Metallic Gloss Red

3M Metallic Gloss Red is a metallic red film from 3M's 2080 range, catalogued as G203. 3M lists 8 other red shades, so it is worth seeing them side by side before you settle on one.

This is color change wrap vinyl from 3M's 2080 line. It resurfaces the car in a new color and can be removed later without touching the factory paint underneath, which is why wraps hold resale value in a way a respray does not. Vinyl changes how the car looks; it is not impact protection, so if you also want the paint shielded from rock chips, the same kind of color exists as color paint protection film at a higher price.

The metallic finish

Metal flake is suspended in the film, so the color sparkles under direct sun and settles into a deeper, flatter shade indoors and under overcast. It photographs unusually well and hides light road film better than a flat color does, which is worth something on a Pacific Northwest commute.

Living with red in the Pacific Northwest

Red is the color most affected by sun over time; red pigments fade first in any medium, film included. Covered or shaded parking meaningfully extends how long it stays saturated. Mid-tone colors are the easiest to live with here: they hide both road film and water spotting better than either black or white.

Care: hand wash with a wrap-safe soap and a soft mitt, and dry the car rather than letting it air dry.