Getting started

Vehicle wraps begin with a customer concept that cannot be realized with plotter-cut vinyl graphics. Generally they have complex shading, textures or colors that need to be created through large format printing.

The customer in this example obtained a new fleet of trucks and wanted maximum impact. A few cut vinyl options were explored, but it was decided that a wrap would be most effective and the design process began.

Customers are encouraged to be part of this process. Your ideas and advertising intentions are important in the quest for the right design.

Ripping the design (Raster Image Processing)

After a design is approved by the customer, it is sent to the printer’s ripstation to receive layout and panel information.

Printing the vinyl

Here you can see the printer outputting the art onto pressure-sensitive vinyl. At Hightech Signs we only use 3M vinyl on our vehicles. There are other options out there, but none perform like the 3M product or carry a warranty that is backed by a reputable company. Buyers beware with other products.

Lamination

After the graphics have been printed and have dried sufficiently they are laminated with a 3M laminate for chemical, light and abrasion resistance.

Cleaning the vehicle

Vehicles must be very clean before a wrap can begin. They should be washed with a detergent to remove any dirt, but refrain from applying any wax. You want the graphics to stick to the vehicle and not the wax.

Letting it Dry

The vehicle should be allowed to dry thoroughly before graphics are applied. Just before application, an IPA should be used for a final cleaning paying special attention to the deep crevices and folds that will resist vinyl adhesion.

Installation

Large graphics are applied in panels, starting with the bottom for horizontal panels or at the back of the vehicle for vertical panels.

Installation can be a time consuming process and patience should be used when working the vinyl around vehicle lights, mirrors, compound curves or vehicle identification badges. In some cases, these items can be removed and re-installed/applied after the vinyl has been applied, but they are fragile and don't always survive being removed.

It is also helpful to install large graphics in a vehicle bay. Vinyl graphics have a small temperature-window which will allow for best installation results and taking weather out of the equation greatly improves the final product.

Perforated window film

After the side panels have been applied, it is possible to determine what size the perforated window film will need to be in relation to the installed art. At that time the window film can be printed and laminated with an optically clear laminate.

Perforated window film installation

Perforated window film can be used on certain windows to assist the visual message. It should be mentioned that window film has a shorter lifespan that its non-perforated counterpart due to the 50% hole to 50% vinyl ratio, but it really helps finish the design.

The details

Time should be taken to ensure that the vinyl is pressed firmly against the vehicle surface and that necessary trimming has taken place.

In some cases you can apply the vinyl to bumpers or door handles, but they need to be very glossy and smooth or the vinyl will fail under the tension that is needed to conform a flat product to a rounded surface.

The finished product

The finished product is a rolling advertisement that is sure to grab attention.

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