7 Mistakes When Wrapping Vinyl

When wrapping a car, there is a lot that goes into it. There are so many ways to mess up and end up with a sub-par wrap job that will leave a customer ultimately dissatisfied. You want to be known for preforming crisp wrapping and finishes that’ll last (depending upon application). Especially if you are just starting out in the wrapping business, it is essential for you be weary of these seven blunders. In this blog we will address seven big mistakes that can be made when you’re wrapping a vehicle and how to avoid them.

1. Picking the Wrong Film
Not all vinyl film has the same qualities. Each vinyl type has its own thickness and adhesion properties that can affect how the wrap will end up. Choosing the wrong wrap can lead to improper adhesion, bubbles, wrinkles, overstretching, and low-quality looking graphics. Make sure you know the differences and which vinyl is right for whatever job you are
tackling.

2. Improper Prep
Before wrapping any vehicle, it needs to be spotless. This isn’t just a quick run through the car wash. Every bit of dust, dirt, oil, and silicon residue must be removed before applying vinyl. If oil or silicon is left the vinyl could fail to adhere properly and can cause bubbles in the finish. Dust and dirt will show through the installation. By using the proper cleaning chemicals and prepping the vehicle you can avoid these mistakes and get a smooth, clean finish.

3. Too Little Vinyl and Overstretching
Vinyl can be pricey and it can be tempting to pre-cut the film for the job. As much as you do not want to waste vinyl, it is worse if you don’t have enough. This is common around bumpers or rather curvy areas of the vehicles. When you overstretch the vinyl, you’re pulling it beyond its natural limits. The vinyl will start turning white where it is overstretched and will distort graphics printed in that area. To avoid this, it is better to use a little excess vinyl than to fall victim to overstretching

4. Improper Heating
In order for vinyl to adhere properly to the surface of the car it needs to be heated to the proper temperature. If you don’t heat the vinyl well enough it will fall off and cause inconsistencies in the finish. Instead of focusing on the exact temperature, it is recommended to focus on how the vinyl it sticking. Look for the vinyl to relax and take to the car.

5. Post-Installation Heating
Some failures in installation can come from not performing post installation heating on problem areas of the vehicle, like edges and deep recessed channels. Car vinyl has a tendency to hold its memory and slowly revert back to its original shape, so by performing post-installation heating you can force it into place and avoid the vinyl slowly shifting from its spot

6. Lazy Behavior
Each vehicle has different curves and edges. If you don’t take your time to plan out and layout the vinyl you can end up with a sub-par job. Between handles, varying windows, and curves, it’s important to be patient. Not cutting corners and overstretching the vinyl is the best practice and should be enforced on every job.

7. Poor Designs
No matter how great of an installer you might be, a bad design will always make you look bad. Not accounting for breaks in the car like handles and window edges can cause words or designs to fail. Additionally, things like low resolution graphics and poor color choices can also end up looking bad. Make sure to plan ahead and strategize for these things to get the best outcome.

By avoiding these seven mistakes you can improve your wrap game. By not cutting corners and putting in a little extra effort you can save your money and future reputation as a car wrapper. From making sure the vinyl adheres properly to not taking the time to install in all the nooks of the car, there’s a lot to think about. It is good to keep these in mind and be prepared in the future.