What is the difference between PU car wrap and TPU car wrap?
4 Answers
TPU and PU both belong to polyurethane, but TPU is a thermoplastic polyurethane, which outperforms PU in terms of properties and is currently the preferred material recommended by renowned invisible car wrap brands. The details are as follows: 1. PU: PU is polyurethane, widely used in chemical, electronic, textile, and medical fields. However, it is not suitable for application on car paint surfaces because PU material is relatively soft with weak tensile properties, making it unsuitable for paint protection film installation. PU material is soft, has weak tensile strength (unable to wrap curved areas of the car body during installation), cannot repair scratches, and is prone to yellowing. 2. TPU: TPU is a thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer rubber with a wide range of hardness and high elasticity. It can withstand a broad temperature range while maintaining flexibility. The surface of TPU has a coating structure, enabling it to resist stains, corrosion, and scratches, with strong UV resistance. TPU material is technologically advanced, highly elastic, stretchable, stable, and offers excellent stain resistance, corrosion resistance, and UV protection. Additionally, minor scratches can quickly self-repair at room temperature.
Over the years of applying car wraps, I've noticed significant differences between PU and TPU. Simply put, PU material is ordinary polyurethane, which is cheaper to buy. When first applied, the car wrap looks shiny and makes the car appear new and clean. However, it doesn't take long before it turns yellow and discolors under the sun, especially in the summer heat. Over time, it becomes like aged plastic, prone to cracking or scratching, affecting the appearance and requiring more maintenance. TPU, on the other hand, is much more advanced, using thermoplastic polyurethane. It has good toughness and resistance to stretching, can self-repair from minor stone impacts, and scratches may disappear after a while, providing long-lasting protection for the car paint. Although it's more expensive, I think it's worth it—a single application can keep the car looking fresh for five or six years. By the way, when choosing, it's important to consider the brand's reputation; don't be tempted by cheap, low-quality products that compromise the protection of your car's body.
As an average car owner choosing a paint protection film, budget is my primary concern. PU material is significantly cheaper, saving around a thousand yuan in initial installation costs, making it suitable for short-term use or those on a tight budget. However, its drawbacks are obvious—it's not UV-resistant and tends to yellow and fade, looking worn within a year or two, which affects the car's appearance and requires replacement, costing both money and effort. Although TPU is more expensive, it's more cost-effective in the long run due to its durability and superior anti-aging properties, maintaining transparency and shine for over five years. For those who frequently drive on highways or face harsh weather conditions, I recommend investing in TPU. It not only protects the original paint but also avoids frequent maintenance hassles. Additionally, professional installation is crucial to ensure a smooth application without bubbles, which could compromise the protective effect.
My car is a bit older, and from experience, PU car wraps age quickly, turning noticeably yellow within a year or two, especially on white cars, making the vehicle look cheap. TPU is completely different—after five years of use, it barely changes color, minor scratches can self-heal, and it provides better protection for the paint. The key difference lies in the material: PU is prone to oxidation and lacks durability, while TPU offers good elasticity and tear resistance. For daily parking, avoid direct sunlight to extend the wrap's lifespan, and cleaning is as simple as rinsing with water.
