Teran Marsell | Published on June 8th, 2019
Regardless of what they tell you on TV, doing certain jobs yourself is not always wise or a saver of money, this is especially true when they end in disaster, and you end up having to spend even more money to have a professional fix the job. Calling the professionals to repair what you flubbed will cost you far more money, time, and frustration that what you tried to save by attempting to do it yourself.
Of all the projects that you may try to do on your own, perhaps the previous statement applies most particularly true to the installation of a vinyl vehicle wrap on your car or truck. The simple fact is that applying a vinyl vehicle wrap is not easy, and it’s not something you can just “figure out” over a weekend with your buddies and get great results. Let’s take a moment to look at just a few of the many things that can go terribly wrong when you attempt this project on your own.
Choosing To Use Substandard Vinyl Material
The first, most common, and most substantial mistake of a do it yourself wrap is purchasing low-quality vinyl material. Wrapping vinyl is available in a variety of different thicknesses, including lighter weight, which is suitable for simple graphics such as logos, and heavier weight material, which is intended for durable, whole car wrapping. A novice will often try to save money by buying the lighter wrap material, only to find midway into the project that it is tearing, bubbling, or nor stretching properly.
It’s also important to know that improper vinyl weight can also cause sagging. The lighter weight materials are not intended to be stretched as much and therefore it is entirely possible that they may not recover fully after application. If the material does not recover back to its original form, then it will sag and give a poor appearance. This sagging is also a major cause of peeling and sloughing off from the body of the vehicle. If this soughing off happens while the vehicle is in motion, especially at highway speeds, it can be a major risk to the safety of the vehicle and its occupants, or worse yet the safety of other vehicles traveling behind.
Another consideration is that cheap vinyl is usually not pliable enough for large surfaces and will not stretch evenly. Uneven stretching can result in the edges pulling back. This can lead to the wrap exposing the paint and not provide in the protection that you need or want, or worse, the possibility that the wrap material pulls back and takes the paint with it.
Incomplete Prep Work
The first and most important step in a vinyl wrap is the prep work done on the car prior to the application process. First timers, of course, know that the car needs to be clean, but don’t actually know what clean involves. Washing the surface of the car is fine, but it is only a portion of the job.
The doors, hood, and trunk or hatch need to be opened, and all edges cleaned. Wheel wells have to be cleaned and free of oil, dirt, tar, and road grime such as salt. The reason for all the detail work is for the edges of the wrap, which are tucked around the edges to cover the paint and help keep proper tension.
Any error will cause the wrap will fail, prompting that ever expensive phone call to the professional to have the job redone properly. You could, of course, save yourself all of this trouble and extra expense by just letting the pros handle the job in the first place, and then you can sit back and relax, enjoying the peace of mind that comes with knowing that your vehicle is being properly handled and will look great for months after the installation of your new vinyl wrap.
Improper Sizing Of Vinyl Panels
A DIY no-no is cutting the vinyl to size. Never cut it the exact size and shape of the panel being wrapped. Err on the side of caution and cut larger, and then trim any excess off. It is the tension after settling that helps the wrap adhere to the vehicle, and if not sized correctly, it will cause shrinkage, tearing, and peeling away from the edges. When this happens, it is really hard to fix it alone.
Inherent Flaws From Lack Of Experience
Almost all do it yourself wraps will have flaws, some that can be catastrophic if not corrected by professionals. Air bubbles trapped under the vinyl are not only unsightly, but they will also tear and expose the paint to the elements. Gathering or bunching around tight angles is another mistake that will cause damage and peeling. These bubbles and bunches are not only unsightly, but they can create heat pockets and moisture cells that can age the paint underneath and lead to damage. A professional wrap job will create a surface that is so perfectly matched to the underlying body of the vehicle that there is no chance for a heat or moisture pocket to form.
Contact Team Acme
Located in Henderson, Nevada, just north of Las Vegas, Team Acme is there skilled, ready, and willing to look at the issues with your vinyl vehicle wrap and help you fix it. Before you try a vehicle wrap project on your own, consider the costs. In addition to your investment in the vinyl and tools, mistakes will cost additionally to repair.
So, with this in mind, why not just use our online contact form. Let the best team in Henderson Nevada give your vehicle the wrap of your dreams. We get it right the first time.
