Vehicle Wraps-How To

[John Singh]

Hi Bigblue

Just noticed that this is your first post and you are saying Hello

So a big Welcome to the Board :wave3:

Vehicle wrap seems to be the rave at the mo and there is a great deal of interest from here as well.

Some of the lads do vehicle wrapping so I hope they see your post

Seems your from the old school of traditional brush

If you get a chance we’d love to see some of your work

John

[Bill Dewison]

Dito of John, Hi and welcome to UKSB 😀

Robert (admin) has done some videos on wrapping, great to get an incite into how its done. There is a mine of information from experienced wrappers (Robert being one of them) on the boards, hopefully you’ll find what you’re looking for! 😀

Be great to see some of your work as well.

Cheers, Dewi

[Carrie Brown]

Hi big blue 😀

Welcome to the boards!!!

As John has said there is quite a bit of interest in vehicle wraps at the moment on here and hopefully some others will be able to help with info?

Carrie & Stephen 😀

[Bigblue736]

Hi John

Glad to see /here from ya.Ya I guess I am from the old school.Unfortunately I don’t have any pics to offer as I’ve always worked for someone else & they have the pics.For me it’s always been just a personal gratification of a job well done anyway.I really haven’t used a brush for quit some time now,since the vinyl cutter came into play. Now with the vinyl printers coming to the market their isn’t much need for hand lettering.I guess I’ll be like the dinosaur(extinct).
Ya,I’m hoping some one will look at my post and point me in a direction were I might find info on doing the Veh. wraps.I have allot of experience working with vinyls on various substrates and vehicles,including ribbed trailers etc.I have seen a few vehicle wraps here in my neck of the woods and the work is impressive.It’ one thing to use a brush,but to form vinyl around some of the curves is another.Hats off to these people.
Later
Lee

[Andy Gorman]

I disagree. You can learn vehicle wrapping. And I suppose to some degree you can learn to do brushwork, but I’ve seen proper signwriters who have a talent that you can’t learn. One thing I have learned from this site is that brushwork is definitely not dead. There are several members who still use it to produce stuff that no technology could achieve. Blimey, it sounds like I’m having a go at you, I’m not. If you can get some instruction on wrapping you will find that it’s just something that most people could learn. I was amazed by it when I first saw it done, but I learned it, and I’m useless! 😀

As far as you learning this technique; it would be easier if you weren’t in Canada as there are a few companies who offer instruction in the UK! Rob has done a great video demo on the front page, but this only shows you how an experienced wrapper goes about it. I think you have to get some material and try it yourself to get a proper feel for it. But then, of course, there are several different vinyls, all with their pros and cons……..

[Bigblue736]

Hi Big G
I’m not sure what you disagree with,but I know I can do veh. wraps as I have lots of vinyl exp.,but their must be a certain tech to applying it around some of the curved body lines without having to slice the material to form it.this is the imput I am currently seeking.
Most of the clients we deal with Lease their vehicles so their for Painting is not really an option.We have a Brand New Printer and it’s output is awesome.We have produced some amazing Graphics on everything from posters,photographs, banners etc.
I have tried to look at the video’s but It won’t allow me access.Canada is my home,but I’m hopeful that my Employer will take me to a Trade Show in the near future.
Later
Lee
P.S. I don’t think your having a go at me,more like a good debate coming on.

[Robert Lambie]

there is definately a technique in wrapping, but it can be learned.
the downside of many sign makers is assuming its as easy as it looks, they give it a bash and find its far from the case.
vehicle preperation plays a major part before wrapping any area.
even if successfuly applied, heating areas to the right temp is a must.
stretching ove domed type areas is not necessarily the hardest part, just tricky. the main downfall of over stretching on printed graphics is the image printed looses its shape and doesnt match the panel its going to marry up with round the corner.
even if you see someone do it standing next to them, you still need scraps to play with time and time again until you get a feel for the vinyl, see how far you can push/maipulate it.

[Adrian Hewson]

Wher can I get info on vehicle wrapping course for my guys, prefer them in Scotland if poss

Regards Adrian

[Robert Lambie]

if you email me mate i can get you some details on courses.
i get emails all the time about courses and asking do i offer similar. wish i had the time, but realisticaly ide burn-out if i tried squeezing them in 😮 :lol1: :lol1:
i think rebecca has some info on them too… maybe worth a pm?

[Bigblue736]

Hi Robert

Thanks for the reply.I figured applying heat was a factor in shapping the vinyl.You mentiond vehicle prep,is their something in particuler that should be done ?I realize that having it clean is a must.
Can I impose upon you to answer a couple more questions for me ?
1st Do you mask your vinyl or not ?If not ,how do you prevent scrathing from the squeegee or applicator?
2nd Are you using Rapidtac to prep your vinyl before applying to the vehicle ?
Lastly, Is the vinyl cut into various shapes to match body parts that your working on.ie:fenders,hood,quarter panels etc. ?
Again,thanks for the reply
Lee

[Robert Lambie]

quote :

Thanks for the reply.I figured applying heat was a factor in shapping the vinyl.You mentiond vehicle prep,is their something in particuler that should be done ?I realize that having it clean is a must.

Yes spotless clean and free from car polish etc.. wipe with meths in all areas, recesses corners. Round lights, key holes. Any place grime builds up
If you can remove indicator lights, bumpers etc it also gives a far better finish to the job and makes life much easier for you.
Also try fitting in a dust/draught free room.

quote :

1st Do you mask your vinyl or not? If not, how do you prevent scratching from the squeegee or applicator?

Depending on the vinyl you don’t really need a masking…

If you are using bare prints ide advise application tape to prevent scratching or a felt squeegee. Even the felt ones can scratch some prints if your too aggressive with them.

For vehicle wraps it’s always best to have the prints laminated anyway. This will not only increase the print life but helps thicken the vinyl up for no application tape fittings and also protects the prints from scratching with squeegee.

quote :

2nd Are you using Rapidtac to prep your vinyl before applying to the vehicle?

No… No matter what anyone tells you, never use a fluid to apply a wrap.
The vehicle must be spotless clean. Then, wipe it down with mentholated spirits to degrease from car polish and the like.

quote :

Lastly, Is the vinyl cut into various shapes to match body parts that your working on.ie:fenders,hood,quarter panels etc. ?
Again,thanks for the reply

No, the panels come in large rectangles to apply/mould etc into shape of vehicle.
To be honest you want excess material to hold and pull on without the need to worry your ruining a bit. Then you just trim back the bits you hold stetch etc.. makes it much neater.
When getting it printed its better to have it tiled the width of say a door. That way your join will be on the door join so you don’t actually see one. Also, the panels over lap anything from a half inch to 1 inch. This helps lining up and gives you a little to play with.

[J. Hulme]

https://www.uksignboards.com/viewtopic.p … 64&start=0

A good starting point, I’m yet to try but will when I get a spare couple of hours, 😉