People are more used to this application than they think, but it’s natural for doubts to arise. Is this your case? Throughout this article we’ll explain everything.
Let’s start “at the beginning”: car wrapping… what is it?
Car wrapping is characterized by changing all or part of a vehicle’s exterior by applying vinyl, without compromising the original paintwork. This application can be done on cars, trucks, motorcycles and even boats.
What choices do I have when it comes to personalization?
The personalization of the vinyl to be applied is up to each individual. There are many options for decorating vehicles, which can vary with a wide range of colors, microns and, for the final touch, finishes (matte, clear glossy, white glossy, textured and carbon).
What can it be used for?
You can use this product for advertising campaigns, to protect the original paintwork or even for styling. The application time varies depending on the intended purpose, but you can decorate your vehicle for a period of time ranging from 5 to 10 years.
How is it done?
The car wrapping process takes place in four phases: design, production, cleaning and application. In the first stage, it’s essential to take the car’s measurements and work on the design. The choice of colors is very important at this stage, you must adapt the layout so that the message to be conveyed is as clear as possible, as well as selecting the places to apply vinyl and what type of information and images you want to place.
In the second phase, the choice of materials is made. Taking into account the chosen layout, it’s time to choose the best application, whether with colored vinyl or digitally printed vinyl, solvent or UV LED. Decal recommends laminating with UV LED printing, not only for durability, but also for resistance to mechanical friction.
For car wrapping using digital printing, our advice is to use flexible UV LED inks, such as those used by Mimaki UCJV300, the LUS-170 or the LUS-200, specially designed for this type of application, with great flexibility guaranteeing an aligned end result.
The third phase can be crucial and is related to cleaning and degreasing the vehicle, so make sure you clean and degrease the creases and edges of the panel joints, the mudguards and, where possible, dismantle the side protection plastics to clean, dry and reapply.
Finally, when applying, you should take into account the chosen layout. You should have magnets with you as an aid. When you start the process, remove a good part of the vinyl from the backing paper (liner) and apply with the spatula. Then remove the liner, apply heat at 40°, seal the application with the spatula and put the finishing touches on. We recommend overlapping the vinyl by 20mm whenever necessary.
There is also a fifth operation, that of removing the material, especially in cases where the decoration is occasional. This should be done using a hot air gun to evenly heat the surface from which the vinyl is to be removed and follow the other technical instructions for the product in question.
What are the advantages for your client?
Whoever chooses car wrapping applications to communicate their brand will enjoy numerous advantages. Wherever you go, you’ll be promoting and making your brand visible through your vehicle.
It’s an effective way of winning new customers and boosting your business. Convey professionalism and confidence on the road. Now the company is no longer just the person riding in the car, but also the brand on the vehicle.
It’s also excellent value for money, as you’ll be doing outdoor advertising on the streets where the car passes and parks. What’s more, you can protect the original paintwork, enhancing the value of the vehicle, with the advantage of removing the vinyl easily and at any time.
To keep in mind!
By now you’re probably wondering whether this application on the outside of the car doesn’t involve bureaucratic issues. Each country has its own legislation for this type of application. In the case of Portugal, for example, each municipality has specific rules and you should contact the local authority where the company that owns the vehicle is based.
The method of applying the vinyl requires experience, and it is advisable to have it applied by professionals.
Despite being a long-lasting product, when washing the vehicle some care is needed to preserve its lifespan. For example, vehicles should not be washed the week after application to ensure that the maximum level of adhesion is established.
When using high-pressure cleaning tools, you must ensure that the water temperature does not exceed 60o. The hose should be at a distance of around 50cm from the car and should not point directly at the edges of the film, as there is a risk that the vinyl will start to peel off at the edges.
Finally….
If you want to highlight your brand on your car through car wrapping, but still have questions about this application, please contact us.
