Installing Car Wraps

Car wraps are becoming a huge marketing and fashion tool these days. Companies all over the place are starting to put custom wraps and graphic on their business vehicles to make them stand out against the otherwise bland traffic. The wraps look incredibly complex and flashy, and that's the point. The truth is, while designing and printing these graphics is difficult and complex, the actual installation isn't. And the removal of these graphics is even more simple. These truths can end up saving you hundreds of dollars, if you know what you are doing when you get your wrap.

There are two different basic ways to install car wraps. One is known as wet application and uses water to help apply the wrap to the car, similar to some wallpapers. While most people think that attempting a wet application is the easiest way, experts say that isn't the case. Almost every application expert will tell you that a dry application is the way to go. This means that you simply pull the wrap over the car without anything additional.

Once you know the way that you are going to attempt to put on your car wrap, you will want to make sure that the wrap is going to fit your car. It should obviously fit since car wraps are made specifically for certain vehicles, but that doesn't mean that you shouldn't test it. The best and easiest way to do this is simply with masking tape. Lay the sections of the wrap over your car and tape it on. Once you have all of the pieces taped on, step back and take a look at how your car will look once you are finished.

Now that you know that everything is going to work for your car you can start removing the backing of your car wrap. You will want to use a squeegee to apply the wrap to the sections of the car. You will want work slowly and use the squeegee to make sure the wrap is laying flat on your vehicle. Many people think that you should have to pull and stretch car wraps to make them fit. While the wraps are made to stretch, pulling them tight will actually create weak spots and potentially tear your wrap.

Your next step is going to be looking over the car for air bubbles. These bubbles will ruin the appearance of the wrap on your car and will also no ensure a strong attachment to the car. The best way to solve this problem is to use a pin or needle. Poke a small hole in the center of the bubble and slowly press the air out and use your squeegee to smooth it out. Avoid using razor blades on car wraps. Cuts are hard to make small enough with a razor blade and will often form weak spots on the wrap. With these weak spots, the wrap can actually start ripping and then be useless.

Finally, now that your car wrap is on the car, you have to start cutting the wrap to allow you to open the doors, use the mirrors and operate the windshield wipers. The hardest thing about this step is make sure that you aren't cutting too deep so that you don't cut the paint on the car underneath. It is always better to have to make more than one cut, than put a slice in the paint of your car. If there is ever a question or hesitation when installing car wraps, always consult a professional. If you are uncomfortable with these steps, don't attempt installing car wraps alone.