Introduction
Do you want to learn how to do car wrapping by yourself or do you want to understand the entire process? Car wrapping appears challenging to beginners but you can create expert results through proper techniques when using Orafol vinyl which meets high-quality standards. This guide provides complete step-by-step instructions which start with vehicle preparation and progress through vinyl application until you learn how to remove existing vehicle wraps without causing damage. Our detailed vehicle wrapping guide helps both Dubai DIYers and UAE professional installers to learn proper vehicle wrapping procedures.
What is Orafol Car Wrap Vinyl?
The ORACAL Brand of car wrap films is manufactured by Orafol, a world leader in vinyl technologies for car wrapping. The ORACAL range of high quality car wraps is manufactured using calendared PVC with a pressure sensitive adhesive and engineered specifically for application to cars, motorcycles, trucks and commercial vehicles. The ORACAL vinyl wraps offer perfect conformity to vehicle shape and contours producing a seamless paint-like finish protecting the vehicles original paintwork whilst totally changing the overall appearance of the vehicle.
How to Wrap a Car: A Step by Step Guide Tools & Materials Needed: ORACAL Vehicle Wrap Vinyl (15-20 Meters For Full Car) Heat Gun With Variable Temperature Control Felt Edge Squeegee For Smooth Finishing Sharp Utility Knife For Trimming Isopropyl Alcohol For Cleaning Surface Microfiber Cloths For Wiping Spray Bottle With Soapy Water Step
1: Prepare The Surface Of Your Vehicle Wipe Down All Surfaces Of Your Vehicle Using Soap And Water To Remove Dirt And Wax. Wipe All Panels With Isopropyl Alcohol, Which Is The Key To Getting The Proper Adhesion. Make Sure All Panels Are Free From Contamination, And Allow Them To Dry Completely. If Possible, Remove Door Handles, Mirrors, Emblems, And Trim Pieces For Professional Tucking. Check All Paint For Paint Condition; If There Are Any Areas Where Paint Is Flaking Or Showing Signs Of Rust, Fix Those Areas Before Wrapping.
* Step 2: Measure And Cut Vinyl Sheets Measure Each Panel With A Measuring Tape And Allow An Additional 5 - 10CM On Each Side Of The Panel For Trimming Purposes. You Should Cut Your Car Wrap Film A Little Oversized As It's Better To Have Too Much Wrap Film Than Not Enough. Mark The Back Of Each Piece With A Mark To Identify Which Panel It Goes On. Do Not Remove The Backing Paper From The Film Until You Are Ready To Apply It.
Step 3: Installing the Vehicle Wrap
Choose a flat section of the car, such as the hood or roof, to practice with. Remove approximately 10 cm of the backing from the vehicle wrap and carefully place it onto the flat surface. Lightly press down the center of the vinyl wrap firstly, and then use a squeegee to apply pressure outward from the centre of the film to remove air bubbles and activate the adhesive on the films.
While placing the vinyl, use medium-speed heat (between 180°C to 200°C) with a heat gun and a squeegee. The medium heat allows the vinyl to become pliable so it can be moulded to fit the contour of the vehicle. Gradually remove more of the backing while shaping the vinyl to the vehicle and never allow the heat from the heat gun to remain in one area for an extended time as this can cause damage.
Step 4: Applying Vinyl to Complex Areas and Curved Surfaces
In applying the vehicle wrap to complex curved areas such as wheel wells, bumpers, and body lines, use the heat gun and your hands to apply and stretch the vinyl wrap as you shape it around these areas. Take extra care when applying and stretching the vinyl as overstretching can cause the film to break or thin.
To tuck the edges of the vinyl wrap into the joining edge, use a squeegee to press the material into the join. Use the heat from the heat gun to assist in tucking. Trim any excess material with the use of a sharp blade, keeping a minimum of 3 to 5 mm of the film tucked underneath for durability. The installation of door handles and mirrors requires extended heat application and patience so work with small sections until the application is complete.
Step 5: Heat post all of the edges and seams.
This step is critical to ensuring that your vehicle wrap will last a long time. Heat the edges, seams and curved areas using lower temperatures (100-120 degrees Celsius) to ensure that the adhesive is fully activated. You should also look for small air bubbles - if you find them, pierce with a pin, and smooth out the bubble.
You should allow your car wrap to cure for 24 to 48 hours before washing it. You can then trim off any remaining vinyl at the edges of the vehicle and at the door jambs, as well as re-install any parts that are removed from the vehicle (handles, mirrors, logos).
Conclusion
A vehicle's appearance can be greatly enhanced through car wrapping at a fraction of the cost of painting it. If you use quality Orafol brand vinyl film and the proper application methods, you can produce a professional looking product. At Arona Store, you will find the best selection of ORACAL Vehicle Wrap Films in addition to all tools required for the DIY application of your vehicle wrap throughout the entire United Arab Emirates. Begin your vehicle's transformation with authentic Orafol wraps today!