Car Wrapping: 10 Things to Consider When Applying Vehicle Graphics

Car wrapping is a technique for decorating, customizing, and “painting” used on cars, boats, airplanes, motorcycles, and many other surfaces. A special adhesive vinyl is used to cover all or part of the vehicle, with the material being manually shaped as it adheres to the paint.

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

Since this is a manual process, specialized training is required to apply the vinyl correctly and without imperfections. Furthermore, because of the many possibilities it offers, this technique is widely used for advertising purposes, as it makes a strong visual impact on viewers.

Tools Used in the Car-Wrapping Technique

The success of vehicle wrapping 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 installer.

Next, we’ll take a look at the key tools every auto body technician needs to apply vinyl perfectly.

1. Spatulas

It is the main component and possibly one of the most important ones. Different types and degrees of hardness are needed to ensure proper application in the various areas of the vehicle. For example, for curved and uneven areas, the putty knives must be flexible.

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

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

2. Magnets

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. Heat gun

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

4. Cutters

This tool must be of the highest quality so that it can cut without requiring excessive pressure and without damaging the vehicle’s paint. It is important to have replacement blades on hand to maintain optimal sharpness.

5. Gloves

Gloves are essential for keeping your work clean and free of contaminants. Keep in mind that when working with plastic materials and adhesives, gloves must have special features. The most recommended gloves for vehicle lettering are antistatic, seamless models, which are very comfortable to wear.

6. Surface cleaner

Before beginning the vinyl application process, it is essential to clean the entire surface to remove any dirt, wax, silicone, or particles that could prevent the self-adhesive film from adhering properly. 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’ll need an anti-bubble pen—a tool designed specifically for this purpose. If you tend to use a utility knife to remove bubbles, a tear will eventually form.

8. The type of vinyl

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

9. Tools for Removing Vinyl

To remove the vinyl, we recommend using plastic scrapers and wedges to lift the film. Chemicals that help remove the film and are gentle on the vehicle’s paint are also used. For more intensive jobs, rubber discs mounted on 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 right tools or materials can hinder professional work, and without the proper printer/laminator combination, the job may produce unwanted waste.

Another common mistake is not storing vinyl properly in the workshop, which can cause irreparable damage to the material. Proper organization and storage of vinyl make workshop operations run more smoothly and help prevent waste.

Benefits of Vehicle Graphics

Car wrapping offers endless possibilities for decoration and exclusive customization. Unlike painting, it is less expensive and faster, and it also protects the vehicle’s original surfaces. Furthermore, because the wrap can be easily removed, vehicles can be transformed into a new advertising medium. For advertisers, it is an ideal option due to its high visual impact and high quality.