Today, car styling is carried out in a variety of ways. However, the most popular is car wrapping with vinyl film. This material is produced by many manufacturers. The range is so large that choosing the right vinyl is not so simple. If desired, you can simulate almost any coating on the body, as well as easily change the main color of the car as a whole. You can stick vinyl film on a car not only in a specialized salon, but also in your own garage. The main thing is to follow all the rules. This method is more convenient and affordable than painting. If necessary, the body can be completely covered with a film, or you can apply an original drawing.
What is the film
Vinyl film on a car allows you to simulate not only glossy, but also matte and carbon coating. The main advantage of this material is that, if necessary, it can be easily removed without damaging the surface of the vehicle.
The following types of films:
- Protective. They are designed to protect vehicle surfaces.
- Textured. Such a vinyl film on a car has a certain kind of texture, which allows you to simulate, for example, a carbon coating.
- Glossy.
- Matt
From the name of the films it becomes clear that each of the varieties has its own characteristics and performs certain functions. In addition, advertising material may be applied to the vehicle body. In this case, vinyl can be of poor quality and less durable.
The main advantages of the material
Vinyl film on a car, the prices of which depend on the characteristics and properties of the material, has many advantages:
- It has a protective function. Vinyl film protects the vehicle paintwork from scratches, chips and other minor damage.
- Updates the appearance of the car.
- Vinyl is resistant to the effects of natural as well as other external factors. The film is not subject to corrosion. It does not lose its properties due to moisture or sunlight.
- You can glue the car foil yourself.
- If necessary, vinyl can be easily removed without damaging the vehicle’s paintwork.
- If the machine is washed in accordance with all the rules, then the coating will last a very long time.
- Relatively low cost, as well as a 10 year warranty.
The best brands
At the moment, many manufacturers produce self-adhesive vinyl film for cars. The range of such products is large enough, and not everyone knows which brand is better to choose. Do not forget that vinyl film is different and may have completely different properties. Abroad, as well as in Russia, such brands as Orafol, KPMF, 3M, Hexis are very popular. Each of the manufacturers produces a high quality product. But what to choose?
Japanese manufacturer
3M impresses with its technological solutions. Not so long ago, self-adhesive films of this brand appeared on the market. Their feature is the adhesive layer Comply. This vinyl film is easier to apply on the vehicle body. It is worth noting that even a novice can stick such a canvas without much difficulty.
The core of Comply's extraordinary adhesive layer is its extraordinary structure. Due to the presence of small grooves, it removes air from under the canvas. This, in turn, prevents the formation of bubbles.
German manufacturer
The second place in the ranking of the best brands is occupied by Orafol products. This vinyl is of high quality. The German company produces a film called Oracal, Orajet, Oralite, Oramask, Oraguard and so on. Each canvas has its own characteristics. The most popular was Oracal 970 vinyl film. It is a cast sheet that has a unique RapidAir adhesive layer. This is a kind of analogue of Comply.
What to consider when self-pasting
Vinyl film on a car can improve the appearance of the vehicle, as well as protect its surface from minor mechanical damage. However, many people are in no hurry to contact specialized salons for pasting the machine with this material. Most car owners try to apply vinyl on their own. After all, this avoids the additional costs. However, before starting work, it is necessary to take into account some nuances.
First of all, you should know that a lot depends on the quality of the film. Do not chase cheap goods. It is better to purchase vinyl made by well-known brands. Only this can serve as a guarantee that the coating will last long enough.
You must also correctly calculate the required amount of film. Experts advise taking with a margin. After that, you can get to work.
Where to start
So, how to glue a film on a car? First of all, it is worth preparing the vehicle. It should be washed well and then dried. There should be no minor scratches or other damage on the surface of the car. It is also worth getting rid of the foci of corrosion. If this is not done, then in these places the vinyl film will peel off very quickly. As a result, coverage in a matter of months will become worthless.
In order for the vinyl film on the car to adhere well, all surfaces must be degreased. To do this, you can use ordinary alcohol or white alcohol. After all preparations, you can begin to try and fit the material. The substrate should not be removed. The film must be tried on to the area that will be glued first. Using construction tape, make marks on the surface of the car. Then it is necessary to cut the desired piece of material. It should be borne in mind that any irregularities require more film consumption.
How to glue a film on a car?
On a flat surface, lay out the cut pieces of material and remove the backing. At the same time, it is worthwhile to ensure that dust and debris do not get on the surface with glue. It is also necessary to get rid of wrinkles. At this stage, it is better to ask someone to help. Gluing vinyl on the surface of a car alone is not so simple.
If you have not previously performed such procedures, then it is better to use the wet method. To do this, the surface with glue should be sprinkled with soapy water. In this case, it is better to use a spray gun. After that, the film can be transferred to the surface where it will be fixed. This method allows you to adjust the position of the material if necessary. If you are sure that you will succeed the first time, then you can resort to the dry method of pasting. In this case, it is not necessary to wet the surface.
After the material is transferred to the car, it should be smoothed out. You need to do this with a rubber squeegee. You need to start from the center of the canvas and move to its edges. In this case, the vinyl should be gradually warmed up and dried. You can use a building hair dryer for this. It should be remembered that the air temperature should not exceed 70 ° C. Otherwise, the material will lose its properties and become more tiny. In the process, it is necessary to expel moisture and air from under the film. The warming up should be uniform.
What to do next
Vinyl film for cars, the prices for which each manufacturer has their own and vary in the range from 7-10 to $ 70 per linear meter, stretches perfectly. This ability of the material allows you to paste over even the most complex areas with bends and corners. In such places, special attention should be paid to warming.
After all moisture and air have been removed from under the vinyl, it is necessary to dry the entire surface with a hairdryer. After this, the vehicle should be left for 30 minutes. After that, all surfaces must be treated with a squeegee made of felt. This will remove smaller air bubbles. The material must be well smoothed. Excess web at this stage must be removed. To do this, you can use a construction knife. But experts recommend processing joints and edges with sealant. Vinyl should dry for 12 hours. That's all. The vehicle is ready for use. However, it is not recommended to travel at high speed for 10 days. Otherwise, the coating will not last long.