORAJET 3628 Americas TDS; 3M IJ8624 product page.
Plain truth
Removable film can still lift paint
Removable adhesive lowers the risk of wall damage. It does not remove it. Avery says removability is not guaranteed over poorly bonded paint, aged paint, wallboard or chalky metal, and does not warrant wall damage on removal. If a clean wall after removal matters, for example at the end of a lease, tell us before the film is specified.
Fire ratings
ASTM E84 and the Seattle Building Code
ASTM E84, also published as UL 723, is the standard fire test for surface burning. It reports two numbers: a flame spread index and a smoke-developed index.
Chapter 8 of the 2021 Seattle Building Code turns those numbers into classes. Class A is flame spread 0 to 25, Class B is 26 to 75 and Class C is 76 to 200. All three require smoke developed of 0 to 450.
The class a wall needs depends on the occupancy group, where the wall is (exit enclosure, corridor or room) and whether the building has sprinklers. The code also lets textile and expanded vinyl wallcoverings qualify through NFPA 286 or NFPA 265 room tests.
A rating applies to the build that was tested. Rule of thumb: laminates and inks can change the result, so ask the maker whether a rating covers the laminated build.
- Class A: flame spread 0 to 25, smoke developed 0 to 450
- Class B: flame spread 26 to 75, smoke developed 0 to 450
- Class C: flame spread 76 to 200, smoke developed 0 to 450
Table 803.13, simplified excerpt
Minimum interior wall and ceiling finish class for a few common occupancy groups.
| Occupancy group | Exit enclosures | Corridors | Rooms and enclosed spaces |
|---|---|---|---|
| B, E, M, sprinklered | B | C | C |
| B, E, M, not sprinklered | A | B | C |
| A-3, A-4, A-5, sprinklered | B | B | C |
| A-3, A-4, A-5, not sprinklered | A | A | C |
Excerpt from Table 803.13 of the 2021 Seattle Building Code, chapter 8, as published by SDCI. The full table has more groups and footnotes. In general code terms, B covers business uses such as offices, E educational, M mercantile, and A assembly. Confirm the edition in force and your occupancy group with SDCI or your fire marshal.
Published fire results for common wall media
Only what each maker publishes. A blank rating is a reason to ask, not a reason to assume.
| Product | Stated result | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Avery MPI 2611 (removable, smooth) | ASTM E84 Class 1/A | Avery MPI 2600 PDS |
| Avery MPI 2630 Stucco and Canvas | ASTM E84 Class 1/A | Avery MPI 2600 PDS |
| Avery MPI 2630 Crushed Stone | ASTM E84 Class 2/B | Avery MPI 2600 PDS |
| Avery MPI 2631 (all textures) | ASTM E84 Class 1/A | Avery MPI 2600 PDS |
| ORAFOL ORAJET 3628 (Americas) | ASTM E84-07 Class A | ORAFOL Americas TDS |
| HP PVC-free Durable Smooth Wall Paper | ASTM E84-13a Class A | HP spec sheet |
| 3M Scotchcal IJ8624 | E84 test report published; values not confirmed by us | 3M flammability test report |
| 3M Envision 48C | Not stated on product page | 3M product page |
| Avery MPI 2903 (sign film) | Self-extinguishing; no E84 class stated | Avery MPI 2903 PDS |
Avery MPI 2610 (permanent, smooth) is not among the Class A films on the Avery data sheet we reviewed.
Indoor air
Low-VOC printing and GREENGUARD Gold
GREENGUARD Gold is a UL certification for low chemical emissions into indoor air, tested under UL 2818. It is stricter than basic GREENGUARD.
HP states its Latex inks are UL GREENGUARD Gold certified (UL 2818) for an unrestricted room size, meaning a fully decorated room. HP cites example rooms of 33.4 m² for an office and 94.6 m² for a classroom. In odor evaluations HP cites, its 832, 872, 873, 875, 882, 883 and 886 Latex inks rated weak in odor intensity, and HP says Latex inks dry instantly for immediate lamination and installation.
Each certification covers the product that was tested. Rule of thumb: a certified ink on an uncertified film is not a certified wall, so ask about the film, ink and laminate as one build.
On the media side, 3M's page states Envision 48C non-PVC film is GREENGUARD Gold certified, and HP's PVC-free wall paper carries UL GREENGUARD Gold and the French A+ emissions label.
Eco-solvent inks are also used on wall film; Avery MPI 2600 and ORAJET 3628 both support them. They need time to outgas: ORAFOL calls for at least 24 hours, ideally 48 to 72, before cutting or laminating. We did not find GREENGUARD claims for solvent ink systems in the sources we reviewed.
Projects
Films on real walls
Office, lobby and hallway graphics Ardor printed and installed.
-
Offices & Lobbies Seattle Skyline Office Mural
A Seattle skyline, the PureDry phoenix logo and a branded van wrap around four windows in one continuous office mural.
-
Offices & Lobbies Reception Services Wall
Reception wall graphics list asbestos, mold, lead and demolition surveys beside a red accent wall with microscope art. Visitors see what the company does before they reach the desk.
-
Offices & Lobbies Brand Message Lobby Wall
A red lobby wall with large white 'Be Great at Anything' lettering sits behind a walnut reception desk.
-
Offices & Lobbies Seattle Skyline Office Wrap
A blue Seattle skyline with the Space Needle and mountain scenery frames an interior window, with the Gene Johnson logo front and center.
-
Offices & Lobbies Core Values Wall by the Conference Rooms
Navy, blue and red graphics with 'Core Values' lettering, icons and a flame graphic run beside the conference room doors.
-
Offices & Lobbies Safety Culture Break Room
Grey and orange graphics about UMC's pride-based safety culture run above the break room tables.
-
Offices & Lobbies Core Values Hexagon Hallway
Orange and grey panels with hexagon icons list core values such as Deliver Excellence down an office hallway.
-
Offices & Lobbies Reception Logo Wall
A large maroon WAT logo with the words Asbestos, Mold and Demolition Surveys sits on the white wall behind reception.
No projects in this category yet.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between removable and permanent wall vinyl?
The adhesive. In Avery's data, removable wall film reaches 1.5 lb/in of peel after 24 hours and permanent reaches 4.0 lb/in. Removable suits leases and changing campaigns; permanent suits long-term walls and damages paint when removed.
Do wall wraps need a laminate?
Most do. A laminate protects the print from scuffs and cleaning and sets the sheen. Some textured films, like Avery MPI 2630 and 2631, are made to go without one.
Can a wall wrap work as a whiteboard?
Yes, with a purpose-made dry-erase laminate such as Drytac WipeErase Clear. Standard laminates are not made for it; Arlon says none of its overlaminates are designed for dry-erase.
Is wall vinyl fire rated?
Many wall films publish an ASTM E84 Class A result, including Avery MPI 2611 and ORAFOL ORAJET 3628 (Americas). Not every film does. Ask for the data sheet and confirm the class your space needs.
Are printed wall graphics low-VOC?
They can be. HP states its Latex inks are UL GREENGUARD Gold certified, and 3M states Envision 48C film is GREENGUARD Gold. Each certification covers the product tested, so ask about the full build.
Is there a PVC-free wall wrap option?
Yes. 3M Envision Print Film 48C is a 3 mil non-PVC film, and HP makes a PVC-free printable wall paper that is hung with paste.
What film works on brick or block?
A conformable film designed for texture, such as 3M Scotchcal IJ8624 with 8524 laminate, applied with heat. The wall surfaces guide covers the prep.
Sources
- [1] Avery Dennison, MPI 2600 Series Wall Film product data sheet (Rev. 17) (opens in a new tab)
- [2] Avery Dennison, MPI 2600 Wall Film Series product page (opens in a new tab)
- [3] Avery Dennison, MPI 2903 Easy Apply data sheet (opens in a new tab)
- [4] Avery Dennison, DOL 3060/3070/3080 overlaminate data sheet (opens in a new tab)
- [5] Avery Dennison, DOL 6060 Anti-Graffiti overlaminate data sheet (Rev. 6, 2020) (opens in a new tab)
- [6] Avery Dennison, Instructional Bulletin 1.6: Interior Wall Graphics (opens in a new tab)
- [7] 3M, Scotchcal IJ8624 Graphic Film for Textured Surfaces (opens in a new tab)
- [8] 3M, IJ8624 flammability test report (ASTM E84) (opens in a new tab)
- [9] 3M, Scotchcal IJ8624 product bulletin (Rev. E, Sept 2017) (opens in a new tab)
- [10] Tekra, 3M Scotchcal Luster Overlaminate 8524 (opens in a new tab)
- [11] 3M, Envision Print Film 48C (opens in a new tab)
- [12] ORAFOL Americas, ORAJET 3628 Wall Art Digital technical data sheet (opens in a new tab)
- [13] HP, Latex Inks sustainability and certifications page (opens in a new tab)
- [14] HP, Latex 730 and 830 Printer Series page (instant-dry Latex inks) (opens in a new tab)
- [15] HP, PVC-free Durable Smooth Wall Paper spec sheet (8/29/23) (opens in a new tab)
- [16] Drytac, WallTac / ReTac Wall technical data sheet (opens in a new tab)
- [17] Large Format Review, Drytac WipeErase Clear announcement (opens in a new tab)
- [18] Arlon Graphics, overlaminates and dry-erase use (opens in a new tab)
- [19] City of Seattle SDCI, 2021 Seattle Building Code, Chapter 8: Interior Finishes (opens in a new tab)
- [20] Ardor Printing, Wall Wraps and Murals (opens in a new tab)
Free on-site estimates · Ardor Printing
Gettherightfilmnamedonyour quote
Ardor's free on-site estimate checks your wall, your removal plans and your fire-code needs, then names the film and laminate. Call (425) 629-0796, Monday to Friday, 7am to 5pm.