What are the steps for car body wrapping?
3 Answers
Measure the car windows to be wrapped, ensuring precise dimensions are taken When cleaning the glass, spray water on the exterior surface For the front and rear windshields and side windows with significant curvature, use a high-temperature heat gun to shape the film until it perfectly matches the glass curvature Starting from the top of the glass, peel off a portion of the upper film, then gradually press and scrape downward while removing the protective film, moving all the way to the bottom of the glass
I just finished applying car wrap film by myself, and found the process quite simple but requires patience. First, thoroughly clean the car body. I sprayed car wash detergent, rinsed off the dirt with water, then wiped away grease stains with alcohol or degreaser to ensure a clean and dust-free surface. Second, measure the car body dimensions and cut the film. I bought self-adhesive film, leaving some extra edges for adjustment when cutting. Third, align and apply the film, starting from the middle of the roof and slowly working towards the front and rear, smoothing it out with a plastic squeegee as you go to prevent bubbles. If bubbles appear, don’t panic—carefully prick them with a needle and squeeze out the air. After application, trim the edges with a utility knife, removing excess film, then press firmly to secure. Finally, allow 24 hours for curing—avoid washing or exposing the car to direct sunlight during this time to let the adhesive set. The whole process took me about two hours, saving money and honing my skills, but beginners should practice on small panels first.
Having handled numerous vehicles at the tinting shop, the process emphasizes precision. Initially, a thorough cleaning of the car body is crucial, including door gaps and wheel arches, using professional cleaning agents to remove dirt and grease. Subsequently, the film is cut to custom sizes based on the vehicle model to prevent wrinkles later. During application, the film is laid starting from the middle of the car body, with a heat gun used to gently warm and soften the film material for easier shaping and contouring. As the film is applied, it is smoothed out to ensure no air bubbles remain; stubborn bubbles are removed with a specialized syringe. The trimming stage involves carefully cutting excess film edges with a razor, especially around lights and handles for meticulous finishing. The curing process requires parking the car to dry for 24-48 hours to prevent dust intrusion. The entire process takes 3-4 hours, with ceramic film recommended for better scratch resistance. After application, regular cleaning with a soft cloth can extend its lifespan.
