Vehicle Wrap Training

Learning to install vehicle wraps can be a difficult and time-consuming process. In order to create and provide your customer with a sound vehicle wrap it’s a good idea to seal the areas with will be most prone to failure. These areas are typically the points at which the most stress will be exerted such as over compound forms, edges of vehicle wrap panels, and window sections that will move. There are several materials in the sign supply marketplace that provides exactly this function.

Primer 94

Primer 94 isn’t a sealing material exactly, but it is used to add extra adhesion underneath areas of high stress. You simply apply a liberal amount of this compound before you install the vehicle wrap to the areas you think that could use more grip. Primer 94 works with you as you perform the installation as it’s activated by heat and begins to strengthen as you heat and apply.

Edge Sealer

Edge sealer is a clear compound you can apply over the edge and onto the vehicle to permanently close these edges. This is the perfect material for sealing in vehicle wrap window elements at the edges to prevent areas from lifting in the future.

Pen Sealer

In recent years, edge sealer has been available in pen form or more accurately marker form. The chemical compound is the same as traditional edge sealer, however far more convenient and cleaner to use than the original version.

Laminating Stripes

Laminating stripes are thinly cut pieces of standard vinyl laminate. Vehicle wrap installers use these over areas where extra cuts are made or sometimes to seal two or more overlapping vehicle wrap panels. Using these stripes are an easy way to seal edges which doesn’t require you to get any supplies you wouldn’t already have on hand.

Once you have the basics covered in learning vehicle wrap installation, properly sealing will make your wraps better. Sealing edges and adding Primer 94 to give you an extra grip where it may be needed, will prevent problems from occurring down the road. Better vehicle wrap installations will keep business coming back and when they do come back it won’t be for vehicle wrap repairs.

Uncategorized edge sealer, primer 94, supplies, tutorial, vehicle wrap installation, vehicle wrap training

Here’s a brief tutorial on properly installing a vehicle wrap so your hard work is applied properly and avoids potential failure. Follow these steps, combined with practice and good vinyl application methods and you’re sure to get great vehicle wrap installations.

Always remember to avoid over stretching your wrap vinyl so that there’s little adhesive to grip to the surface. When installing your vehicle wraps try to relieve areas of strain by placing in intentional relief cuts and folding into crevice where this is possible.

1. Thoroughly clean the vehicle with proper degreasing agents that widely available through local sign suppliers. With a squeegee and rag in hand make an effort to clean deep into any and all grooves that your vehicle may have.

2. Apply a liberal amount 3M’s Primer 94 into deep grooves and indents to get an extra bite when heating in these areas after application.

3. Remove elements of the vehicle that may interfere with the wrapping application such as rear window wipers, rear view mirrors, extraneous molding elements. By spending some time removing these obstacles, it’ll save you quite a bit more time down the road.

4. Tape up all of your vehicle wrap panels including any window perforated film and check it’s placement to your layouts are accurate. This is a crucial stage to ensure your secondary window film will match up and fit the vehicle.

5. Apply your vehicle wrap graphics with a firm yet flexible felt-edge squeegee, such as Avery’s dark blue applicator. Use any technique or method you’d like, but be sure to maintain a smooth finish free of wrinkles, bubbles, noticeable cuts, and tears.

6. Commit an adequate amount of time to trimming and finishing your vehicle wrap with clean and polished cuts. Try and use a straight edge for linear sections when trimming away vinyl to provide your client with the cleanest possible finish.

7. Align and apply your window perforated film to the remaining unfinished areas. Complete your installation by running a bead of sealant around the window film such as 3M’s Edge Sealer.

8. Replace the vehicle body elements you had removed before the vinyl installation. Wipe the vehicle wrap clean of any stabilo marks and remove any masking tape that may have been left during application - and you’re done.

By following these 8 simple steps in the vehicle wrap tutorial, you can rest assured that the vehicle wrap leaving your shop will look it’s best now and for years to come.

Uncategorized car wrapping, training, tutorial, vehicle wrap