Installation Guidelines
A successful vehicle wraps installation is achieved by combining the right techniques, tools, and materials. The right technique with the wrong tools will lead to frustration and failure. The right tools won’t help if your technique is clumsy. Below is brief installation guidelines made by ACME helping you apply your wraps and graphics.
Installation Guidelines Table of Content
Preparation before install
Installation tools
Install environment
Installation steps
Care after installation
Preparation
When you receive your graphics delivery, Remove the rolled-up decals from the tube carefully and let the decals unroll naturally in a clean flat surface area that’s room temperature. Always avoid folding or wrinkling the decals. Do not expose the adhesive until you are ready to install the graphic immediately. To avoid any damage, be sure to install the decals within a year after receiving them.
Attention: For freshly painted surfaces, wait a minimum of two weeks before applying the decal. For boats wait a minimum of two days after installation before you take your boat to the water.
Installation of a vehicle wrap typically takes 1-2 days and requires 2 people at least.
Installation Tools
① Knifeless tape
② Fixing tape
③ Vinyl backing paper cutter – for applying large format graphics
④ Utility knife- for trimming away the excess vinyl wrap
⑤ L roller – help lay wraps properly into various grooves and channels
⑥ Heat gloves
⑦ Marking pen – to mark the position of graphics
⑧ Air-release pen
⑨ ⑫ Soft and hard squeegees – for applying the wraps and graphics
⑩ Magnets/Tape – for positioning your vinyl wrap in place
⑪ Tape measure
⑬ Primer/Edge Seal Tape
⑭ Isopropyl alcohol (70% industrial alcohol: 30% water)
⑮ Laser thermometer
⑯ Heat gun – for heating the vinyl on complicated surfaces
（Rivet brush will be needed for installation over rivets）
Location
Dry, clean, dust-free, and preferably indoors in a warm environment( 10℃~30℃).
Install
STEP 1 – Measure up
Measure the size of the panel or component you want to wrap, leaving extra material (at least 4-6 inches) on either side. Using a utility knife or sharp blade, cut more material than you think you’ll need – any overhang is easy to trim once the film has been applied.
Complete vehicle wraps
The best way to figure out how much vinyl your car, truck, or SUV will need is by using a simple formula. Just multiply the length of your by three (one for each side and the roof, hood, and trunk) plus an extra 5 to 10 feet for bumpers, rocker panels, spoilers, and mistakes.
For example, A 2020 Toyota Camry is approximately 193 inches in length, here is how we calculate:
193 inches x 3 ~ 48 feet + 10 feet = 58 feet
Therefore, you would need one 60-inch by 20-yard rolls to completely wrap your Camry.
Partial vehicle wraps
Use masking tape to hold a measuring tape or tailor’s tape in place to confirm the correct position and use a water-soluble marker to mark it.
STEP 2 – Clean up
Wash down the surface of the area you want to wrap with soap and water, making sure that any dirt and grime is completely removed. Avoid using car shampoos that contain wax, as this will affect the film’s adhesive. Thoroughly dry the surface with microfiber and/or lint-free towels. It is critical to clean and dry ridges, recesses, ridges, edges, seams, anywhere and everywhere dirt can be trapped.
STEP 3 – Deep Cleaning
Clean the surface areas with isopropyl alcohol (70% industrial alcohol: 30% water) and wipe dry before the isopropyl alcohol has had time to evaporate. This is to avoid any oil, grease, dust, or waxy residues left on the surface, which will affect the holding power of the film’s adhesive. Make sure the substrate is completely dry before applying the film.
STEP4 – Apply
In order to facilitate the installation and achieve a better effect, it’s better to remove the hardware and clean it before applying the film. Remove the backing paper from the wrapping film, being careful not to touch the adhesive or get it dusty or dirty. Slide the film into position, the adhesive won’t stick until you apply pressure, so you could easily get it in exactly the right place. For large-format wraps, it is advisable for you to start the installation process at the rear of the vehicle working forward overlapping each panel.
STEP 5 – Put the Pressure on
Use the edge of the squeegee to apply firm pressure in wide, even strokes. Work from the center, smoothing air outwards towards an exit point at the edge of the film.
Special channels within the adhesive backing will minimize the risk of bubbles – but the odd one or two can be worked out carefully with your finger.
If you make a mistake, the film can be gently peeled back off (be careful not to overstretch it) and reapplied. When the wraps are well applied, trim the edges with a clean, sharp blade for a neat finish.
Tips: When wrapping around curves and edges, use a heat gun to gently warm the film to make it more flexible: you can then stretch it a little to mold it to contours. Be careful not to overstretch it or use excessive heat, as this can cause matte or textured effects to sheen, or the film to melt.
Aftercare & Cleaning
Once the vehicle is wrapped, it will need to keep in a heated environment (room temperature) for 24 hours after application. Any physical aggression (cleaning, abrasion, etc.) must be avoided by all means during that time. Clean the vehicle as normal with non-detergent soap, water, and a soft sponge. An initial rinse will help to get rid of dust particles that may scratch during washing
Don’t wax or polish the wrap. This is especially important for matte or textured films, where you may create a gloss effect
- Avoid using a high-powered jet wash on areas where the edge of the film is exposed
- Avoid automatic car washes – the brushes can damage the film, especially on hot days when the vinyl may be softer than normal.
Vehicle wraps are only suitable for application to factory-finished paint. They are not intended for aftermarket-finished paint as this will not have been cured to the same level. If you are unsure about your paintwork do not apply the wrap film as it may result in paintwork damage.
When removing your vinyl film, use gentle heat from a heat gun to soften the adhesive and reduce any risk of paintwork damage.
