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advice please applying vinyl to VW Transporter?
HI folks,
I’m a new uksignboards.com member from Ireland – great site, lots of useful info the sign maker.I started making signs and car number plates about 2 years. Most of my sign work up to now is basic sign writing on cars/vans and exhibition signs.
However, I’ve just taken on a job to do 2 VW Transporter vans for a local company. The vans are white, and they want (on both sides) grey vinyl starting at a point on the very top rear sweeping down across the side of the van. Something to the affect of the VW Caddy van in this picture:- http://www.inform.as/nytt_05.html ,in this case where you see the white vinyl, in will do this in grey vinyl. Some of the sign writing will be applied on top of the grey in 1-2 colors.
Here’s my problem(s):
The sides on the VW transporter are not very flat, as you can see from this photo: http://www.janhoejsauto.dk/images/VW%20 … 20side.jpg Here are my concerns:# Can you advise how would I should go about applying the grey vinyl so that I can get the vinyl to fit perfectly to the contours of the side panels.
I have never done this before.# Do I apply the vinyl wet or dry. Should I use a heat gun.
# Will a need a 2nd person to hold the vinyl in place while I squeegee the vinyl into place.
# Do I require any special tools.
# What type of vinyl should I use for this job.
Thanking you in advance.
Declan -
9 Replies
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Hi Declan,
To be honest, a partial wrap on the transporter would be difficult for you if you have only done basic stuff, to learn how to do this properly you would need to be shown by an experienced fitter,
It is not as easy as it looks, and I dont think anyone on here would reccomend you attempted without help.it would be done dry, heat gun needed, wrap vinyl or a very good cast.
to much to tell you without the practical demos.
Peter
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😮 good advice Pete i wouldn’t attempt without help or the proper kit and know how
declan go through all the demos and you will see how even the basic stuff is down to technique i know as a newby how valuable they are.
a good wrap looks the business a poor one looks crap
seen one a couple of days ago looked OK and then when i got closer the scalpel marks and creases were everywhere dirt was underneath and lifting the vinyl shocking
best of luck with it let us know how you get onDerek
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hi declan…
welcome to the forum…they’re a friendly bunch here…
we’re only over the road from you in thurles…
let us know if your ever stuck for anything :lol1:
is it out of the question to paint the van?
could be worth checking with your customer.. 😕 -
good advice Brian
Lynn
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Good advice here.
Welcome to the site mate.
Dry is the only option here. If you have no experience in this, the transporter is probably not the vehicle to learn on.
My suggestion would be to enlist the help of someone here to do the job as a subby, and pay them to do it, but watch, help and learn.
Probably not what you want to hear, but as derek says, a good job is harder than a poor job to do.
Painting is a good idea too.
all the best anyway.
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Declan, Welcome to the boards.
Regards
James
(mod-edit)
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welcome to the boards…
all advice is good so far…quality vehicle wrap vinyl is a must. some good branded casts will do same job.
never do a wrap wet…
always use a heat gun, a good one at that. heat recesses to 100 degrees minimum.
yes you will need second person.
special tools… you can get by with a good squeegee and some denim taped to blade. or use a good felt squeegee. scalpel, heat gun (not hair dryer) Laser temp gauge if possible.best advice, body swearve it or sub it to someone to do, as has been said. practice makes perfect and plenty practice will be needed mate.
not trying to put you off this, just being realistic mate. too many folk these days claiming to be wrappers when they couldnt wrap a sweetie. be wary of that before handing someone else the work to do for you. if they are wrappers, get them to show you work they have done. get them to show you them with a bit on your own van. will take them minutes if any good. get price upfront. they spoil panels they pay… ask them for something in writing that if pulling out recess occurs weeks down the line they will fix. dont penny pinch on materials.boy i babble? 😕 🙄 :lol1:
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Hi All,
Thanks for all your replies. Its always good to get a 2nd opinion from the experts that have been down this road before me. I realise that its a big job to undertake without the having the proper experience.
Robbie, do you suggest that I register as a SILVER member to access the step-by-step demos. Would I be able to do the job if I seen the demos and had a little practise on my own van.Also, can anyone suggest the best vinyl for the job.
For general vehicle livery/sinage, what is the industry standard recommended vinyl, I guess 5-7yr vinyl. Should I use the top end manufacturers like Avery/3M or are ORCAL or Metamark just as good.Thanks, Declan
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Definately a cast. Oracal 751c or 851 would be a good choice, or 3M 7725. Avery 900 supercast is another that would do the job well.
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