The three things you will want to avoid when applying a trailer wrap are bubbles, peeling, and wrinkles. They are all too common and occur far too frequently, but they are simple to avoid. What you don’t want from a trailer wrap is the following.

Bubbles

Bubbles or air pockets are something you should avoid with applying trailer wraps. The three most common causes of bubbles in a trailer wrap are using the wrong material, inadequate surface preparation, and improper installation. Improper post-application heating of the vinyl or installing in unsuitable conditions such as high humidity or cold temperature might generate air pockets during installation. According to 3M Graphic Solutions “The ideal temperature-controlled setting for installation is 70° F (21° C) with 50% humidity.” Always apply trailer wrapping films when the air and trailer surface temperature are both above 60° F (16° C) for best results.”

How do I get rid of bubbles when applying a trailer wrap?

During installation is the optimum time to remove a trailer graphics bubble. The longer a bubble grows and grows, the more issues it might cause. To get rid of a bubble, follow these steps:

• Poke a small hole in the center of the bubble with a pin.
• Squeegee around the bubble.
• Use a rivet tool or Rolle Pro to pop the rivet out, making sure there are no bubbles on the rivet’s edges.

Peeling

Peeling edges are a common issue with trailer graphics. To prevent peeling edges, follow these three steps:

• There must be no oils, film, dust, or debris on the edge.
• The adhesive vinyl should be smooth and wrinkle-free after squeeging. It’s better to use an approved squeegee.
• Post-installation procedures, such as heating the adhesive vinyl to the manufacturer’s specifications, must be followed.

when the adhesive vinyl isn’t properly applied around the edges, causing it to peel away over time. Using an edge sealer is one way to avoid peeling edges and seams. Here’s how 3M, the worldwide leading manufacturer of adhesive vinyl, explained edge sealing.

How to Apply Edge Sealer on my trail wrap

1. Do not apply the edge sealer, If the temperature is below the minimum recommended temperature.
2. Before applying the edge sealer, remove the application tape and re-squeegee the edges.
3. Use the edge sealer’s felt dauber or a 1/4-inch (0.6 cm) brush.
4. Wipe the dauber or brush clean of any excess edge sealer.
5. Hold the brush or the flat edge of the dauber across the film and the substrate.
6. In a smooth, continuous motion, pull the dauber or brush along the edge. Ensure that the entire edge is covered and that there are no gaps.

Wrinkles

With a trailer wrap, wrinkles are the last thing you want.  Wrinkles (and bubbles) are unpleasant and will eventually cause the adhesive vinyl to fail. Moisture gathers behind the wrinkle and subsequently separates from the substrate due to expansion and contraction, eventually causing a rip.

One way to avoid wrinkles is to use a heat gun correctly, without overheating or stretching the material. It’s critical to heat the vinyl properly and use a professional adhesive vinyl squeegee. The easiest way to avoid wrinkles is to do it correctly.

“Using proper squeegeeing techniques will prevent wrinkles from occurring in the first place. Mishandling the vinyl, on the other hand, might result in wrinkles before the film is even installed. However, don’t be concerned if you have wrinkles. It’s typically as simple as pushing from the center of the wrinkle toward the edge of the graphic with your fingernail to smooth out the bunched-up materials during installation.

It’s a different circumstance when it comes to removing bigger wrinkles. It is considered preferable to leave an air pocket in the vinyl. Air pocket will result in a premature failure that is not covered by the vinyl manufacturer’s warranty. If a significant wrinkle is at the edge of the image, you may be able to get away with it because you may soften the film with a little heat, lift it up, stretch the vinyl out till the wrinkle is gone, and then reapply the film.

These three problems are at the top of the list of what you should avoid when getting a trailer wrap, but there’s more. Please contact us if you require any additional information or guidance.

If you’d like a free estimate for your fleet or trailer graphics, you can Request a Quote.