-
Wrapping my new van. How would you do it?
Hi all.
Hope you’re doing well.I have just got myself a “new” van and have designed my graphics.
I am going with the left idea, all in so to speak.
Now I’m questioning which method to install the graphics, panel drops, sliding door, then panel join then rear quarter or fitting with a horizontal overlap which sits in the bodywork join below the panel.
(my media is max 1300w and can’t do the drop-in one)How would you do it? and if panel dropping, would you join either side of the body join 5mm (to hide the overlap) or just overlap the normal 12mm so you see and join.
Comments appreciated.
-
4 Replies
-
Hi Martyn
We are restricted to the same width for printed installs.
I would personally do this horizontally and have an overlap in the bodyline. Just below the lion’s mouth.
As I am pretty anal about my overlaps, I would apply knifeless around 10mm above the intended line and fit the bottom panel first. Then before fitting the top panel, I would apply a 9mm tri-line along the top edge of the first panel to give me a lovely even overlap. Pulling the bottom filament after fitting. -
I’d forget trying to wrap that lip around the roof. Horizontal join like Tim said, which would probably take you a considerable way down the body (ideally near that black trim if it’s a trim?), then a slim piece at the bottom. When printing you might be able to get a slim piece done to wrap above the lip on the roof.
Wrap from the door shut of the driver/passenger door so no hard line where the wrap ends, if the gradient fades gradually you could disguise the difference between the paint and vinyl nicely there.
What material are you thinking of using?
-
I might be miss reading your post…
If your printing machine allows it, I would probably go with the RED line tiling option shown, because It keeps things more manageable when fitting and it is a simple two-drop print. My joins would then be lost in the panel joins or door openings.
I am guessing the size restricts you, so I have just shown some other tiling options.
As has been said already, it is better to have the top tile overlapping the bottom tile as it stops water, dirt and grime settling on the leading edge of the vinyl.
Remember, your bumpers and plastic mouldings are looking a bit “bleached” grey.
Turn your heat gun on full and “close-up” wave over the plastic and it will return back to its original colour very quickly.
-
Thanks for the input guys, yes the media restrictions is causing the problems and i like the drop option but the panel joins are very slim (3mm) so im worried that this overlap is not enough.
The horizontal fitting makes most sense and the only option is the crease in the bodywork below the lions mouth as stated, but obviously its a long old piece to fit on the own but i know is doable.
Material wise, as i do so little printed wraps i still have not got a go to media. I have been using Mactac 10700 recently as i can get it by the metre but it is very tacky and hard to work with. Im thinking of using 10700 xr which supposedly has better movability and again by the metre but im also toying with the idea of using arlon slx + which i have been interested in for a while but the roll cost is putting me off along with it sitting on the shelf.
Regarding the plastics rob, aka hawk eyes 🙂 i have tried some plastic refurb liquids but as far have not worked. Maybe the heat gun is the only way but i was warned off this by my local valeter
Log in to reply.
