How to Avoid Problems With Car Film Wrapping
Car wraps are a great way to create a custom look, protect your vehicle, and raise its trade-in or resale value. They come in a wide variety of colors, finishes, textures and even color-shifting effects.
Oracle produces a wide variety of vinyl films for vehicle wrapping, providing endless possibilities for creativity. Their films feature excellent conformability, making it easy to wrap complex curves and contours.
Adhesive Issues
Car wraps can give your vehicle a unique look and also protect the original paint. However, they can also pose problems if not installed correctly or if they are poorly maintained. Incorrect installation can lead to bubbling, warping, discoloration, and other issues. Poor-quality wrapping materials and harsh chemicals can also damage the wrap. To avoid these issues, it is recommended to consult a professional when installing a car wrap and also take steps to protect the wrap from environmental factors and wear and tear.
Car Wraps are vinyl films with an adhesive backing that can be applied to a vehicle’s surface. They are often used to cover worn paint, protect the vehicle’s finish from the elements and even change the car’s color. They can be applied to the entire vehicle or to specific parts of it, like door handles, mirrors and panels. There are many different types of vehicle wraps, including transparent, textured and metallic. Wraps with a custom design or advertising are also available.
The most common issue with car wraps is that they are not properly cured. If the wrap is not given enough time to fully cure before being stretched over the vehicle, it may bubble or wrinkle. It is also important to work on a warm day when applying the wrap to ensure the vinyl and adhesive are at the same temperature.
Adhesive Failure
Car wraps are applied over a vehicle’s factory paint, allowing you to change the color and protect it from damage. The problem is that a poorly Cutting Vinyl Rolls installed car wrap can damage the paint underneath it, and even strip it completely. This is why it’s important to make sure you choose an experienced and professional installer.
When the wrap is removed, it can leave behind scuff marks or scratches that are difficult to remove. These scratches can then scratch the paint underneath, leading to peeling and flaking. To prevent this from happening, a good quality ceramic coating can be used to protect the wrap and make it easier to remove when needed.
Another issue that can cause wrap failure is improper cleaning. It’s important that all oils, film, dust, and debris are removed from the surface of the car before wrapping it, as otherwise the adhesive will fail to stick.
Overstretching is another common issue that can occur during a wrap installation. This is when the piece of vinyl that was cut for a specific area ends up being too small and is stretched in order to fit the vehicle. This can cause the vinyl to be less sticky and can lead to lifting of the wrap, especially in recessed areas.
The final issue that can cause wrap failure is lack of post heating and proper curing time. It’s important that all curved and recessed areas of the wrap are heated to the temperature recommended by the manufacturer. This ensures that the self-adhesive material adheres to the vehicle correctly and helps to avoid bubbles or lift of the wrap.
Poor Adhesive Application
Car wraps can be prone to lifting on tight curves, edges, seams and along deep grooves or concave areas of the vehicle. Prepping these areas with a product that has the consistency of rubber cement can help aid in adhesion to these areas. This is usually a spray or wipe on product that dries to a less tacky residue. It is also important to always have 2-3 meters “spare” on a full car wrap when measuring as there are many factors that can cause the wrap to come loose from the bodywork, even with all of the correct prep work!
It is crucial to use a high quality adhesive when applying any type of film. Cheaper or more diluted adhesives can cause the vinyl to tear during installation, bubble and lift, or can cause damage to the paintwork when removed. It is important to test the adhesive on a piece of scrap vinyl before using it on your project, this way you can ensure that it adheres correctly and will last.
It is also essential to work on a warm day when applying any vehicle wrapping, both Car Film Wrapping the surface and the adhesive are temperature sensitive. If it is too cold, the adhesive can become brittle and could tear during application. If it is too hot, the film may scorch and become very difficult to install smoothly.
Poor Quality Vinyl
If the vinyl used isn’t of a high quality, it may be difficult to work with and more prone to wrinkling or bubbling. High-quality vinyl is manufactured with a slower churn and uses solvents to increase strength. It is also less prone to fading over time. Cheaper vinyl is usually manufactured quickly, with less churn, and uses more stabilizers to create a more consistent product.
When choosing a vinyl wrap installer, look for online reviews, years in business, and personal references. This will help ensure that you receive a final product that looks just like you imagined it.
While wrapping a car is a great way to drastically change its appearance, it should not be used to cover up major damage or scratches. If your car is damaged, the dents and scratches will show through the thin layer of vinyl. This can ruin the overall look of your vehicle and is not protected by the wrap.
In addition, it’s important to work in a clean and controlled environment, with a workspace that is at the same temperature as the vinyl and adhesive. Working in extreme temperatures or using a space that has high air movement can cause the vinyl to become brittle and break apart during installation. It’s also a good idea to use a non-contact infrared thermometer to monitor the temperature.
