Wrap advertising (or vehicle wrapping) is a superb way of marketing a product, place of business, or a service. It’s basically a mobile billboard designed to attract attention or create a buzz, and it sure beats the old days of using a painting technique.
The process of wrapping vehicles isn’t overly complicated, but it does require a bit of technique, lest you end up with a wrap that is ridden with air bubbles, which will drastically shorten its lifespan. The secret to success is in your vehicle wrap post heating, and what heat gun you use to achieve a finished product.
Here is a quick guide on the process, along with the all important post heating that will make all the difference.
What you’ll need:
- A vehicle
- The wrapping
- A heat gun (we recommend the PH-1600 for best results)
- Strong magnets
- Scraper or squeegee
- Infrared thermometer
Step 1: Select your vinyl wrap. It is usually sold in large rolls that are priced by the foot. It will cost a bit more if the graphics are already printed on the wrap.
Step 2: Prep the area that will be wrapped. Clean it first with soap and water, then rub it down with alcohol. It is important that in this step no lint or dust is left behind. Similarly, the area where the wrap is to be placed must be free of rust, dings, and dents.
Step 3: Devise a blueprint for application. This includes where particular pieces will be cut and placed, in what order, and where to begin. Once you do begin, use strong magnets to hold the vinyl in place as you apply each section. It is also acceptable to slightly heat sections with your PH-1600 heat gun to stretch them and make them fit.
Step 4: Expose the adhesive for each pre-devised section and begin to apply the wrap. Start on one side and gently smooth out each section with your squeegee. Be extra careful around bumpers and wheel-wells to curve your wrapping correctly as to avoid kinks. Then, smooth it out, and cut off any excess.
Step 5: Now it’s time to post heat the entire wrapping. This step is one of the most important in that it ensures that the wrap remains true to size and doesn’t “snap back” and shrink. Heat each section to around 180-degrees. Heat any overlaps to around 220-degrees. For accuracy use a infrared thermometer.
There you have it. Wrapping your car has never been so easy.
