By Jim Hingst
A full wrap is next to impossible to ignore,
which makes it an excellent advertising vehicle. When I sold fleet graphics, I
always emphasized the advertising value in terms of the cost per thousand of
visual impressions. These are terms that marketing and advertising managers and
top business executives will understand.
which makes it an excellent advertising vehicle. When I sold fleet graphics, I
always emphasized the advertising value in terms of the cost per thousand of
visual impressions. These are terms that marketing and advertising managers and
top business executives will understand.
Operated in an urban environment, a full
vehicle wrap can generate as many as 11 million impressions per vehicle per
year. An over-the-road tractor and trailer rig, travelling on the nation’s
interstate highways, typically generates 6 million visual impressions annually.
The typical cost per thousand visual impressions ranges between $0.25 and
$0.50. That is incredibly cost-effective advertising compared to traditional
media such as radio, TV and newspaper advertising.
vehicle wrap can generate as many as 11 million impressions per vehicle per
year. An over-the-road tractor and trailer rig, travelling on the nation’s
interstate highways, typically generates 6 million visual impressions annually.
The typical cost per thousand visual impressions ranges between $0.25 and
$0.50. That is incredibly cost-effective advertising compared to traditional
media such as radio, TV and newspaper advertising.
Vehicle graphics not only cost less than
other means of advertising, in many cases they are more effective. Colorful
graphics get noticed and are remembered by viewers. What’s more, an
eye-catching vehicle wrap can positively affect the opinions and ultimately the
buying decisions of consumers. What also makes vehicle
wraps effective as an advertising medium is that the vehicles generally operate
in the locale where your customer needs to deliver his message.
other means of advertising, in many cases they are more effective. Colorful
graphics get noticed and are remembered by viewers. What’s more, an
eye-catching vehicle wrap can positively affect the opinions and ultimately the
buying decisions of consumers. What also makes vehicle
wraps effective as an advertising medium is that the vehicles generally operate
in the locale where your customer needs to deliver his message.
Attractive graphics also impact the attitudes
of your prospect’s employees. Drivers take more pride and exercise more care, when
their vehicles decorated with attractive graphics.
of your prospect’s employees. Drivers take more pride and exercise more care, when
their vehicles decorated with attractive graphics.
Building
a successful vehicle wrap business is both an art and a science. In this
month’s article, I will cover some of the considerations when entering this
market segment.
a successful vehicle wrap business is both an art and a science. In this
month’s article, I will cover some of the considerations when entering this
market segment.
Survey
Have you ever arrived on a job and the
vehicle you are decorating looked nothing like the artboard?
vehicle you are decorating looked nothing like the artboard?
Never quote or agree to do a job sight
unseen. Regardless of what type of job you are quoting, you need to visit the
site and do a careful inspection to avoid any potential problems and surprises.
Armed with the information collected, you can better provide recommendations
and accurate pricing to your prospect. In a competitive sales situation, you
differentiate yourself as a consultant rather than just another shop that
prints vinyl graphics. This
distinction can be the deciding
factor between getting an order and not getting it.
unseen. Regardless of what type of job you are quoting, you need to visit the
site and do a careful inspection to avoid any potential problems and surprises.
Armed with the information collected, you can better provide recommendations
and accurate pricing to your prospect. In a competitive sales situation, you
differentiate yourself as a consultant rather than just another shop that
prints vinyl graphics. This
distinction can be the deciding
factor between getting an order and not getting it.
As you are
conducting your survey, take pictures of the different types of vehicles.
Record the make and models of the vehicles. If some of the vehicles are
currently decorated, note the condition of the graphics. Are any of the
graphics lifting, fading or cracking? How has the graphics provider of record
handled any of these problems?
conducting your survey, take pictures of the different types of vehicles.
Record the make and models of the vehicles. If some of the vehicles are
currently decorated, note the condition of the graphics. Are any of the
graphics lifting, fading or cracking? How has the graphics provider of record
handled any of these problems?
In inspecting a prospect’s vehicles, also look for
surface damages, such as rust or peeling and chalking paint. These problems
must be corrected before applying graphics.
surface damages, such as rust or peeling and chalking paint. These problems
must be corrected before applying graphics.
In talking to
the prospect’s employees, such as the fleet manager, probe for any
dissatisfaction, which you can address when it comes time for you to make your
presentation.
the prospect’s employees, such as the fleet manager, probe for any
dissatisfaction, which you can address when it comes time for you to make your
presentation.
You should investigate the frequency of washings, the cleaning chemicals
used and the method of washing. These factors affect the appearance and the
durability of the graphics. Automatic car washes that utilize bristle brushes
can scratch the overlaminate and cause edges to peel. Careless use of pressure
washers can also damage graphics.
used and the method of washing. These factors affect the appearance and the
durability of the graphics. Automatic car washes that utilize bristle brushes
can scratch the overlaminate and cause edges to peel. Careless use of pressure
washers can also damage graphics.
Design Considerations
After conducting a survey, you need to meet with the prospect and
discuss his or her objectives. Before that meeting, learn as much as you can
about their company. Discover if the organization is in the process of making
new product introductions or changing their corporate identity.
discuss his or her objectives. Before that meeting, learn as much as you can
about their company. Discover if the organization is in the process of making
new product introductions or changing their corporate identity.
Provide your designer with corporate colors, logos, available photography,
typefaces and slogans, along with reprints and information concerning
advertising and marketing programs. Learn as much as possible about the
prospect’s business,
as well as their
typefaces and slogans, along with reprints and information concerning
advertising and marketing programs. Learn as much as possible about the
prospect’s business,
as well as their
competitors and industry
trends.
trends.
Armed with this information, you can begin your
design. The primary rule when designing a vehicle wrap is to keep it simple.
This rule applies to selecting a background, which should not distract from
your primary design elements. The key elements that you should consider are:
company name; logo; slogan; pictorial and phone number.
design. The primary rule when designing a vehicle wrap is to keep it simple.
This rule applies to selecting a background, which should not distract from
your primary design elements. The key elements that you should consider are:
company name; logo; slogan; pictorial and phone number.
You probably
have heard vehicle wraps referred to as rolling billboards. The typical viewing
time for a vehicle graphic is often as little as six seconds. During this time,
the viewer can only read a few words.
For this reason, you should limit the copy on the side of a truck to six
words.
have heard vehicle wraps referred to as rolling billboards. The typical viewing
time for a vehicle graphic is often as little as six seconds. During this time,
the viewer can only read a few words.
For this reason, you should limit the copy on the side of a truck to six
words.
The printed
word is not so important as the visual image. The design that you create for
your customer must stand out from the graphics of their competitors.
word is not so important as the visual image. The design that you create for
your customer must stand out from the graphics of their competitors.
Use a typeface that is large and easy to
read. And use bright or contrasting colors to attract attention.
read. And use bright or contrasting colors to attract attention.
In designing the graphics, avoid a many as
possible obstructions and compound curves as possible. It’s best to locate text
on the flat surfaces of the vehicle sides, hood and truck. If you have to stretch the copy across a
flaring front quarter panel or bumper, the lettering will likely become
distorted making reading difficult.
possible obstructions and compound curves as possible. It’s best to locate text
on the flat surfaces of the vehicle sides, hood and truck. If you have to stretch the copy across a
flaring front quarter panel or bumper, the lettering will likely become
distorted making reading difficult.
In presenting
your designs you may should give your prospect options. In addition to presenting the cost for a full
vehicle wrap, you may also propose a design and pricing for a partial wrap.
That way, if the prospect cannot afford a full wrap, you may at least walk away
with an order for the alternative. The key is to close the order as fast as you
can so you can close the door on your competitors.
your designs you may should give your prospect options. In addition to presenting the cost for a full
vehicle wrap, you may also propose a design and pricing for a partial wrap.
That way, if the prospect cannot afford a full wrap, you may at least walk away
with an order for the alternative. The key is to close the order as fast as you
can so you can close the door on your competitors.
For commercial
applications, a well-executed vehicle wrap design will visually express a
product or service message to tens of thousands of potential customer’s every
day. For a vehicle design to work, it needs to completely embrace and integrate
with the shape of the vehicle you are wrapping. It should enhance the lines,
shape and contour of all the body surfaces you are wrapping.
applications, a well-executed vehicle wrap design will visually express a
product or service message to tens of thousands of potential customer’s every
day. For a vehicle design to work, it needs to completely embrace and integrate
with the shape of the vehicle you are wrapping. It should enhance the lines,
shape and contour of all the body surfaces you are wrapping.
Material Selection
A full vehicle wrap is one of the most
demanding applications for pressure sensitive vinyl films. During the
installation process the film is stretched and shrunk as it is applied to
smooth, concave and convex surfaces. Because of the requirement of
conformability, cast wrap vinyl films and overlaminates are typically
specified. As a general rule of thumb, cast vinyl overlaminates should only be
used to protect printed cast vinyl films.
demanding applications for pressure sensitive vinyl films. During the
installation process the film is stretched and shrunk as it is applied to
smooth, concave and convex surfaces. Because of the requirement of
conformability, cast wrap vinyl films and overlaminates are typically
specified. As a general rule of thumb, cast vinyl overlaminates should only be
used to protect printed cast vinyl films.
Calendered vinyl films, on the other hand,
are not designed for application to compound curves. If you use these films for
a full wrap, you should not be surprised if the graphics pop off from
indentations on the vehicle surface. Calendered films are typically designed
for graphic applications to smooth surfaces and simple curves.
are not designed for application to compound curves. If you use these films for
a full wrap, you should not be surprised if the graphics pop off from
indentations on the vehicle surface. Calendered films are typically designed
for graphic applications to smooth surfaces and simple curves.
Manufacturers of high-quality cast vinyl wrap
films include 3M, Avery, Arlon and Oracal.
films include 3M, Avery, Arlon and Oracal.
Each of the companies offers a variety of
films, each with its own unique characteristics. In selecting a vehicle wrap
vinyl, you should compile and study the product specifications. As important as
the technical information is, you should also obtain product samples from your
sign supply distributor so you can evaluate vinyl films in printing and
graphics application. Listed below are some of the properties to consider when
comparing vehicle wrap vinyl films:
films, each with its own unique characteristics. In selecting a vehicle wrap
vinyl, you should compile and study the product specifications. As important as
the technical information is, you should also obtain product samples from your
sign supply distributor so you can evaluate vinyl films in printing and
graphics application. Listed below are some of the properties to consider when
comparing vehicle wrap vinyl films:
● Durability. While most graphics are
used on vehicles which are in service for 3 to 5 years, some vehicles can be in
use for as long as 7 to 10 years. For this reason, most vehicle wrap films must
provide 7 years of durability.
used on vehicles which are in service for 3 to 5 years, some vehicles can be in
use for as long as 7 to 10 years. For this reason, most vehicle wrap films must
provide 7 years of durability.
● Handling
Characteristics. Vehicle wraps
involve handling large sheets of unmasked printed graphics.
Characteristics. Vehicle wraps
involve handling large sheets of unmasked printed graphics.
For these applications, you will need a film
that features a low initial tack adhesive to allow for ease of handling when
applying large format graphics. Not only should the ideal film be
repositionable, it should also be slideable. In qualifying
a film for your needs, you should test a printed sample in a vehicle wrap
application.
that features a low initial tack adhesive to allow for ease of handling when
applying large format graphics. Not only should the ideal film be
repositionable, it should also be slideable. In qualifying
a film for your needs, you should test a printed sample in a vehicle wrap
application.
● Air
Egress Liner. For ease of application, a vehicle wrap film should have
a bubble-free feature.
Egress Liner. For ease of application, a vehicle wrap film should have
a bubble-free feature.
● Conformability. A vehicle wrap film must adhere to flat
surfaces, compound curves as well as rivets and corrugations. It must also
conform to deep cavities.
surfaces, compound curves as well as rivets and corrugations. It must also
conform to deep cavities.
● Printability. There is only one way to know if a cast
vinyl film will satisfy your requirements for printing. Test, Don’t Guess. Get
a sample of any film under consideration and print it. Generally, you will want
a film with a 90# layflat liner.
vinyl film will satisfy your requirements for printing. Test, Don’t Guess. Get
a sample of any film under consideration and print it. Generally, you will want
a film with a 90# layflat liner.
● Removability. At some point, applied graphics must be
removed. While this feature is rarely discussed with a customer in the sales
process, it should not be ignored. An ideal wrap film will provide clean
removal from most surfaces for up to 2 to 3 years. For longer applications, it
should remove with less than 30% adhesive residue.
removed. While this feature is rarely discussed with a customer in the sales
process, it should not be ignored. An ideal wrap film will provide clean
removal from most surfaces for up to 2 to 3 years. For longer applications, it
should remove with less than 30% adhesive residue.
● Application Temperature Range. While you should know the temperature range
for cold weather applications, the real challenge is hot weather applications.
Product specifications only tell you so much. The real test is when you
evaluate a candidate product in an actual application.
for cold weather applications, the real challenge is hot weather applications.
Product specifications only tell you so much. The real test is when you
evaluate a candidate product in an actual application.
● Compatible
Overlaminate. All printed graphics used for vehicle wraps should be protected
with an overlaminate, matched for compatibility with the cast vinyl film that
you are using. Providing a compatible laminate is essential
for the durability of any vehicle wrap. Not only does the laminate protect the
print from the bleaching rays of the sun, it also provides protection from
abrasion, cleaning chemicals and gasoline. An overlaminate also gives a
graphics panel more body, which makes it easier to handle during installation.
Overlaminate. All printed graphics used for vehicle wraps should be protected
with an overlaminate, matched for compatibility with the cast vinyl film that
you are using. Providing a compatible laminate is essential
for the durability of any vehicle wrap. Not only does the laminate protect the
print from the bleaching rays of the sun, it also provides protection from
abrasion, cleaning chemicals and gasoline. An overlaminate also gives a
graphics panel more body, which makes it easier to handle during installation.
● Print
Profiles. In selecting a vehicle
wrap vinyl, make sure that profiles are available for your printer. A profile
provides your printer with instructions for depositing the right amount of ink
on the vinyl film so the printed image looks its best.
Profiles. In selecting a vehicle
wrap vinyl, make sure that profiles are available for your printer. A profile
provides your printer with instructions for depositing the right amount of ink
on the vinyl film so the printed image looks its best.
Compared to painted graphics vinyl vehicle
wraps are less expensive. And easier to remove, if you use the right film. Full wraps also protect the paint system covered
by the vinyl, so there’ no telltale ghosting of the image that you get when
just using computer cut lettering and symbols.
wraps are less expensive. And easier to remove, if you use the right film. Full wraps also protect the paint system covered
by the vinyl, so there’ no telltale ghosting of the image that you get when
just using computer cut lettering and symbols.
Tools of the Trade
Some of the application tools which
installers have used for truck graphics are not appropriate for vehicle wraps.
Some of the old nylon squeegees do not slide smoothly over the surface of an
unmasked graphic. For vehicle wraps, felt and Teflon squeegees are tools
preferred by many installers.
installers have used for truck graphics are not appropriate for vehicle wraps.
Some of the old nylon squeegees do not slide smoothly over the surface of an
unmasked graphic. For vehicle wraps, felt and Teflon squeegees are tools
preferred by many installers.
The slick surface of the Teflon squeegee
glides smoothly over the surface of the vinyl without scratching it. The stiff edge of the Teflon squeegee provides
great pressure, which helps in pushing out hard winkles and edge puckers.
glides smoothly over the surface of the vinyl without scratching it. The stiff edge of the Teflon squeegee provides
great pressure, which helps in pushing out hard winkles and edge puckers.
Felt squeegees are available in a variety of
densities and in rectangular and semicircular shapes. Dense felt squeegees with a sharp edge
provide the pressure you need, when you
are stretching a film into an indentation or crease on the side of a vehicle.
densities and in rectangular and semicircular shapes. Dense felt squeegees with a sharp edge
provide the pressure you need, when you
are stretching a film into an indentation or crease on the side of a vehicle.
Heat gun. In applying vinyl graphics over surfaces with compound curves,
indentations, rivets or corrugations, heat is critical to a successful
installation. The right amount of heat aids in stretching the vinyl, breaking
the memory of the film so it does not shrink back to its original shape. After
the film is applied, post heating ensures that the graphic is secured to the
substrate. A professional heat gun is an
essential tool in generating a controlled amount of heat up to 400⁰ F specified by the vinyl
manufacturer. Heat guns are also much safer than a propane torch so you are
less likely to damage a graphic.
indentations, rivets or corrugations, heat is critical to a successful
installation. The right amount of heat aids in stretching the vinyl, breaking
the memory of the film so it does not shrink back to its original shape. After
the film is applied, post heating ensures that the graphic is secured to the
substrate. A professional heat gun is an
essential tool in generating a controlled amount of heat up to 400⁰ F specified by the vinyl
manufacturer. Heat guns are also much safer than a propane torch so you are
less likely to damage a graphic.
Other tools that you should have in you bag
of tricks include an air release tool; a tape measure, 1” and 2” masking tape
to tack the graphics in place when you are laying out the job; an Olfa knife
with the break away blades, paper towels, solvent surface cleaner, denatured
alcohol or isopropyl alcohol.
of tricks include an air release tool; a tape measure, 1” and 2” masking tape
to tack the graphics in place when you are laying out the job; an Olfa knife
with the break away blades, paper towels, solvent surface cleaner, denatured
alcohol or isopropyl alcohol.
3 Step Surface Preparation
Vehicle wraps require that every part of the
vehicle which is to be covered with vinyl, must be cleaned. This includes the
paint at the bottom of the wheel wells, inside the doors and door jamb and all
around the gas filler door. Failure to clean the surface properly is a leading
cause of adhesion failure.
vehicle which is to be covered with vinyl, must be cleaned. This includes the
paint at the bottom of the wheel wells, inside the doors and door jamb and all
around the gas filler door. Failure to clean the surface properly is a leading
cause of adhesion failure.
Surface preparation is a three-step
process. First, you need to wash the
surface with detergent and water. Even though a washed surface looks clean,
contaminants such as waxes, grease, and oils are most likely still present. To
remove these contaminants, you need to use a solvent such as DuPont’s 39192
Prep-Sol or a Grease and Wax remover. After you use the solvent surface cleaner,
give the surface a final wipe with denatured alcohol or isopropyl alcohol.
process. First, you need to wash the
surface with detergent and water. Even though a washed surface looks clean,
contaminants such as waxes, grease, and oils are most likely still present. To
remove these contaminants, you need to use a solvent such as DuPont’s 39192
Prep-Sol or a Grease and Wax remover. After you use the solvent surface cleaner,
give the surface a final wipe with denatured alcohol or isopropyl alcohol.
This last step should be performed with both
hands.
In one hand, you will need a rag saturated with alcohol. In your other
hand, you will need a clean rag or paper toweling. After you wipe the solvent on, wipe it dry
before it evaporates.
hands.
In one hand, you will need a rag saturated with alcohol. In your other
hand, you will need a clean rag or paper toweling. After you wipe the solvent on, wipe it dry
before it evaporates.
TEST DON’T GUESS. Now for a word of caution. To ensure that
you use don’t damage a paint system of a car or truck, test the solvent on an
inconspicuous area of the vehicle before using it.
you use don’t damage a paint system of a car or truck, test the solvent on an
inconspicuous area of the vehicle before using it.
Vehicle Wrap Procedure
In planning a graphics program for a prospect, you need to know where
the vehicles are domiciled. For national and regional programs trucks could be
located in several locations. Find out
if indoor facilities are available at each location. When will the vehicles be
available for installation? If the vehicles are leased, the leasing company
will probably have a service facility which they can make available. Many of
these facilities are available around the clock. Let your prospect know that to
wrap a van typically takes a two-man team 8 hours to complete.
the vehicles are domiciled. For national and regional programs trucks could be
located in several locations. Find out
if indoor facilities are available at each location. When will the vehicles be
available for installation? If the vehicles are leased, the leasing company
will probably have a service facility which they can make available. Many of
these facilities are available around the clock. Let your prospect know that to
wrap a van typically takes a two-man team 8 hours to complete.
An indoor facility is critical in installing a full vehicle wrap. It is
difficult enough for most people to handle large graphics panels, without
having to contend with the wind catching hold of a sheet of film. High
temperatures can also make the adhesive system of a graphic most aggressive and
more difficult to install.
difficult enough for most people to handle large graphics panels, without
having to contend with the wind catching hold of a sheet of film. High
temperatures can also make the adhesive system of a graphic most aggressive and
more difficult to install.
A clean, temperature-controlled indoor
facility provides an ideal installation environment. High summertime
temperatures can cause cast vinyl graphics to stretch. This can result in a
number of problems, such as misalignment of graphics panels.
facility provides an ideal installation environment. High summertime
temperatures can cause cast vinyl graphics to stretch. This can result in a
number of problems, such as misalignment of graphics panels.
What makes a vehicle wrap challenging is that
you have to deal with many obstructions such as hinges, gas filler doors and
compound curves. Many installers recommend removing mirrors, lights and any
other removable obstructions. If you
don’t remove these obstructions, you can waste a lot time cutting and tucking
and wrapping the film. Usually it’s much more efficient to remove these
obstructions, apply the film and replace the parts. Be sure to keep all of the
parts in one place so you don’t lose them. If you decide to perform by taking
these extra steps, installations are performed in less time and look more
professional.
you have to deal with many obstructions such as hinges, gas filler doors and
compound curves. Many installers recommend removing mirrors, lights and any
other removable obstructions. If you
don’t remove these obstructions, you can waste a lot time cutting and tucking
and wrapping the film. Usually it’s much more efficient to remove these
obstructions, apply the film and replace the parts. Be sure to keep all of the
parts in one place so you don’t lose them. If you decide to perform by taking
these extra steps, installations are performed in less time and look more
professional.
After thoroughly cleaning the vehicle, tape
the graphics panels to the vehicle substrate to make sure that all of the
sections fit.
the graphics panels to the vehicle substrate to make sure that all of the
sections fit.
Before you start your application, tape all
of the graphic panels in place to make sure that everything fits.
of the graphic panels in place to make sure that everything fits.
After determining the location of the
graphics, remove the release liner from the top six inches of the graphics
panel to be applied. On days when you are handling large sections of sticky
graphics, you may have wished that God had given you two extra hands. When doing vehicle wraps, you will cut the
installation time in less than half by working with a partner. An extra set of
hands, can help in holding the graphic away from the application surface
preventing pre-adhesion accidents. And a partner can help you in stretching the
material to conform around compound curves.
graphics, remove the release liner from the top six inches of the graphics
panel to be applied. On days when you are handling large sections of sticky
graphics, you may have wished that God had given you two extra hands. When doing vehicle wraps, you will cut the
installation time in less than half by working with a partner. An extra set of
hands, can help in holding the graphic away from the application surface
preventing pre-adhesion accidents. And a partner can help you in stretching the
material to conform around compound curves.
If you are installing a vinyl film with an
aggressive adhesive or working outside on a hot day, you need not remove all of
the release liner. Instead only expose the top six inches of the adhesive and
tack it in place. Peel back additional liner as needed.
aggressive adhesive or working outside on a hot day, you need not remove all of
the release liner. Instead only expose the top six inches of the adhesive and
tack it in place. Peel back additional liner as needed.
By making an initial horizontal stroke with
your squeegee across the marking, tack the graphic into place. Subsequent
squeegee strokes across the graphic should overlap on another. The squeegeeing technique used in vehicle
wraps is quite different from that used in applying graphics over rivets.
your squeegee across the marking, tack the graphic into place. Subsequent
squeegee strokes across the graphic should overlap on another. The squeegeeing technique used in vehicle
wraps is quite different from that used in applying graphics over rivets.
Rather than dragging the squeegee over the
graphic, angle it like a snow plow.
Holding the squeegee in this manner helps push the air underneath the
film away from the point of contact and preventing the air from being trapped
as a bubble. Notice that I recommend that you “push” the squeegee, rather than
pulling or dragging it over the surface of the film.
graphic, angle it like a snow plow.
Holding the squeegee in this manner helps push the air underneath the
film away from the point of contact and preventing the air from being trapped
as a bubble. Notice that I recommend that you “push” the squeegee, rather than
pulling or dragging it over the surface of the film.
While you can remove all of the release liner
from a graphics panel, if the film starts to pre-adhere, you can gradually
remove the release liner exposing the adhesive. How you handle the film depends
on your skill level and the handling characteristics of the film.
from a graphics panel, if the film starts to pre-adhere, you can gradually
remove the release liner exposing the adhesive. How you handle the film depends
on your skill level and the handling characteristics of the film.
Tack a graphics panel in place making a
horizontal stroke with your squeegee. Photo courtesy of Arlon Graphics.
horizontal stroke with your squeegee. Photo courtesy of Arlon Graphics.
Applying
a vehicle wrap typically involves stretching the film into concave indentations
as well as shrinking the film over the convex surfaces. When applying vinyl to a convex surface, it is not unusual for the material to bunch
up as shown in the picture below.
a vehicle wrap typically involves stretching the film into concave indentations
as well as shrinking the film over the convex surfaces. When applying vinyl to a convex surface, it is not unusual for the material to bunch
up as shown in the picture below.
In applying vinyl graphics to a curved surface, the
film can bunch up.
film can bunch up.
Heating the film with an industrial heat gun will
cause the vinyl to shrink wrap onto the vehicle substrate. As the film shrinks
and tightens up, any of the excess material, which could likely develop into
wrinkles, magically vanishes. Shown below.
cause the vinyl to shrink wrap onto the vehicle substrate. As the film shrinks
and tightens up, any of the excess material, which could likely develop into
wrinkles, magically vanishes. Shown below.
Use a heat gun to shrink wrap the vinyl when needed. Photo
courtesy of Arlon Graphics.
courtesy of Arlon Graphics.
As best you can, try to apply the vinyl film
in a relaxed state, limiting the amount that you stretch the graphics panel.
The photo below shows a panel which was applied in a relaxed state.
in a relaxed state, limiting the amount that you stretch the graphics panel.
The photo below shows a panel which was applied in a relaxed state.
Apply vinyl graphics in a relaxed state to
avoid overstretching the film. Photo courtesy of Arlon Graphics.
avoid overstretching the film. Photo courtesy of Arlon Graphics.
If you stretch the film into an indentation,
you reduce the thickness of the film and the thickness of the adhesive. If you
stretch a film by 200%, you reduce the thickness of a 2 mil cast vinyl to 1
mil. You also reduce the thickness of 1 mil of adhesive to ½ mil. The photo below shows a panel which was
stretched into a channel on the surface of a vehicle.
you reduce the thickness of the film and the thickness of the adhesive. If you
stretch a film by 200%, you reduce the thickness of a 2 mil cast vinyl to 1
mil. You also reduce the thickness of 1 mil of adhesive to ½ mil. The photo below shows a panel which was
stretched into a channel on the surface of a vehicle.
Even a cast vinyl film can only stretch so
far. Photo courtesy of Arlon Graphics.
far. Photo courtesy of Arlon Graphics.
If you stretch a vinyl film, the film tends
to stretch back to its original state. As the film lifts from an indentation on
the substrate, it become brittle and eventually cracks. See below.
to stretch back to its original state. As the film lifts from an indentation on
the substrate, it become brittle and eventually cracks. See below.
Overstretching a vinyl film can result in
product failure down the road.
product failure down the road.
As you burnish the vinyl into the indentation
around the wheel well, take short strokes, gradually working the film into the
crease. The picture below shows me applying the film using a Teflon squeegee. As
you do this, allow a space in the indentation for the air to escape as you put
the finishing touches on your work.
around the wheel well, take short strokes, gradually working the film into the
crease. The picture below shows me applying the film using a Teflon squeegee. As
you do this, allow a space in the indentation for the air to escape as you put
the finishing touches on your work.
Slick Teflon squeegees slide across the
surface of an unmasked film. Photo courtesy of Arlon Graphics.
surface of an unmasked film. Photo courtesy of Arlon Graphics.
In working the film around irregular
surfaces, using a felt squeegee can ensure smoother applications. See the
picture below. Felt squeegees, which
come in a variety of shapes and densities, are flexible enough to conform to
compound curves that you often encounter when doing a vehicle wrap.
surfaces, using a felt squeegee can ensure smoother applications. See the
picture below. Felt squeegees, which
come in a variety of shapes and densities, are flexible enough to conform to
compound curves that you often encounter when doing a vehicle wrap.
Felt squeegee are an indispensable tool when
applying graphics to irregular vehicle surfaces. Photo courtesy of Arlon
Graphics.
applying graphics to irregular vehicle surfaces. Photo courtesy of Arlon
Graphics.
Trimming.
Some vinyl film manufacturers recommend that you trim the
graphic flush with the edges of the vehicle. Others believe in wrapping the
film around the edges of a door, hood or truck can result in lifting edges.
When trimming the film use a sharp knife and extra care so you only cut through
the vinyl without cutting into the paint of the vehicle. Cutting too deeply into
the painted vehicle surface can result in rust developing.
graphic flush with the edges of the vehicle. Others believe in wrapping the
film around the edges of a door, hood or truck can result in lifting edges.
When trimming the film use a sharp knife and extra care so you only cut through
the vinyl without cutting into the paint of the vehicle. Cutting too deeply into
the painted vehicle surface can result in rust developing.
Conclusion
Applying large format
graphics, when wrapping a vehicle, is much different and much more difficult
than other types of vinyl applications. Handling large graphics panel can be
challenging, even if you are an experience installer. It’s
easy to misalign one panel to another. What’s more, if you’re not careful, you
can over stretch or over-stress your graphic films.
graphics, when wrapping a vehicle, is much different and much more difficult
than other types of vinyl applications. Handling large graphics panel can be
challenging, even if you are an experience installer. It’s
easy to misalign one panel to another. What’s more, if you’re not careful, you
can over stretch or over-stress your graphic films.
If you have never wrapped a vehicle before,
either invest in a formal training program or spend some time with someone in
the industry, who is willing to teach you some of the tricks of the trade. The
time that you invest will give you the skills needed to pursue a lucrative
segment of the sign business.
either invest in a formal training program or spend some time with someone in
the industry, who is willing to teach you some of the tricks of the trade. The
time that you invest will give you the skills needed to pursue a lucrative
segment of the sign business.
About Jim Hingst: Sign business authority on vehicle wraps, vinyl graphics, screen printing, marketing, sales, gold leaf, woodcarving and painting.
After fourteen years as Business Development Manager at RTape, Jim Hingst retired. He was involved in many facets of the company’s business, including marketing, sales, product development and technical service.
Hingst began his career 42 years ago in the graphic arts field creating and producing advertising and promotional materials for a large test equipment manufacturer. Working for offset printers, large format screen printers, vinyl film manufacturers, and application tape companies, his experience included estimating, production planning, purchasing and production art, as well as sales and marketing. In his capacity as a salesman, Hingst was recognized with numerous sales achievement awards.
Drawing on his experience in production and as graphics installation subcontractor, Hingst provided the industry with practical advice, publishing more than 190 articles for publications, such as Signs Canada, SignCraft, Signs of the Times, Screen Printing, Sign and Digital Graphics and Sign Builder Illustrated. He also posted more than 500 stories on his blog (hingstssignpost.blogspot.com). In 2007 Hingst’s book, Vinyl Sign Techniques, was published. Vinyl Sign Techniques is available at sign supply distributors and at Amazon.
© 2019 Jim Hingst, All Rights Reserved.
Terimakasih telah membaca di Piool.com, semoga bermanfaat dan lihat juga di situs berkualitas dan paling populer Aopok.com, peluang bisnis online Topbisnisonline.com dan join di komunitas Topoin.com.
