How to Apply a Car Wrap?

[LaNevaeh]

Introduction to applying a car wrap: 1. Inspect the vehicle & check for damage: Inspecting the vehicle is crucial for the technician. On one hand, it helps in formulating a construction plan based on the vehicle's shape to ensure a visually appealing final result. On the other hand, it allows the technician to check for any existing damage, record it, and confirm with the customer to avoid unnecessary misunderstandings later. If the vehicle has had any paint repairs, the owner must be informed that the wrap cannot be applied to those areas, as removing the wrap later might peel off the repaired paint. 2. Meticulous car washing: Although washing the car seems simple, it is a critical step that determines the quality of the wrap application. The vehicle must be thoroughly cleaned to ensure there is no mud, sand, grease, or dirt, as only a completely clean surface will allow the wrap to adhere properly, minimizing bubbles and edge lifting later. 3. Cutting the film & spraying lubricant: The technician can choose between machine-cutting or hand-cutting the wrap based on actual needs. For hand-cutting, the film must be cut according to the vehicle's model, leaving at least 1cm of extra edge for later wrapping. After removing the adhesive backing, installation fluid should be sprayed immediately to prevent static from attracting dust. The spray must be even, as uneven lubrication can cause issues during application. 4. Shaping the car wrap: The vehicle's surface is not entirely smooth but has many edges and corners, especially around the hood, so the wrap needs shaping. Before shaping, ensure the adhesive side and the paint surface are sufficiently lubricated to adjust the film's position. Some areas may require stretching the film to prevent shrinkage, which can be done using shaping techniques. However, the heat gun's temperature and direction must be carefully controlled to avoid overheating any spot. The heat gun's temperature should be kept within an appropriate range. Additionally, try to minimize shaping; if the paint surface is relatively flat with minimal curvature, simply squeegeeing the water out is sufficient. 5. Squeegeeing and edge treatment: Once the wrap is in the correct position, use a squeegee to remove water, ensuring both sides of the film are adequately lubricated to eliminate bubbles. Avoid water flowing back, which can cause bubbles. After most of the water is removed, proceed with edge treatment. First, trim any excess film edges (machine-cut wraps can skip this step). Then, use a heat gun to dry the edges and secure the remaining film by heating it for a firm bond.