Step 1. Have a proper plan
As we all know, nothing great can be achieved without a plan. This step is very important before wrapping your car in vinyl. If you want to wrap your car in designed vinyl sheets, make sure the design is of high quality and won’t break or warp when pasted onto a 3D surface.
Also, the higher the quality of vinyl, the longer it will last. While these differences are not visible to the naked eye at first, over time, low-quality vinyl packaging can begin to fade and blister. So if you want your car vinyl to last a long time, it’s best to choose a top brand of vinyl.
Step 2. Decide your work area
Decide on your field of work
Yes, where you do your DIY is just as important when it comes to vinyl wrapping your car. If you plan to work outdoors, we suggest you reconsider.
Simply put, we need a facility where the likelihood of dust particles, large and small, sticking to the surface is minimal.
The vinyl packaging is relentless and every little detail is on display. In addition, clumps of dust can even tear the packaging, eventually allowing water to seep in and weaken the adhesive.
Likewise, the ambient temperature on the day you work matters. In fact, this is another reason you shouldn’t leave your car outside, because the temperature outside is out of your control.
If the temperature is too high, the adhesive is likely to activate quickly, giving you little time to DIY, resulting in rushed results. Heat can even cause the wrapping to become too soft, which can lead to discoloration and visual distortion in overstretched areas.
Similarly, it’s not a good idea to install when it’s too cold. Low temperatures may make the packaging brittle, making it difficult to install. In addition, the bonding properties around the edges and curves may also be affected.
So, to avoid all these unwanted problems, and for smooth vinyl packaging installation, make sure the ambient temperature is warm, i.e., preferably 60 to 80 degrees.
Step 3. Prepare the canvas
Now, it’s time to prepare the canvas! When packaging vinyl, major issues such as chips, dents, and rust can cause problems. If the inclusion sticks to the defect, it will be clearly visible, and if it does not, the area has the potential to blister and tear.
Therefore, make sure that the paint underneath is intact and that the wrap has a smooth surface to slide on before installing.
Step 4. Remove any obstacles
Remove any obstacles
It is possible to walk on small surfaces such as mirrors, doorknobs, and headlights. But it can add a few hours to your installation time, especially if you are the first DIYer. So save yourself some trouble and clear these obstructions ahead of time to ensure a smooth installation.
Step 5. Clean the work area and car surface
Clean work area and car surfaces
Clean or vacuum the work area before installation begins. Do not clean and install side by side, as sand and dust flying around can stick to the surface of the car and interfere with the installation.
The vinyl packaging highlights the defects below. As a result, sand grains and dust may be more visible once the packaging is installed. This is why you must thoroughly clean the surface of your car beforehand.
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