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How to repair damaged car vinyl wraps?

Jun 24, 2019

Vinyl wraps can give you unparalleled performance and style but, like everything else, they can be scarped, damaged and torn. If you’ve got an area on your vehicle’s wrap that has been ripped or torn and there is no significant body damage that you can’t just bondo up, you may want to patch the wrap until it’s time to rewrap your ride altogether. Now, if you’re a vinyl wrap purist or just a perfectionist in general, this quick vinyl wrap patch isn’t for you. But, if you’re cost-conscious and want to extend the life of your wrap then read on!
CARLIKE premuim+ car wrapping vinyl
Quick Vinyl Wrap Repair
If you’ve decided to go the patch and repair route you’ll first want to assess the damage and determine if it’s even a possibility. The following three questions will help you to determine if you can repair your wrap or if you need to have it replaced altogether:


1. How extensive is the damage?
2. How large of an area do you need to patch?
3. Is the damage in a central location?
CARLIKE premuim+ car wrapping vinyl
If the damage to your vehicle is enough to necessitate body work or the replacement of panels, doors or other components of your vehicle it’s safe to assume your vinyl wrap is going to need to replaced too.


The next question asks you how large of an area you will have to patch. In our opinion, anything larger than one foot in length and four inches in height will require a replacement. This doesn’t mean you can’t still follow the steps below but it does mean it may be much more noticeable.
CARLIKE premuim+ car wrapping vinyl
Finally, where is the damage? If the wrap you need to repair is located somewhere highly visible like the center of your hood or door panel this technique is not for you. If, however, the damaged vinyl is located near a crease of corner or to the periphery then you’re in luck.
CARLIKE premuim+ car wrapping vinyl
Vinyl Wrap Repair Supplies
In order to fix your damaged vinyl you’ll need the following recommended supplies and tools:

1. A sheet of the vinyl you originally used to wrap your vehicle
2. Heat gun
3. Squeegee
4. Microfiber towel
5. Seal-It Pen
CARLIKE premuim+ car wrapping vinyl
Step 1: Clean and Prepare
Using a mix of water and dish soap clean the area with a microfiber towel. Be sure to remove any debris, wax, and grease from your car before doing any type of car wrap body work. Check our post on how to clean my car before vinyl wrapping


If any of the vinyl surrounded the damage has lifted carefully trim it away. Finally, use a Seal-It Pen to seal the edges and prevent any moisture from getting under the fill.
CARLIKE premuim+ car wrapping vinyl
Step 2: Cut & Apply the Vinyl Patch
Measure and cut the vinyl needed for the patch. Remove the backing from a corner and squeegee the film on while slowly pulling the liner out. This ensures that dirt and dust doesn’t get under the film. Work your way up and down, making sure to remove any air bubbles.


Step 3: Apply Heat and Squeegee
Use the heat gun to make the vinyl easier to stretch being careful not to over-stretch the film. Use a heat gun to help stretch the vinyl while applying with squeegee around curves and into creases. The Cover-up Patched gouge with vinyl wrap


Step 4: Cut Away Excess Vinyl
Cut away excess vinyl wrap with your razor blade.


Step 5: Seal Edges and Enjoy
Use a sealant tape to ensure your patch stays down and no dirt, dust or moisture gets under the film.
CARLIKE premuim+ car wrapping vinyl
We think you’ll be pleasantly surprised by how good your repair job will look if you follow the instructions above. Give yourself one hour to complete the job and we are sure you can do it better.

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