Wrapping cars is a very common task these days, especially in the automotive industry. There are several ways to wrap a car, depending on its size, shape, and materials.
The wrapping process involves covering the exterior surface of the vehicle with a protective layer of vinyl wrap or other material.
Although wrapping a car is common practice, it is also a complex process that requires special tools and skills. In this article, we’ll show you what you need for a car wrap and how to wrap a car properly.
Decide On The Type Of Wrap
Before you start wrapping your car, it’s important to decide what type of wrap you want. Vinyl wraps are the most popular because they are much more durable than other wrap types.
A vinyl car wrap is a mix of different types of PVC polymers and additives for more flexibility, color, and resistance to UV light.
This liquid mix is spread on large moving sheets. The paint is then baked and cured so that it dries in large sheets that can be applied to a vehicle.
Vinyl wrap can be applied using heat guns, airless sprayers, or even hand-held brushes. However, vinyl wraps come at a higher price compared to other types of wraps.
Vinyl wrapping has been around since the 1950s. Then it was used for lettering and decals. Car wraps didn’t come into fashion until the early 90s.
One of the first, big wrapping jobs was done by a German company, wrapping a large number of German taxis in a beige vinyl wrap.
Today, vinyl wrapping is still one of the best options available if you want to protect your car’s body. It comes in different colors, patterns, and designs.
How To Apply Vinyl Wrap To A Car
There are several ways you can apply a wrap to your car. However, you will get the best quality when you get the wrap done professionally.
A wrap expert will use a variety of techniques to ensure that the vinyl wrap looks good and lasts long. They will also take care of all the details like making sure there are no bubbles and wrinkles.
You can either hire an expert to do the job or learn how to wrap your car yourself. If you’re thinking about applying vinyl wrap to your car yourself, here are some things you need to consider before starting.
Use The Right Equipment
If you’re going to do the job yourself, you need to make sure that you have the right equipment. Here is a list of things you will need to wrap your car:
Heat Gun
Heat guns are essential for applying vinyl wraps. You can buy them online or find them at auto parts stores.
Vinyl Cutter
Vinyl cutters are used to cut the vinyl sheet into small pieces. These are sold separately but you might need two cutters to finish the job.
Spray Gun
Spray guns are used to apply the vinyl wrap. Make sure you choose a high-quality model.
Brush
Brushes are used to smooth out any imperfections in the vinyl wrap.
Prepare Your Workspace
You will need to prepare the area where you plan to apply the vinyl wrap. You should remove any loose dirt and debris. Make sure no sharp objects are lying around.
You also need to make sure that the ground is clean and dry. If possible, use a tarpaulin to cover the floor. This way, you won’t have to worry about spills.
It’s a good idea to wear gloves when working with a vinyl wrap. These gloves help keep your hands free from sticky substances. They also protect them from getting dirty.
Clean Your Car
Before applying the vinyl wrap, make sure that your car is clean. Remove any dust particles and dirt. Use a vacuum cleaner to suck up any loose debris.
Remove Any Obstacles From Your Car
It’s so much easier to wrap your car when you don’t have to navigate around logos, emblems, antenna, or mirrors. Get rid of these obstacles before starting the process.
Work On A Warm Day
Vinyl and its adhesive backing are very sensitive to temperature, so ideally you want to wrap your car at a temperature of around 68 degrees Fahrenheit.
When you work on a cold day, you run the risk of condensation forming on the vinyl. This could cause problems during application.
In addition, the vinyl wrap may also become brittle and crack. However, if you work on a hot day, you may run the risk of the adhesive reacting too fast.
This will make it difficult to apply the wrap smoothly.
Measure Each Wrap Section
Before you apply your wrap, you’ll need to measure each section of the car. It’s best to sketch a body diagram of the different body panels so that you know what size vinyl sheets you need.
Make sure that you add an inch all around to all your plenty of room for error.
Most experts recommend wrapping each section individually. This ensures that the vinyl wrap doesn’t overlap.
Applying The Wrap
Start with small sections and flat areas that are easier. This is particularly important when this is your first car wrap project.
The smaller sections will give you a feel for the wrap, and how to handle it. Also, it’s much easier to correct possible mistakes on smaller areas than on large panels.
First, cut your section to size with an additional inch margin. Then ask someone to hold the vinyl sheet in the air and remove the backing paper.
You will need to make sure that it is held at tension to ensure there are no bubbles when you apply it. Next, gently lay the vinyl over your chosen panel, and softly press it in the center of the panel.
Ensure that you keep the tension with the rest of the vinyl sheet. Use a bone folder or squeegee to ease the vinyl onto the surface from the inside out.
Conclusion
Wrapping your car is not as hard as it seems. It can be done by anyone who has basic knowledge of automotive painting techniques.
However, you do need some patience and practice. Once you get used to it, it becomes second nature.
