Car wrapping tips from wrap specialist Rudi
2022.10.28 - Wrapping a car, how do you do it? Rudi Zoons, wrap specialist at Grafityp gives car wrapping tips. Rudi has been in the business for 35 years and shares his knowledge during training courses. Read all about it!
Why car wrapping?
Our clients choose car wrapping for several reasons. For example, car wrapping gives your car a unique design and allows you to add a personal touch to your car. In fact, the possibilities are endless when it comes to car wrapping. In addition, car wrapping works to protect paintwork. Rudi indicates: “After about four or five years, when you take the film off, the paintwork is still brand new”. Grafityp offers different types of films. For example, Grafityp has four types of carwrap films. There are also Omega-Skinz available and laminates.
Wrapping tips
With 35 years of experience, Rudi is a true specialist in car wrapping and is happy to share his best car wrapping tips.
Tip 1: new car
In the first instance, it is crucial that it is a fairly new car with original paintwork. If it is a car that is already older or has been repainted, there is a chance that the film will not hold properly and consequently bubbles will appear.
Tip 2: prepare the car
In addition, the car must be degreased and cleaned and it is best to do this a day in advance. To degrease the car, isopropanol, ethanol or rapid prep is used. Next, the car is placed in a warm hall, where it is at least 18°C. In ideal conditions, this involves a well-lit, dust-free environment with a constant temperature. As many parts as possible are removed, such as the mirrors, number plates, antenna, tow bar, …
Tip 3: the appropriate equipment
There are a number of tools needed when car wrapping, such as a hard squeegee with felt protection (or a separate felt), a sharp knife (cutter) and a hot air gun. You also need tools to push rubber backwards.
Tip 4: the right technique
Now the real work begins, the wrapping itself. Here, it is important to use the right technique. You apply the film to the car cold and stress-free. Then it needs to be thoroughly blown and reheated with the hot air gun. This is crucial, otherwise the film will not stick. Once the film sticks, leave the car in the hall overnight. The adhesive adheres better several hours after application.
So the whole car wrap process takes a day to a day and a half if you are on your own. When someone is not satisfied with their carwrap or in need of a new car look, the film can be removed with the hot air gun. The adhesive is then reheated. This makes it easy to remove the film without leaving any glue residue.
Car wrap training
Car wrapping, as you read, is a profession in its own. That is why Rudi from Grafityp regularly organises a car wrap training course. This is a two-day training in which Rudi teaches you the right car wrapping techniques. This two-day course covers everything from wrapping on a straight surface to wrapping a bumper and notches on buses and mirrors. After this training, participants will have mastered the techniques of car wrapping. But of course, this too requires practice and, above all, repetition. If you do not practice the techniques you have learned, a lot will go to waste.
Want to learn how to wrap a car yourself?
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We help to make brands stick. To do this in the best possible way, a good knowledge of the material is essential. Of films and of adhesives. And of the perfect mix for each application. In our blog we share this knowledge with you and we keep you posted on the latest news facts from our company and from our sector.
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