Applying vinyl wrap
Thread Starter
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 31,750
Likes: 12,570
From: Nowhereville, Barton City Michigan
Applying vinyl wrap
I tried my hand yesterday with only a little success applying wrap to my B pillars. I got the face right, but when it came to wrapping around the edges, I pretty much FUBARed it. Am I supposed to trim those edges, or am I supposed to wrap around them?
I watched videos of installing where they were heating with a torch and heat gun. I've got both, no problem using either, but which is best, and when would I want to use either?
I have an order of 3M 1080 vinyl coming in carbon fiber look, and really don't want to screw up again.
If anyone would take the time to help me out with a quick tutorial, I'd appreciate it, primarily focusing on how to treat the edges.
I watched videos of installing where they were heating with a torch and heat gun. I've got both, no problem using either, but which is best, and when would I want to use either?
I have an order of 3M 1080 vinyl coming in carbon fiber look, and really don't want to screw up again.
If anyone would take the time to help me out with a quick tutorial, I'd appreciate it, primarily focusing on how to treat the edges.
Senior Citizen Member
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 4,347
Likes: 2,709
From: Outside city limits TN
Hey John!
do you have squeegees to work with. You want the ones with the felt over them to prevent tearing the vinyl when it is warmed up. If you don't have one, PM me your address again ( I lost it) and I'll send you one. Use a blow drier not a heat gun. The heat gun gets too hot and will soften the wrap too much. Let the pro's use the heat gun.
Are you applying using the wet method or dry. If wet, just a few ( 2 or 3 ) drops of dish detergent in a one quart spray bottle full of water will work good.
Lay it out flat over the pillars and squeegee from the center out to the edges. Gently heat the corners ( one at a time ) and pull outward until it follows the contour and squeegee. Do the flat/straight edges last and always use the squeegee to press it down around the rounded edges.
let me know if you need a squeegee!
do you have squeegees to work with. You want the ones with the felt over them to prevent tearing the vinyl when it is warmed up. If you don't have one, PM me your address again ( I lost it) and I'll send you one. Use a blow drier not a heat gun. The heat gun gets too hot and will soften the wrap too much. Let the pro's use the heat gun.
Are you applying using the wet method or dry. If wet, just a few ( 2 or 3 ) drops of dish detergent in a one quart spray bottle full of water will work good.
Lay it out flat over the pillars and squeegee from the center out to the edges. Gently heat the corners ( one at a time ) and pull outward until it follows the contour and squeegee. Do the flat/straight edges last and always use the squeegee to press it down around the rounded edges.
let me know if you need a squeegee!
Thread Starter
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 31,750
Likes: 12,570
From: Nowhereville, Barton City Michigan
That's the kind of stuff I need to know. Thanks for the offer of the squeegees Mike, I've got ones with the felt on them.
I went out today and just thought screw it, if I make it worse, no big deal. I used my heat gun on low, and just hit quick, and really made a difference. I used the wrong edge of the squeegee though, and found out to be gentle. Still not the job I want. I had one piece with a wrinkle, surprised me that I pulled it right out with some heat. Now that I know about heat, I might be able to do a job I like.
On the edges, hit it with a little heat, then roll it around the edge with the squeegee? No trimming?. I'm thinking to cut the vinyl close to the size I need, apply it, trim off most of the excess to get a straight edge, hit it with heat, then roll it over and behind the edge.
The vinyl I put on yesterday was applied wet with the solution that came in the kit.
The 3M 1080 vinyl I have coming, they want it applied dry. It also has some sort of air release channels in it, is that good?
Thanks for helping me out!!!
I went out today and just thought screw it, if I make it worse, no big deal. I used my heat gun on low, and just hit quick, and really made a difference. I used the wrong edge of the squeegee though, and found out to be gentle. Still not the job I want. I had one piece with a wrinkle, surprised me that I pulled it right out with some heat. Now that I know about heat, I might be able to do a job I like.
On the edges, hit it with a little heat, then roll it around the edge with the squeegee? No trimming?. I'm thinking to cut the vinyl close to the size I need, apply it, trim off most of the excess to get a straight edge, hit it with heat, then roll it over and behind the edge.
The vinyl I put on yesterday was applied wet with the solution that came in the kit.
The 3M 1080 vinyl I have coming, they want it applied dry. It also has some sort of air release channels in it, is that good?
Thanks for helping me out!!!
Senior Citizen Member
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 4,347
Likes: 2,709
From: Outside city limits TN
The air release vinyl is nicer to work with. Do you have an X-Acto knife with fresh pointed blades? So much easier to trim excess with a pointed blade. You really don't have to tuck it under the edges for a nice finished look. Just trim closely between the pillar cover and the rubber trim. Not too much pressure so you don't cut into the paint. Remember, a very sharp blade and little pressure is your friend here.
another thing about using a wrap with a pattern is that you want to start with pieces with enough overlap so you can adjust them to line up the pattern from one pillar to the other, if that makes sense.
When it comes time to trim the excess, use just a LITTLE heat. The wrap will cut easier when warm.
Good luck and have fun with it! Pictures will be required!
Forgot to ask! Are you doing them on the truck or removing the pillar covers?
another thing about using a wrap with a pattern is that you want to start with pieces with enough overlap so you can adjust them to line up the pattern from one pillar to the other, if that makes sense.
When it comes time to trim the excess, use just a LITTLE heat. The wrap will cut easier when warm.
Good luck and have fun with it! Pictures will be required!
Forgot to ask! Are you doing them on the truck or removing the pillar covers?
Thread Starter
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 31,750
Likes: 12,570
From: Nowhereville, Barton City Michigan
Good advice! I've thought to cover both front and rear pillars at the same time, then slit the vinyl right in between them to keep the pattern consistent, since they're still on the truck. I learned the hard way on my '12 after breaking one of them when I had to replace it.
10/4 on the Exacto knives.
Photos will be shown. The vinyl should be here Tuesday, can't wait to try this again with some better stuff.
Thanks again for helping me out!
10/4 on the Exacto knives.
Photos will be shown. The vinyl should be here Tuesday, can't wait to try this again with some better stuff.
Thanks again for helping me out!
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Senior Citizen Member
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 4,347
Likes: 2,709
From: Outside city limits TN
Good advice! I've thought to cover both front and rear pillars at the same time, then slit the vinyl right in between them to keep the pattern consistent, since they're still on the truck. I learned the hard way on my '12 after breaking one of them when I had to replace it.
10/4 on the Exacto knives.
Photos will be shown. The vinyl should be here Tuesday, can't wait to try this again with some better stuff.
Thanks again for helping me out!
10/4 on the Exacto knives.
Photos will be shown. The vinyl should be here Tuesday, can't wait to try this again with some better stuff.
Thanks again for helping me out!
