Advice on alternative to 3M wrapping vinyl please?

[Denise Goodfellow]

That’s like saying you will practice race car driving using 1 car, then switch the car for a different one on race day…..

I don`t wrap, but surely you need to practice using the material that you will be using all the time, as certain vinyls act differently.

[Nikolas Cooper]

I did have a feeling that there will be differences in the way the vinyl acts, but i was thinking of more of the basics skills. Have a feeling this is going to cost me if I am going to practice with 3M.

[Chris Wool]

you can learn a lot from just using cheap MAT has to be mat vinyl as it behaves quite similar in stretch and heat shrink control and feel.
it help gives you the confidence to tackle the real stuff.

:peek:

[Nikolas Cooper]

Can anyone suggest a vinyl that works similar to 3M? As said dont mind to much about it lasting as it will more than likely get binned anyway. 😀

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[Martin Pearson]

What did Andrew tell you ? My guess would be that you should really be using the film you will work with when doing work for customers.
Yes it probably will cost you a bit but that’s part of the fun of owning your own business, this part is about investing for the future.
Sure you must have a few friends who would appreciate a cheap job doing for them, they pay for the materials & you get to practise without it costing you to much.

[Chris Hansen]

Avery MPI 1005 EZ RS is an alternative if it’s more cost effective for you.
Performs the same apart from less initial tack.

[Robert Lambie]

The new 3M wrapping films have a strict fitting procedure; there for practicing what you have been shown is paramount. Particularly if you want to later be accredited to fit their films and become part of the 3M network.

However, I would suggest practicing with any “non”-easy air-escape type wrapping vinyl. If you learn to fit properly without the aid of the adhesive system you will have wider scope on the films you will be able to use further down the line.
It’s a bit like when folk say,
“Oh I am using water to help me fit vinyl letters, but intend moving to dry once I get used to it”
Reality is, your never going to learn if you begin fitting wet, the day you move to dry is like starting afresh anyway, your just delaying the learning curve.

3M and Avery are the only two air escape wrapping films available that are “warranted” by the manufacturers for recessed work. Fitting these films is very easy, almost too easy. This has a downside to it too though. As I said, “strict” fitting procedure “must” be followed or your warranty will be void if it fails. So what your asking initially, this factor must be weighed up… practice makes perfect yes, but you really should master the procedure too.
Using these films will speed your application up no end, not only do they go down very easy, but the film is very nice to work with too and come in an array of nice colours and finishes.
You will also find that run of the mill Matt finish films turn shiny if you over stretch were the 3M doesn’t.

Keep in mind, when you take a 2ft x 2ft bit of wrapping film to practice with.
Don’t trim or finish it once applied. Strip it back off, heat it and learn how to revert it back to its original state, then apply again and again, this is easy done and is very good practice. Ultimately, your using very little film to practice with, which is part of your original concern.

[Nikolas Cooper]

Thanks for the advice, i think i will do a bit of both, I like the idea of using vinyl with no air release, as getting it right will be harder. So i think i will order some 3M and some cheaper non air release vinyl of some kind. This is something I want to do and want to do right so a lot of practicing ahead.

Thanks again.

[Simon Worrall]

I would say the best way to learn is to do it for real.
And dont charge any less for the job.
Just go about ten times slower, plan your moves ahead, have the instructions taped to the window of the vehicle you are wrapping, and replace anything that you mess up. Give the customer a VERY long turnaround time – that way you have time to fix your mistakes.
You will, of course, be working for a very low hourly wage, or even a negative one if you make that many mistakes!
I have done nine wraps since I did my 3m course. The first one took three weeks.
I use 3m ij 380, and I would not use any other make for a wrap.
The biggest problem I had was getting those pesky door handles back on the car.