washing machine wrap?

[Martin Pearson]

Lee, what material did you use for this? Yes you should be heating the vinyl but with something like a washing machine where you have a much larger piece of vinyl it would probably be easier with 2 people.
I did hear of a guy a while ago that made quite a good living by just wrapping kitchen appliances, people who wanted a colour co-ordinated kitchen used to get him to do their fridge/freezer/washing machine etc etc.

[Phill Fenton]

Your wife is going to be dead chuffed with you 😕

[LeeMorris]

Its Oracal 751
It is only a 8" square bit of vinyl
I just tried it again and did it from the bottom up and now the crease is at the top, its when i start getting towards the end.
Its kind of like trying to apply vinyl to a ball
Lee

[Dave Harrison]

Lee be careful using the heatgun on your washing machine. .. most of the insides are plastic. . you might get a nasty surprise !

On the subject of kitchen appliances here’s my fridge ! :lol1:

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[Richard Urquhart]

i did this some time ago it must have been before silver was as in demand as it is now

rich

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[Warren Beard]

I also got a pic on my fridge, had to be a neutral pic as the wife did not want anything provocative 🙁

It’s a good talking point when mates come over.

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[LeeMorris]

So should i apply remove tape and then heat?

Doesn’t heating vinyl make it more stretchy? the problem where i’m getting wrinkles is like i have to much vinyl and need to shrink it.

Could somebody explain the process they would use for this type of curve
Cheers
Lee

[David Rogers]

quote leemorris:

So should i apply remove tape and then heat?

Doesn’t heating vinyl make it more stretchy? the problem where i’m getting wrinkles is like i have to much vinyl and need to shrink it.

Could somebody explain the process they would use for this type of curve
Cheers
Lee

Don’t use tape if at all possible…if you go direct the vinyl can stretch & shrink much, much better as it’s not held by the tape. Keeping a bit of tension stops it from sticking – if it does ‘snap’ it flat – never up – it’ll just lift back off with no damage to the vinyl.

Work with the material – heating what you need to – not giant areas.
it will get REALLY floppy with just a little heat – so little & often. If you overheat the vinyl it won’t shrink…just shrivel!

For complex (stretching) curves ditch the hard squeegee & use a dry cloth/hand roll working a little at a time. Even basic calendared vinyl can be made to stretch for miles & not pop out if done right.

For shrinking – I tend to work wet (sorry Rob 😕 ) initially to end up with a lot of small ‘ripples’ – gentle heating & patience again – OK for gently domed bonnets.

Beyond that – time for proper wrapping vinyl / advise your customer into ‘tweaking’ the design to your benefit…well, they are paying you to guide them 😉

Dave

[LeeMorris]

Cheers Dave
Sounds helpful

So do you heat at the end or while applying?

I did heat the vinyl in picture but it didn’t get rid of the crease.

I take it this problem is worse with full pieces of vinyl and not that bed for letters

Cheers
Lee

[David Rogers]

quote leemorris:

Cheers Dave
Sounds helpful

So do you heat at the end or while applying?

Both. But very little heat when applying – ‘lots’ when on.

quote :

I did heat the vinyl in picture but it didn’t get rid of the crease.

Once you’ve committed to applying pressure to it & it’s stuck…the creases are there to stay (unless you pull back – reheat & re-apply), work with as big a ‘loose’ area as you can – it you have a very narrow, high ridge – no amount of heat can get rid if it. You want shallow ‘humps’…all relatively speaking of course. You HAVE to get rid of the material as/before you commit to sticking down totally. When making vinyl ‘shrink’ the temperature is VERY low in comparison to the ‘toasting’ it gets at the end, almost just waving the heat gun over the area. Hard to describe…just keep on practicing.

quote :

I take it this problem is worse with full pieces of vinyl and not that bed for letters

Cheers
Lee

All to do with surface area & shape. But be prepared to slit the application tape when doing letters to prevent creases.

[LeeMorris]

I just had another go and i think the application tape was a big part of it .
Its turned out a lot better this time.
wish i could do some more but i got to be up at 5am so my beds calling.
Thanks for all the help

cheers
Lee

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[Richard Urquhart]

looking good mate the best thing your doing is giving it another go daves advice is great
good luck mate

rich