How to Vinyl Wrap a Car: Essential Tips and Tricks
Tips for Applying Vinyl Wrap
Vinyl wrapping a car is a great way to give it a new look while protecting the underlying paint job. It’s an affordable alternative to getting a full respray. Plus, it adds style and protects your vehicle from the elements to some degree. If you’re looking to perform a DIY wrap on a vehicle, here are some recommendations from our experts.
Preparations before Wrapping
Like any other process, the vehicle must be primed before work can begin. There are a few things before you vinyl wrap a car, such as:
Inspect the Surface
Check for imperfections like dents, chips, or rust. While small scratches are okay, larger defects can cause issues with the vinyl. The most common problems include uneven wraps, bubbles or tears. Make sure to fix these issues beforehand.
Choose a Suitable Location
It’s recommended to work in a clean, dust-free area. Dirt and debris can get trapped under the vinyl, ruining the finish. Sweeping, mopping, or vacuuming can make sure you have a clean space for the job.
Pick a Warm Day
Vinyl for automotive use works best at around 20°C (68°F). If it’s too cold, it can tear. Likewise, extremely hot weather can make the adhesive very sticky. You want the car and vinyl to be at room temperature if needed.
Gather Supplies
Before you start, collect all the vinyl wrap supplies, like vinyl rolls, grease remover, cleaner, alcohol, lint-free cloths, squeegee or an old credit card, utility knife, heat gun, and gloves. Keep all these organised and at hand for an easier wrapping process.
Surface Preparation and Planning
Now that the first step is out of the way, let’s prepare the vehicle. You’ll also need to come up with the desired look. You can do this in a couple of ways:
Clean the Car
Wash your car thoroughly to remove dust, dirt, and oils. If the surface is dirty, the vinyl won’t stick properly, leading to bubbles or wrinkles. After washing, dry the car completely with a clean towel.
Remove Extra Parts
Take off mirrors, handles, or any pieces that might get in the way. This makes the wrapping process easier and provides a neat appearance around the edges.
Pick Your Design
You must decide if you want a full wrap or limit it to just specific parts. For example, a custom van wrap can add personality or even help promote your business. Plan how the design will fit on the car.
Cut the Vinyl
Cut the vinyl into sections that match the areas you’re wrapping. Leave a little bit extra on the edges so that you can trim it at the end for a clean finish.
Laying the First Sheets of Vinyl
Applying a vinyl car wrap requires precise steps and steady hands. These tips can help you out:
Start in One Corner
Begin applying the vinyl from one corner. This gives you a good starting point and helps keep everything aligned.
Peel the Backing Slowly
As you apply the vinyl, peel off the back bit by bit. Going slowly helps avoid misalignment or the wrap sticking to itself.
Line it Up Right
Make sure the wrap is lined up with the edges of the car. This is important for a smooth, even finish, especially for custom designs.
Pressing Out Air and Wrinkles
Once the entire car vinyl wrap has been applied, you may find some bubbles or wrinkles underneath. This affects the look and will need to be fixed. Here’s how to go about the whole thing:
Use a Squeegee
Once the vinyl is in place, use a squeegee to push any air bubbles out from the centre towards the edges.
Add Heat for Wrinkles
If you see any stubborn bubbles or wrinkles that won’t go away, gently heat the vinyl using a hair dryer or a heat gun. This softens the film, making it easier to smoothen out.
Press Down on the Edges
Press down on the edges and corners firmly to make sure they stick. This makes sure that the wrap won’t peel up later.