Best Squeegee For Vinyl Wrap? The 185 Detailed Answer

Cleaning a Vehicle Before Packing (#53)

Before you wrap a vehicle, it’s important to make sure you clean it properly. If you don’t clean it properly, you will encounter many problems both during and after use.

Materials needed

Water and soap solution (a few drops in a spray bottle)

Alcohol solution (70% isopropyl alcohol (IPA)/30% water)

microfiber towels

To wash

The first step in preparing for the perfect vehicle wrap is washing your vehicle to remove wax and dirt. Wax will negatively affect vinyl adhesion and will not allow the vinyl to adhere properly. Hand washing is the most thorough method to ensure all areas and surfaces of the vehicle have been properly cleaned. First clean with a simple solution of dish soap and water; just a few drops of dish soap in a squirt bottle of water. This removes 90% of the dirt. Then clean with an alcohol solution; 70% isopropyl alcohol and 30% water. This will remove most oil-based surface contamination and will evaporate any water left on the vehicle from the initial cleaning.

problem areas

Areas like grills, wheel wells, and fog lights accumulate a lot of road debris. During the entire application period, every time the doors, hood and trunk are opened and closed, some of this grit will shake and stick to the adhesive of your graphic.

One way to prevent this is to cover these areas with masking tape. The masking tape helps catch road gravel that comes loose when doors are opened and closed. In addition, the masking tape protects highly polished surfaces such as chrome from the threat of wandering knife blades.

Once the application is complete, the masking tape can be removed.

Can car wraps be washed or waxed? Can a protective layer be applied? Having these answers at hand will ensure your customers understand the responsibility of maintaining a vehicle wrap. Here are all the do’s and don’ts for car lettering care.

Wash your hands

Hand washing is the safest way to care for your wrap and can be done in three steps:

Rinse off as much dirt and sand as possible with a jet of water. Wash the wrap with a damp, non-abrasive detergent and a soft, clean cloth or sponge in a circular motion. A magic eraser and hot, soapy water go a long way in keeping your wrap in good condition. For those looking for a more sustainable option, biodegradable, non-abrasive cleaning products also work. Rinse thoroughly with clear water. To reduce water stains, immediately use a silicone squeegee to remove water and finish with a clean microfiber cloth.

Wraps should be washed at least once a week or whenever the car appears dirty. Contaminants – tree sap, insect spray, bird droppings, etc. – left on the film can be more difficult to remove during cleaning. Matt and satin wraps in particular should be washed regularly. These films are more porous and prone to dirt and debris causing premature deterioration if not routinely cleaned.

car washes

If hand washing is not an option, touchless car washes can be used. Avoid car washes that use brushes and high pressure, as they can result in dull, scratched, or flaky edges. If the film is matte, satin or textured, a basic wash will do. For glossy films, choose the deluxe option, which applies a wax coating. Choosing this option for matte, satin, or textured films will create an unwanted sheen.

As with washing your hands, take the time to wipe the car down with a microfiber towel to avoid water stains. If you cannot wipe off the film after a car wash and notice water stains, use a magic eraser sponge with a combination of very hot water and detergent. Apply in circular motions. Spot clean hard-to-remove dirt with a solution of hot detergent and water: Dip a microfiber cloth in the solution and place it on the hard-to-remove dirt. Leave on the area for a few minutes to soften the residue before wiping away with a magic eraser sponge. Follow this with an isopropyl alcohol wipe or rubbing alcohol mixed with 70% isopropyl alcohol and 30% water.

high pressure cleaning

Although hand washing is the preferred cleaning method, high pressure washing can be used under these conditions:

Make sure the water pressure is kept below 14 MPa (2,000 psi).

Keep the water temperature below 180 F (80 C)

Use a spray nozzle with a 40 degree wide angle spray pattern

Hold the nozzle at least 300mm (1′) from the graphic and perpendicular (at a 90 degree angle) to it

wax and protective coatings

Just like a traditional coat of paint, waxing can be an effective method of protecting against severe weathering. However, it is not the best option for all movies. Because wax adds a sheen to the film, it is not a suitable option for matte or semi-gloss films. Glossy foils are a good choice for wax.

Be careful to avoid excess wax residue as this can cause water stains. For those who want more protection, protective coatings offer an even higher level of durability. Protective coatings seal the pores of the film and make the surface smooth so water and dirt cannot stick to it.

Store indoors or under a cover

Automotive wraps (just like paint) degrade from prolonged exposure to the sun and atmospheric pollutants, particularly on horizontal surfaces such as the hood, trunk lid and roof. If possible, store in a garage during the day, or at least somewhere shaded. Protect the car from dew or rain at night, which can contain acidic pollutants (a common problem in many major metropolitan areas). If a garage is not available, consider using a fabric car cover at night.

Maintain car wraps like any fine paint. Wash regularly, consider a wax or protective coating and store indoors or cover whenever possible. If wraps are properly maintained, they should reach their warranty period.

We always say “a clean gun makes a clean install”. While this is true, there is another key element to a successful GunSkins camouflage wrap installation: heat. Without them, the installation may not last as long and the skin may not conform to the surface as easily.

Self-adhesive vinyl products have grown in popularity and demand in recent years. That may be because the number of applications it can be used for has also increased. This includes t-shirt graphics, vehicle decals and of course weapon decals. Unless you’re putting a window decal on your cartridge, many of these vinyl applications require the use of heat for proper installation.

Heat makes installation a breeze

GunSkins Camo Wraps are made from a high performance, heat activated vinyl. This is not the same as a “shrink wrap”. The vinyl does not change size or shrink when hot, instead becoming flexible and soft making it easier to bend, stretch and press in place. When cooled, the material is somewhat stiff and flat. Heat separates the print laminate and adhesive, allowing it to flex easily and conform to any shape. Upon re-cooling, the vinyl hardens and seals, providing durability and protection.

If creases appear during installation or the material has been stretched out of shape, we recommend hitting with heat again. This will “reset” the vinyl and return to its original shape. If the vinyl has a crease or hard crease due to packaging or handling, this will also disappear when the material is peeled off and heat is applied. The crease will disappear and you can put it on, smoothing it out.

Here’s a tip: If air is trapped under the material after installation, it can be easily fixed. Sometimes when pressing the material, especially around textured areas with grooves, indentations or protruding patterns, air can become trapped along the edge like a bubble. Using a sharp hobby knife or needle, prick the blister, creating a small hole and allowing the air to escape. Apply heat and press firmly on the area and the material will set, restoring the watertight seal and obscuring the hole from view.

Can I use a hair dryer?

This is a frequently asked question and the answer is yes! It doesn’t take a lot of heat for the vinyl to become malleable. In fact, we recommend using a low setting whenever possible. It’s better to hit the vinyl with a left and right swiping motion and heat the vinyl just enough to handle without being too hot to the touch. It’s also a good idea to heat the surface of the gun before installation. Having both the surface and the vinyl warm will accelerate adhesion and ensure maximum bonding.

During our R&D, we even tried installing our product with a blowtorch (not recommended). We found that hitting the material with a concentrated source of high heat was not as effective as evenly distributing the heat. In fact, if the material gets too hot, it can discolor the pattern, blister, or burn a hole in the material. For this reason, we do not recommend boxing the barrels of firearms with the intention of firing fully automatic.

The importance of afterheat

Heat is required to shape the vinyl in place as it adheres to the surface. This is important throughout the installation process, especially at the end. After a kit has been installed, we recommend heat treating the entire firearm or accessory for at least 5-10 minutes. Press down firmly with your hand the whole time. The residual heat hardens the material after it has been installed. This allows the skin to last for years until removed.

Once the afterheat is applied and the surface is cool to the touch, the camo wrap is ready to use. There is no need to wait hours or days for the product to be ready. You can fire your weapon instantly and carry it outside into the elements, fully protected.

Any heat gun or blow dryer will suffice for a proper installation of GunSkins. If you don’t have one at home, you can easily find them at your local department or hardware store. We offer the Wagner Furno 300 heat gun as part of our installation package or as an individual purchase. It’s easy to use and it gets the job done!

Applying vinyl decals isn’t difficult, but if you’re doing it for the first time we have a few pointers that can make for a quick and easy application. The vinyl usually arrives in a three-layer sandwich. The decal is visible through the backing paper, which resembles masking tape or clear plastic. There is also a protective paper layer over the sticky side of the sticker. You will need to remove this protective backing just prior to applying the decal, but you will leave the masking tape or clear plastic backing attached to the FRONT of the decal until it is fully applied. Put both the sticker and the protective film on the car, and then peel off the cover film.

Be careful after removing the backing paper; The sticker will be extremely sticky and once you touch the surface you will not be able to reposition it, so get it right the first time. This applies in particular to multi-part stickers.

If the decal is large, we recommend measuring the car and making some guide marks with masking tape to ensure the decal goes straight. If you are applying to the front or back of the car, measure side to side to find the center point on both the car and the decal.

The vinyl doesn’t stick as well to oil or wax surfaces. Use a little rubbing alcohol to clean the area where the decal will be applied. If you are applying the decal to glass, DO NOT use Windex or other ammonia based cleaners. the ammonia interferes with the adhesive.

For small decals such as “Objects in the mirror,” swipe the decal onto the glass with your finger. For larger ones, use a credit card or other flat plastic as a squeegee to smooth the decal onto the car’s surface. Slowly move along the length of the decal, rubbing from top to bottom (top to bottom) on long decals, moving side to side. If the sticker is longer than about 30cm, stick the center of the sticker down first, then rub toward one end. Then go BACK to the center and rub to the opposite end. This should reduce the chance of your decal wrinkling.

The final step is to CAREFULLY remove the protective film. Sometimes the sticker will want to stick more to the back than to the car (a good cleaning with alcohol reduces the chances of this happening). If this happens, use your finger to anchor the decal to the car while lifting the backing off.

Tell us more…

Tell us what you are looking for. Please note that the vinyl film is not a paint replacement. It is not a solution for covering up hail damage, rust or peeling paint. Body work is required before we can diaper.

Teran Marsell | Published on

Before applying vinyl vehicle wrap to your car, your car must be prepared for the wrap. Usually this requires cleaning the outside of the car to ensure the vinyl is properly bonded. However, the paint on the car needs to be smooth because vinyl will stick to every indentation. If the car has rust or chipped paint, vinyl may not be able to successfully hide it.

Take your car to a professional

Before committing to wrapping your vehicle in vinyl, we recommend that you take your car to a professional. A technician can assess your vehicle and tell you if the car is suitable for vinyl vehicle wrapping – for example: if there is rust in the paint, the technician will suggest removing the rust before applying vinyl. He or she can even fix it for you.

A professional can also take accurate measurements of your vehicle, which will be used to create templates of your car, and take photos.

Before the wrap

Team Acme, Inc. requires customers to bring their cars pre-cleaned for vinyl wrapping. You can take your car through an automated car wash or wash it yourself – just make sure your car is clean when you bring it to us. Our crew will clean the car 1 more time before applying vinyl. We make sure there are no signs of wax, tar and dirt.

The Wrap Process

When you bring your car to Team Acme, Inc. for vinyl wrapping, we will keep your car for a few days. Installation is done dry by placing the vinyl decal panels on the vehicle with squeegees. We trim the decal panels at the edges and fix the material in place to ensure proper anchoring.

Learn more at the Team Acme, Inc. website

Visit Team Acme’s website today to learn more about our vinyl sheeting design and installation processes. Bring your car to us before you wrap your car and we will let you know if your car can be wrapped. When you’re ready to wrap your car, our team can take measurements of your car and discuss design ideas. Then we can create a set of templates for you to choose from.

Contact Team Acme, Inc.

Call us at 702-566-8326 or fill out our online contact form if you have any questions about vinyl vehicle wraps and our design and installation processes.

Investing in car wrap will help improve your car’s appeal and add an eye-catching finish. It’s a cheaper way to change the look of your car without the need for a complete makeover. You can choose from a selection of colors and designs that cannot be reproduced by traditional paint finishes.

Vinyl car wrap is more durable than car paint, which scratches and wears easily. It protects the paintwork, adds personality to your vehicle, is less expensive and offers flexible designs. Proper installation of vinyl car wrap can extend the life of your vehicle, making it a worthwhile investment.

Here are a few things to consider that can affect your car wrap:

Key factors affecting the durability of a car wrap

1. Longevity

The average lifespan of a car wrap is around five years under normal conditions. There are factors that can affect its longevity, such as climate, washing, and sun exposure. If your car is exposed to frequent sun exposure and heavy wear and tear, the life expectancy of your car wrap can be as little as two years.

There are ways to extend the life of your car wrap such as: B. parking in the shade or using non-abrasive cleaning products. Less used cars can last about seven years or more. Keeping it clean and avoiding harsh temperatures can also reduce damage to the car wrap.

Be sure to use a soft rag when cleaning your wrapped car. Avoid using strong solvents or automatic brushes as they can dull the surface and lift loose edges. For additional protection, you can use Teflon or silicone based products. Clean up spills as soon as possible and avoid using wax on textured or matte films.

2. Scratch Resistance

Vinyl films are very durable and are often resistant to everyday wear and tear such as minor scratches. These scratches will not break through the material or damage your car’s paintwork. This will ensure vinyl car wraps are a good investment and allow you to get the most out of your exterior finish.

Since superficial scratches can affect the overall appearance of your car, professionals recommend applying a good car wrap to avoid this type of damage. It can also last up to five years, or you can use it until it wears out completely. You can also opt for a protective layer over the case for extra protection.

You can also opt for a self-healing vinyl sheet that can repair minor scratches from the heat of the sun or with a heat gun. They are heat resistant and offer protection from UV damage.

3. Installation method

Another factor that can affect the durability of your car wrap is the installation process. If not installed properly, peeling, dirt, or other signs of wear may occur. Make sure you only have your car wrap applied by a professional company for a long lasting result.

The installation process is time-consuming and should be done carefully. Make sure your installer doesn’t cut corners to ensure a seamless appearance. There are two types of car wrapping – wet wrapping and dry wrapping. The wet wrap method is ideal for flat surfaces and is better suited for smaller applications.

Dry wrapping is faster, cleaner, saves time and sticks to the car instantly. The temperature is also crucial for a good application of the vinyl. It is recommended to apply car wraps when the outside temperature is around 21 to 26 degrees Celsius. Below this temperature there is a higher risk of cracking. If it is too cold, the wrap will become more fragile and brittle.

4. Application of the protective layer

A vinyl car wrap does not have a protective coating, making it prone to scratches. Placing a protective layer over the film ensures your car is protected from abrasions, scratches and daily wear and tear.

The protective coatings come in various forms such as paint protection film and ceramic coating. Paint Protection Film (PPF), also known as a clear bra, is one of the most popular ways to protect your vinyl wrap. PPF is made from durable vinyl that stands up to everyday wear and tear, contamination and UV damage. It helps prolong the life of your vinyl car wrap and ensures it lasts its lifetime without any issues.

The ceramic coating is characterized by hardness and durability that resists abrasion. It comes in liquid form that turns into a solid glass when applied. It acts as a tough protector that prevents scratches and keeps water off the car wrap. It also protects against UV rays and lasts about five years.

5. Proper washing

Avoid using hard bristles to avoid scratching the surface or your car wrap. The water temperature should be less than 60 degrees Celsius and avoid turbo pressure jets. Hand washing is more preferred, but if you need to pressure wash, make sure the water pressure is below 2000psi and the spray nozzle should be in a 40 degree angle spray pattern.

Be sure to place the vehicle in a shaded area or use a cover to protect the graphics and protect from dew or rain.

Quality Car Wrapping Service

Seven Smart Auto offers car wrapping services in Sydney that add protection and aesthetics to your car. Choose from a variety of eye-catching colors and designs that will help create a brand new look. You can also extend the life of your car by having a paint protection film to protect your vehicle.

Make an appointment today at 0452-471-690 or fill out our contact form.

Combining the strengths of vinyl sheeting and ceramic coatings is a true vehicle customization powerhouse – but it has to be done right or you won’t be happy with the results. This is how you ensure a successful conclusion.

Proper preparation

You can’t just slap a ceramic coating onto a sheet of vinyl and expect perfection. In order to accept the ceramic coating, the vinyl must be properly prepared. This is a 3 step process. First we go through the packaging to make sure there are no defects. Ceramic coatings “lock” what’s underneath, so we want to make sure we’re dealing with perfection. Second, we will thoroughly clean and lightly polish the vinyl. Finally, we use a special degreaser to remove any trace of grease, oil or polish residue.

Choose the right product

This is critical – a coating designed for use on a glossy, slick clear coat will not perform adequately on the porous surface of a vinyl sheet. Incorrect coating will not only result in poor performance but can also ruin the appearance of your film. Choosing a suitable coating like this will ensure you get the properties you want and will also preserve the finish of your vinyl sheeting. That’s right, you CAN coat a matte film without changing the matte finish.

Choose the right store

You want to make sure you trust the industry leaders. CJ’s Autobling has coated thousands of cars and our thousands of happy customers have earned us a bulletproof reputation. Contact us or view some of our work – we can’t wait to help you with your next big project.

While the simple answer to the question “Can car wraps be repaired?” is yes, the severity of the wrap damage will determine the extent of the repair. At Wrap Guys we understand that accidents happen. That’s why our team of custom vinyl wrap experts are always available to answer your questions or help you repair damage to your car wrap.

How to repair small scratches on a vinyl car wrap

Small scratches on a custom car wrap can often be repaired with a vinyl patch. While you may be able to do this yourself, having your vinyl wrap company repair the wrap will ensure the patch looks pristine.

The basic steps to repairing a small scratch on a vinyl car wrap are:

1. Clean the damaged area

Gently clean the damaged area with a microfiber cloth using a mixture of soap and water. Be sure to remove any dirt, wax or grease from the area before attempting any body work as these substances can interfere with the adhesion of the vinyl patch to the vehicle.

2. Remove damaged vinyl parts

While the damaged area is still wet, use a sanding block with wet sandpaper to remove the damaged vinyl from the vehicle. Apply only light pressure to the block and sand horizontally. Once the damaged vinyl has been removed, clean the area again and dry with a microfiber cloth.

3. Apply the vinyl patch

Measure out a vinyl patch large enough to cover the damage and overlapping the existing vinyl sheet. Once you have the correct size vinyl patch, remove the backing and use your fingers or a squeegee to begin applying the center of the vinyl. Work your way up and down the patch, making sure to remove any air bubbles. If you’re having a hard time, consider heating the vinyl with a heat gun or hair dryer to make it easier to stretch.

4. Glue the vinyl patch

Once the vinyl patch is fully applied, use a heat gun or hair dryer on any stretched surfaces, such as curves or creases, to help the vinyl wrap adhere to the vehicle.

Vinyl sheet repairs after a car accident

If you’ve been involved in a serious vehicle accident, it may still be possible to have your custom vehicle wrap repaired. In the event that the damage to your car needs to be repaired and repainted, be sure to ask the mechanic how long the paint will take to cure. While you may be able to drive your car once the paint is dry to the touch, the paint underneath needs time to cure and bond to the vehicle before your wrap can be repaired.

If you would like to learn more about how car wraps can be repaired or are interested in any of our vehicle wrapping services, please contact Wrap Guys at 604-996-6389 or fill out a form on our website.

In this blog, we reveal whether vehicle wraps can cover scratches, dents, and scuffs, and how wraps can improve the appearance of an older vehicle.

Does a van or car wrap cover scratches?

It all depends on how deep the scratch or scuff is. Vinyl wraps adhere firmly to surfaces when applied, so wrapping a car or van with a scratch can make the defect more noticeable as the vinyl picks up the contours of chips or deep scratches. If you can run your hand over the vehicle without feeling any raised edges, a vinyl car wrap will successfully cover the scuff or scratch.

You can still wrap a scratched car, but for best results we recommend that any deeper scratches or chips from hail damage or stones be repaired before the vinyl is applied.

If you have already considered the above points and your vehicle is scratch-free or preserving the original paintwork is not a top priority, there are a number of advantages to wrapping a private vehicle or an existing company vehicle.

Breathing new life into older vehicles

Whether you want to increase your company’s visibility or establish your brand identity across your entire fleet, vehicle wraps are an extremely versatile marketing solution for businesses. If you have your own premium car, such as Alternatively, for example a Maserati or Porsche, a vinyl wrap can give it a unique look and feel to help you stand out from the crowd.

But have you ever thought about how vehicle wraps can breathe new life into an older car or van?

There are a number of benefits to using and upgrading your existing fleet of vehicles, including extending their life on the road – without breaking the bank.

Are you looking for more information on increasing the longevity of your vehicle? Discover how a small vehicle wrapping company breathed new life into their vans.

First, what condition is your older vehicle in?

When a van or car has a dull finish that needs an update then vinyl wrapping is a fantastic alternative to buying a new vehicle.

In addition to looking for scratches and scuffs, however, there is one more element to consider before proceeding with a wrap project: dents.

What if my vehicle has a dent?

As older vehicles have been on the road longer, you may find that they have been in a previous accident and had dents removed and repairs made. If repaired vehicle parts are repainted compared to the rest of the vehicle, vinyl wraps can remove the newer paintwork when the vehicle is unpacked at a later date.

While this may not affect commercial vehicles as much, when it comes to car wraps on private vintage vehicles, this is definitely something to consider before embarking on a wrap project. It all depends on your priorities – ask yourself which is most important, the looks or the value of the vehicle. The last thing you want is to unpack the car before you resell it and find that the vinyl has lifted the original paintwork.

What are the benefits of wrapping older cars or vans?

increase in longevity

For businesses, wrapping an older van in a tired-looking paint job that has seen better days can be a more efficient option than leasing or buying a new vehicle for its shiny new exterior.

EXAMPLE Packing an older van could cost £2,000. But split that across the life of the foil, which can last four years on average, and the cost of the foil per day is just under £1.40. This can be a cheaper solution to consider first before leasing or buying a new vehicle that would need to be wrapped anyway.

protect paint

For high-end classic car owners, vehicle wraps can offer an exciting new look while protecting the original paintwork and maintaining resale value. A premium classic car is a significant investment, and wrapping can serve as the first line of defense against chips and scratches. Visit our blog for some top tips on car wrap aftercare.

consistency

Wrapping an older vehicle with a laminate coating will transform the faded portions of the original paintwork into a fresh, unified, brand-appropriate exterior.

While an older, plain vehicle stands out in your fleet, an older, wrapped vehicle blends seamlessly with your other company vehicles.

This helps increase brand awareness, recognition and overall trust – especially if your business requires access to secure areas, e.g. B. to a construction site.

When your van is fully taped your brand speaks for itself compared to an older, plain van that could be turned away even if your driver has ID – a potentially embarrassing situation for your business!

Before, afterwards

A cost effective alternative to investing in a brand new vehicle

Using outdated cars or vans can provide additional resources for businesses, and wrapping them can bring them back into line with the rest of your fleet.

Does a car wrap cover scratches? Unfortunately for deeper scratches the answer is no – make sure you consider the condition of the vehicle first, any dents, hail damage, chips or major scratches will need to be repaired to ensure a smooth wrap.

So if you have an older vehicle in perfect condition, can you afford not to wrap it?

For more information on vehicle wraps for cars and vans, including how much to expect and what to look for in a vehicle wrap supplier, see our downloadable guide.