Wrapping bare metal – Is this feasible

[James Martin]

Hi Phill

How are you? haven’t spoke for ages.

Cant remember sticking anything to bare metal but if it passes the masking tape sticky test I would try it?

James

[Phill Fenton]

Hi James :smiles:
Yes I’m sure it will stick but was more concerned that the vinyl may not provide the same degree of rust protection as paint would?

[Simon Worrall]

Phill
I would say if the bare metal was only a patch somewhere in the middle of the vinyl you would be fine, but if it was close to a join or if the entire car was bare I wouldnt even go there.

[A.Kordowski]

Wouldn’t risk it if it was me……

[Steve Morgan]

Phil, I remember one of the vinyl reps that I spoke to telling me that vinyl was slightly porous so that when applied wet the material allowed the moisture to evaporate, that was a long time ago so it may not apply to more modern material.
One problem is that you cannot guarentee that there is no corrosion already taking place before you start, bare aluminium certainly always has oxidisation on the surface which prevents a good bond.
It does sound a bit risky.

Steve

[Denise Goodfellow]

Get a disclaimer signed

[Ruel Maxwell]

It seems rather risky I personally wouldn’t do it with without a disclaimer but even then bad word of mouth is t good for us in the sign business

[Garrickt Dartnell]

quote Simon Worrall:

Phill
I would say if the bare metal was only a patch somewhere in the middle of the vinyl you would be fine, but if it was close to a join or if the entire car was bare I wouldnt even go there.

As Simon said, if the metal was only exposed in patches I would think about priming it with 3M primer 94, however I would still proceed with caution

[Mike Montag]

Recently wrapped 4 bare metal aluminum tankers with GFI Auto mark with no issues. Sticks great.

[Robert Lambie]

quote Phill Fenton:

asking me to vinyl wrap a vehicle that has been rubbed down to bare metal

"For me" this is the key part, description.

If you rub anything you create abrasion lines. sometimes rough and sometimes microscopic, even so there is abrasion channels on the surface. to make matters worse, if it is a bare metal or hardener is exposed, then even the areas it "might" adhere too are of a matt finish of sort, there for even although it may well stick on contact. long term exposure of the panels expanding and contracting in the sun, will deteriorate any adhesion it may have.

polished stainless steel, mill finish alloy metal type scenarios will accept vinyl as long as cleaned properly.
However, when the term "wrap" is used. it is mainly describing the media conforming to an irregular surface that requires the media to be stretched and stay in the likes of a recessed area. here, i would advise only to do so on gloss coated surfaces.

going back to your comment of "rubbed down". If Cataloy filler is present in anyway i would steer clear. if just the paint that is rubbed back to metal showing micro abrasion i would say you can do it but time it will last is anyone’s guess.

I would advise NOT using an air Chanel / air release adhesive system. such as Avery, 3M etc but also other brands with this option. Air release films will only add to the lack of adhesion. Best thing to do is take a couple of square feet of regular vinyl and do a patch test in front of the customer. heat it in after applied, leave it a few minutes then gently tug back on it to see the grip? or leave much longer, whatever you can allow. longer the better…. and let them decide. only issue there is that "of course" wrap media will build on its initial grab/tack. so again not 100% ideal.

hope my Friday night mumble jumble explanation here helps. i am away to pour myself another drink! lol