The following is an application checklist that is essential for wrapping any vehicle, with any type of wrap media.
1: Application begins at the back of the vehicle for vertical panels and from the bottom up for horizontal panels. This allows for all overlaps to face the back or the bottom which prevents wind and rain from causing a premature failure. Seams should have a 1/4 to 1/2 inch (0.64 - 1.3 cm) overlap.
2: Use firm pressure on the squeegee to apply the media to the surface, starting at the high points in the middle and working out toward the edges.
3: For channels, wherever possible lay the media through the channel rather than bridging and stretching the media. Any vinyl film(cast or calendered) can exhibit shrinking or tenting when overstretched or overheated.
4: In some instances it is not possible to negotiate complex curves. In this case, you will need to bridge the vinyl. Be sure only to stretch the vinyl and over laminate combination until firm. Overstretching may result in memory failure. At this point, it is suggested to cut the film in this are to relieve tension.
5: In many difficult areas, a thin layer of an adhesion promoter or acrylic spray primer can enhance adhesion. Be sure to use the primer sparingly and allow it to cure completely according to the directions on the can, prior to graphic application.
6: To bridge a gap properly, apply the film to the flat areas first as indicated above. Use heat to soften the film, somewhere around 160° to 200°F (71° - 93°C). Immediately stretch the film into the groove, starting at the middle of the groove and working out to both sides. Sometimes using a cotton glove or soft cloth instead of a squeegee is the way to go. Since the film cools quickly, it is important to work in small areas and continue to heat the film as your work moves along. Finally, after the film has been applied, to eliminate the stretching stresses created in this application, you must heat the film to a higher temperature, somewhere between 220° and 250°F (104° and 126°C). Move the heat source slowly. Now that the film has been applied, you are also heating the body of the vehicle and it takes more heat to achieve the final temperature requirement. Using a no-touch heat gauge is strongly recommended to ensure this very important step is done correctly.
7: Edges, seams and trim should be cut and resqueegeed to ensure good adhesion. It is a very good idea to also use high heat along these areas to speed up the adhesive build (this is to overcome the repositionable adhesive we built into the film for ease of application) and ensure a good application. Do not wrap films around 180° turns, as this will most likely result in failure. Do not wrap films under the edges of the car or into areas that do not clean well.
8: For over rivets, digital media with an over laminate may tent and is not considered a reason for failure. To apply, use the same technique as the bridging described above, apply the film over the flat areas, bridging the rivet head. Using an air release tool or pin, (do NOT use a knife blade as this will result in a cut propagation issue), poke multiple holes around the rivet head to release the air, then using heat and a rivet brush work the film down. Finally apply high heat to release any tension stresses and to ensure a quick high strength bond. The only proven way to eliminate tenting around rivets with an overlaminated film is to cut completely around the rivet head after application.
9: Do not over-heat or over-stretch the graphic media. Channels that result in the filmbeing stretched too far must be cut.
10: After all the film has been applied, go back and apply heat to the graphic to a high temperature, 200 to 250°F (71° - 126°C), in the areas the vinyl has been stretched to relieve stresses created by stretching.
Stay tuned for some more tips and tricks for vehicle wrap installation!