Car wrapping: 10 things to bear in mind when applying vehicle graphics

Car wrapping is a technique for decorating, customising and ‘painting’ used on cars, boats, aeroplanes, motorbikes and many other surfaces. A special adhesive vinyl is used to cover all or part of the vehicle, with the material being moulded by hand as it is applied to the paintwork.

It is also known as vehicle wrapping, although the English term is widely used.

As this is a manual process, specialised training is required to apply the vinyl correctly and without imperfections. Furthermore, given the wide range of possibilities it offers, it is a technique widely used for advertising purposes, as it makes a strong visual impact on passers-by.

Tools used in the car wrapping technique

The success of the vehicle wrapping technique depends on three key factors: the quality of the materials or film used, the use of the right tools, and the experience of the professional applicator.

Below, we’ll look at the key tools every bodywork specialist needs to achieve a perfect vinyl wrap.

1. Spatulas

It is the main component and possibly one of the most important. Different types and degrees of hardness are required to ensure the product is applied correctly to the various parts of the vehicle. For example, for curved and uneven areas, the spatulas must be flexible.

When choosing spatulas for the job, we must also take into account the vinyl or film we are working with. There are delicate vinyls, such as chrome, which are widely used in car wrapping and require specific squeegees to ensure the material is not damaged during application. In this specific case, we recommend using squeegees with one side covered in microfibre, which allows for both dry and wet applications and helps them glide more smoothly.

“Discover Marathon, squeegees with a double microfibre coating that prevents damage to vinyl”

2. Imanes

Es la herramienta magnética perfecta para el aplicador de vinilos. Permite sujetar el material para mantenerlo posicionado en la zona de aplicación. Son unas manos extras de trabajo que evitan errores al posicionar el material. El modelo más usado es el de puño magnético.

3. Pistola de aire caliente

It is also known as a heat gun and is used to work with the vinyl, remove any memory effect and fix it in its final position. The heat gun can reach temperatures of around 80 degrees, so it is essential to wear gloves when handling the film.

4. Cutters

This tool must be of the very highest quality so that it can cut without the need to apply excessive pressure and without damaging the vehicle’s paintwork. It is important to have spare blades to maintain optimum sharpness.

5. Gloves

Gloves are essential for ensuring a clean, contaminant-free job. It is always important to bear in mind that, when working with plastic materials and adhesives, gloves must have specific properties. The most highly recommended gloves for vehicle signage are anti-static, seamless models, which are very comfortable to wear.

6. Surface cleaner

Before starting the vinyl application process, it is essential to clean the entire surface thoroughly to remove any dirt, wax, silicone or particles that might prevent the self-adhesive film from adhering properly. The edges, corners and borders are critical areas for adhesion, so it is advisable to check that these areas are clean.

7. Anti-bubble pen

Bubbles may form during application, so you will need an anti-bubble pen – a tool designed specifically for this purpose. If you tend to use a craft knife to remove bubbles, a tear will eventually appear.

8. The type of vinyl

There are various types of vinyl available on the market: monomeric, polymeric and cast vinyl. For car wrapping, cast vinyl is recommended as it offers better results, greater durability, flexibility and the ability to conform to different shapes. Furthermore, this type of vinyl is very easy to work with, as many varieties are repositionable.

9. Tools for removing the vinyl

To remove the vinyl, it is recommended to use plastic scrapers and wedges to lift the film. Chemicals are also used to help remove the film, and these are gentle on the vehicle’s paintwork. For more intensive jobs, rubber discs fitted to drills are very popular.

10. Common mistakes in signage

Finally, there may be issues with the application of the film for various reasons. Failing to choose the correct tools or suitable materials can hinder professional work, and without the right printer/laminator combination, the job may produce unwanted waste.

Another common mistake is failing to store vinyl properly in the workshop, which can result in irreparable damage to the material. Good organisation and storage of vinyl ensures that work in the workshop runs more smoothly and without waste.

Benefits of vehicle signage

Car wrapping offers endless possibilities for decoration and exclusive customisation. Unlike paintwork, it is less expensive and quicker to apply, whilst also protecting the vehicle’s original surfaces. Furthermore, as it is easy to remove, it allows vehicles to be transformed into a new advertising medium. For advertisers, it is an ideal option due to its high visual impact and high quality.