DIY Manual - Designer Wraps

DIY
FULL PANEL
INTERIOR ACCENT
CUSTOM STRIPES
MANUAL
INTRODUCTION
The application of Designer Wraps
by MotorActive as stripes, accents or
panel wrap is one of the most effective,
easiest and affordable ways to transform your vehicle into a head-turning stunner that will be the envy
of everyone. The application section of this manual is divided into three sections, Interior Accent,
Custom Stripes and Full Panel Wrap. While it’s only necessary to review the section relevant to your
project, it’s recommended you read each section as they each incorporate a host of useful information.
Designer Wraps can be applied to a broad range of non-textured surfaces including, painted steel,
plastic, gel coat fibreglass, chrome, glass and Perspex – just to name a few. This makes the variety of
objects that can be wrapped near limitless, with the level of difficulty ranging from easy DIY to expert.
Here are a few typical examples:
INTERIOR ACCENT: Although interior pieces
typically feature complex curves and difficult
corners, they are an ideal DIY starter project. Their
small size makes them easier to manage and there’s
also less material wastage if things go wrong.
CUSTOM STRIPES AND ACCENTS: With the
introduction of knifeless tape (see Magic of
Knifeless for full description), accents and stripes
(including innovative two-tone designs) become a
practical DIY project.
FULL PANEL WRAP: Wrapping a bonnet, roof
or boot, is definitely advanced DIY, requiring
a reasonable level of experience in applying
Designer Wraps. Due to the complexity, we don’t
recommend you attempt a full panel as your first project.
FULL BODY WRAP: Wrapping a vehicle’s side
panels or entire exterior requires an expert level of
skill and should only be undertaken by a Designer
Wraps Accredited Applicator (see website for
national listing).
Wraps are now available in
What are Designer Wraps? Designer
two grades, PREMIUM and STANDARD.
PREMIUM is manufactured by 3M and is a highly advanced, long lasting, adhesive backed PVC Vinyl,
specifically developed for automotive applications. 3M’s professional grade vinyl features its high-tech
Controltac™ adhesive. This amazing, pressure-activated adhesive makes Designer Wraps PREMIUM
perfect for complex DIY applications.
Designer Wraps STANDARD is a cost effective, high quality calendared vinyl film. Using TECKWRAP’s
proven technology, Designer Wraps STANDARD offers an industry standard film to fit your budget. Produced
with air drain technology, application is made easy with pressure sensitive adhesive. STANDARD features
exceptional dimensional stability and they are very conformable over uneven, curved or flat surfaces.
Designer Wraps Essentials
Designer Wraps are more than just innovative vinyl. When combined with the Designer Wraps Essentials
range, it’s a complete wrap program covering; preparation, application and maintenance.
PADDED
APPLICATOR
AND SNAP
BLADE KNIFE:
Included in each
Designer Wraps,
Accessory Pack
and Panel Pack.
DESIGNLINE
KNIFELESS TAPE:
The
combination
of Designer Wraps
and
DesignLine
Knifeless Tape is
a game changer. It
opens a whole new world of vehicle personalisation
via its ability to generate straight lines, smooth
curves, and complex shapes along with innovative,
two-tone designs. All without having to use a blade,
making wrap application totally paint safe.
SURFACE PREP IPA:
100% Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA) is a
pre-application surface preparation
spray. Thorough cleaning with IPA
ensures the area is free of oil, tar,
tree sap, bird droppings and product
residue. It’s also safe to use on
all vinyl wrap materials, making it
perfect for removing fingerprints and
glue residue after application.
HEAVY DUTY
WRAP CLEANER:
Specifically formulated for spot
cleaning all types of vinyl wrapped
surfaces, even sensitive matte
finishes. It will remove harmful
contaminants before they have a
chance to damage the film. Use
to spot clean after your car is hit
by bird droppings or any other
condition that’s likely to ruin the
wrap’s finish.
ensure you get the best finish
Do you have everything? Topossible
and maximum longevity out
of your wrap, you’ll need a few other things apart from the vinyl itself. You’ll also need Designer
Wraps IPA spray, DesignLine Knifeless Tape (if you’re undertaking custom stripes) and Designer
Wraps Heavy Duty Cleaner. Also on your checklist should be; Wax ‘n’ Grease Remover (Prepsol),
masking tape (like 3M automotive masking tape) and a microfibre towel. Depending on the
size and complexity of your project, you may also require a hot-air gun or hair dryer.
How much do you need?
Designer Wraps are offered in a range of
colours and textures in two convenient retail
sizes; Accessory Pack (containing a 1.52m x 0.50m sheet) and Panel Pack (1.52m x 1.80m). To determine
how much vinyl you’ll need, measure up the pieces/area you wish to wrap and compare this to the sheet
sizes in each pack. The Accessory Pack will cover a number of interior pieces and is ideal for custom stripes
or accents to spoilers, mirrors, etc. Naturally, two-tone custom stripes will require separate packs for each
colour/texture. The generously-sized sheet in the Panel Pack is large enough to cover a typical bonnet, roof
or boot lid without seams. The full range of Designer Wraps colours and textures can also be purchased by
the lineal metre as a custom order through your retailer.
Surface Preparation
Regardless of the object being wrapped, a scrupulously
clean surface is a must to attain a good finish and to ensure
your Designer Wraps do not lift or delaminate. Interior panels should be cleaned with Designer Wraps IPA,
including under any lip, edge or void where the wrap will roll under or into. Spray IPA directly onto surface
and wipe off with a dry, microfibre towel. For exterior panels, clean with Meguiar’s Waterless Spray Detailer
(*Note: all surfaces must 100% dry as the presence of any water or moisture will ruin the adhesive), then
meticulously wipe with wax ‘n’ grease remover followed by Designer Wraps IPA. Make sure you get in and
underneath any trims, moulds or rubbers. Stone chips, large scratches and surface blemishes will show
through the wrap and should be repaired prior to wrapping.
The Magic of DesignLine Knifeless Tape
DesignLine Knifeless Tape cuts the vinyl as good as a knife, however the key to this revolutionary tape is
that rather than cutting from the top, it cuts up through the vinyl from underneath. The knifeless is laid down
first, Designer Wraps applied over the top. Then, as the knifeless tape’s polymer filament core is extracted,
it cuts up through the vinyl with a clean, sharp, accurate edge. DesignLine Knifeless can also be applied
over Designer Wraps vinyl, which allows you to generate trend-setting, layered two-tone arrangements
(see the Custom Stripes section). This, combined with the tape’s ability to create accurate, straight lines,
long, flowing curves, as well as tight radiuses, makes the possibilities limitless. Which brings us to design.
Design
Achieving a killer, head-turning look and making your ride the envy of everybody
via the application of stripes and accents is all about effective design. Give plenty of
thought to layout along with colour and texture combinations. Print out a few photos and break out the
marker pens. And think ahead; while wrapping can be accomplished with zero disassembly, if you create
a design that envelopes a badge, vent or other impediment, best results will be achieved by removing them
before application. If you’re reluctant to do so, opt for a design that avoids them. Also be conscious of
the material’s width and length as a clever design will avoid having to join the material. Need some
inspiration? Head to DesignerWraps.com.au, there’s plenty of thought-provoking examples.
Now let’s wrap!
INTERIOR ACCENT
Wrapping an interior component
or accessory piece will bring
your interior alive, giving it
your own personal style. It’s also a true DIY project that’s perfect for beginners. Each piece along with
the material to cover it is more manageable and there’s a lot less wastage if you have to scrap a piece.
Due to their complex contours, it’s likely you’ll need to heat the vinyl with a hot-air gun or hair dryer
to increase its conformability.
SURFACE PREPARATION: Before beginning to wrap any panel or component, always follow the
meticulous surface preparation process outlined earlier in this manual.
1. For best results, remove the component where
possible. If you don’t know how to remove a certain
component, search the internet as there’s plenty of good
instructional videos that will be able to help you out.
2. With the backing in place, cut the Designer Wraps to
size. To gauge this, lay the part atop the vinyl or measure
it out. Give yourself plenty of extra material, as you’ll need
this to grasp hold of as you wrap the component.
3. Peel the backing and carefully position it. Use the
padded applicator for, large, flat sections. With detailed
areas, gently stretch the vinyl, while simultaneously working
it down, into the depression with your thumb and fingers.
4. At room temperature, the vinyl has limited conformability.
Gently heating it increases stretch and conformability
by around 30 per cent. Practice on a piece of scrap first,
as overheating the vinyl will melt or sheen it.
5. A few passes with the hot-air gun will reveal any
concealed bubbles. Tap them out with your finger tip before
wrapping the edges. Heat will also eliminate the gathering
along the side so that they don’t transfer to the underside.
6. To avoid gathering at the corners, it’s often beneficial
to make relief cuts at those points before wrapping them.
As you work the edges, avoid underside puckering as it
may stop the panel sitting correctly when refitted.
7. Holes and cut-outs are last. Note how the vinyl was
worked down into the depression before trimming, this
also required heating to attain the necessary stretch. Heated
vinyl tears rather than cuts, allow to cool before trimming.
8. To stretch the vinyl into the corner of a cut-out; heat,
then roll it under with your fingers. Hold until it cools.
Precisely trimming the vinyl (leaving a lip of only 3 to
4mm) prior to this step will result in a neater underside.
good!
Finishing Up Lookin’
To activate the
ControltacTM adhesive and to create a strong bond,
firmly run your hand over the entire wrapped
surface. When working with Designer Wraps
textured finishes (i.e. carbon fibre or brushed
metal), ensure you align the grain wherever
separate sections butt together. Fine scratches
can be eliminated with a light application
of heat, while fingerprints and glue residue
should be removed with IPA or Heavy Duty
Wrap Cleaner. Now head off to the Care and
Maintenance section at the inside back of
this manual, to see how to best look after
your newly-applied Designer Wraps.
CUSTOM STRIPES
The combination of carbon fibre
main stripes with Matte Orange
highlights on this vehicle
showcases just one of the main ways in which the various Designer Wraps colours and textured finishes can
be used. It also demonstrates hoe to utilise DesignLine Knifeless Tape to create trend-setting, layered, twotone configurations. The hardest part is determining which order to apply the vinyl. Typically the colours
forming the highlight stripe/s is applied first. This is then followed by the main body of the stripe, which
forms the top or second layer.
SURFACE PREPARATION: Before beginning to wrap any panel or component, always follow the
meticulous surface preparation process outlined earlier in this manual.
CUSTOM STRIPES
FIRST LAYER
1. Low-stick masking tape, that doesn’t leave a residue,
is the most practical way of transferring your design
to the panel – never use a grease pencil. Take lots
of measurements to ensure your layout is symmetrical.
2. Lay the knifeless tape down in flowing, fluid movements
to create smooth flowing lines. Extend it well past where
the vinyl will eventually sit and memorise anywhere it
crosses over itself as the top layer must be removed first.
3. Run your finger over the knifeless to ensure it’s bonded,
remove masking tape guides and wipe again with IPA.
With the backing intact, cut the vinyl to size, leaving a
minimum of 30mm around all edges.
4. The vinyl becomes electrostatic once the backing is
removed, attracting floating debris. To safeguard against
this, peel back around 200mm of the backing, lightly tack
this to the panel before peeling away the remainder.
5.The unique pressure sensitive adhesive
of Designer Wraps STANDARD allows the
vinyl to be lifted and repositioned during
application without issue. Whilst it tacks
lightly upon first contact, it only takes full
hold when pressed firmly – at which point
it should not be relifted. To eliminate as
many wrinkles, gathers and trapped
air bubbles as possible before using
the applicator, lightly tack the centre,
then working outwards from there,
pulling the vinyl taught as you lay it
back down onto the panel.
6.The advanced air drain technology allows the trapped
air to be removed easily. Using your hand as well as a
padded side of the applicator, start in the middle and work
outwards, squeegeeing out the bubbles. It may be required
to lift the film a little to help release the air.
7. With all the air bubbles and wrinkles removed, apply
firm pressure with a padded applicator or your hand. This
activates the adhesive, fully bonding the film. Trim excess
vinyl at the back edge leaving a 10mm lip.
8. To extract the knifeless tape’s
filament core, fold a small section of
the tape back onto itself and press
your thumb down firmly, atop this fold.
Tightly grasp the free end and give
it a quick, firm tug. As the filament
approaches the edge of the vinyl, press
your finger over the filament and vinyl
as you continue pulling. This ensures
the filament begins cutting, rather
than lifting, the Designer Wraps.
9. Pull the filament along the line
followed by the DesignLine Knifeless
Tape (its outline is clearly visible
through Designer Wraps) at a low angle
using a steady pace. Once you begin
removing the filament core, it’s best
to remove the full length from that
section before removing any excess
wrap, or moving onto another area.
10. Note how cleanly the knifeless tape has cut the vinyl.
To attain such an edge, it’s imperative to press the wrap
down firmly atop the knifeless tape during application
by running your thumb or finger along its full length.
11. Once the knifeless tape’s filament and excess vinyl
is removed, two thin strips of adhesive backing are
left behind. Here, again do not pull upwards, rather
pull the strips away from the edge using a steady pace.
12. Run fingers along the edges to ensure they’re fully
bonded. Even though the wrap will look completely
bubble free, very small air bubbles can often remain.
Running over the entire area with a hot-air gun (or hair
dryer) quickly reveals them. As soon as a bubble begins
to form, stop applying heat to that area, let it cool for a few
seconds and then gently tap the bubbles out with the tip
of your finger. You’ve now created your first custom stripe.
However for even more impact, why not add a second,
contrasting colour to create an innovative two-tone design.
CUSTOM STRIPES
SECOND LAYER
13. This particular design called for a bold stripe down the
middle along with a slimmer stripe down each edge. Once
again, use tape to lay out your chosen design. Note how a
different width tape was used to create different width stripes.
14. Lay the vinyl using the same method shown in Step
4. Before beginning to smooth the vinyl, verify it’s covering
all the knifeless tape. As there’s nothing worse than getting
towards the end and realising its incorrectly positioned.
15.With textured finishes like Carbon Fibre (shown) and
brushed metal, limit the amount you lift and re-lay them.
The more times you do so, the more you may distort the
texture. Only ever use the padded side of the applicator.
16. When removing the excess vinyl strips, pull them
away from the edge rather than directly upwards, so as
to avoid lifting the intact vinyl. As the excess is removed,
you can see the final design beginning to emerge.
17. The use of contrasting tones
really makes the custom stripes
pop. This is further enhanced by
employing a textured finish, like
Carbon Fibre. *Note: The surface
texture in Designer Wraps
brushed metal and carbon-fibre
vinyls will show through any
wrap applied over the top. Only
use textured finishes as the top
layer.
18. When bonding the edges of the stripes after removing
the remains of the knifeless tape, lightly run your fingers
along to initially tack the vinyl, then make a second, firmer
run so that the adhesive forms a high-strength bond.
19. Each layer is treated independently. Therefore, repeat
the heating process to reveal any concealed air bubbles.
Application can sometimes leave behind fine scratches.
These can often be coaxed out with light heating.
what a difference! If you put plenty of thought into your design, there’s
Finishing Up Wow
no reason a capable beginner cannot achieve similar results. The combination
of multiple colours and textures along with the unique design of custom stripes and accents makes the
possibilities near limitless. Need some inspiration? Head to the Designer Wraps website to view a host
of eye-catching examples. For hints and tips on the best way to look after your newly-installed Designer
Wraps, flick to the inside, back page of this manual to the Care and Maintenance section. Now head
out to show off to everybody your ride’s impressive, new livery.
FULL PANEL WRAP
The more you wrap the
better you get at it. So after
mastering a few smaller,
simpler projects, you’re probably keen to step-up to wrapping a full panel. Such a project is considerably
more difficult and firmly classified as Advanced DIY. If you’re not proficient or confident to undertake
such a project (or you’re contemplating getting your side panels or entire vehicle wrapped), MotorActive
strongly recommends seeking out a professional installer. Check out the Designer Wraps website for a list
of Accredited Applicators located in all major cities and regional areas.
SURFACE PREPARATION: Before beginning to wrap any panel or component, always follow the
meticulous surface preparation process outlined earlier in this manual.
1. When applying Designer Wraps to larger panels, it’s
inevitable you’ll run into obstacles such as badges,
moulds, spoilers, handles and antennas. A superior result
will be obtained by removing such obstacles.
2. If you need to remove interior trim to access exterior
adornments, dedicated removal tools (from auto parts
stores) makes doing so easier and safer. If unsure how to
remove any trim, there are “how-to” videos on the net.
3. Before removing the backing, cut to size. With larger
panels, work out of the elements, as the lightweight film is
easily blown about. Warming the panel in the sun prior to
wrapping will help the vinyl stretch and conform.
4. Working with large pieces of Designer Wraps is a
two, three or even four-man operation. You’ll note in later
images the bonnet is propped open slightly. Having it sit
slightly proud makes it easier to smooth the edges.
5. Stretching the vinyl while laying it down eliminates
as many air bubbles and wrinkles as possible. The more
people you have on hand, the smoother you can initially
lay the film, making the whole application process easier.
6. It’s inevitable on initial application there will be some
trapped air and wrinkles. These can be removed via lifting,
stretching and relaying the vinyl. This can be done a
number of times during application without issue.
7. Begin working the vinyl area-by-area. Using your hand
and the padded side of the applicator, start from the middle
and work outwards, squeegeeing out the air bubbles.
Avoid creating gathers, as they’re challenging to eliminate.
8. Note how the vinyl bridges this recess, its natural stretch
allows it to be worked into such recesses. Keep in mind where
and how gathers can form. Here, working from the top of
the ridge outwards is the least likely to create issues.
9. On large air bubbles, rather than attempting to squeegee
them out with the applicator, progressively tap them out
with the tip of your finger. Bit-by-bit, start at one end and
slowly work your way to the opposite end.
10. Large bubbles (i.e. previous step) are uncommon,
however smaller bubbles like this are. First tap them
out (as per Step No.9) with the tip of your finger, before
using the applicator to squeegee out the last bit.
11.Run over the entire panel with a hot-air gun to reveal
any concealed air bubbles – with the tip of your finger, tap
down any that pop up. This must be done before wrapping
the edges, as doing so seals off the air-release channels.
12. Extreme gathering like this must be smoothed out
prior to wrapping the vinyl around the edge, otherwise
these gathers/wrinkles (puckering) will be transferred
to the underside resulting in an unsightly finish.
tension Designer Wraps by anchoring
Heating and Stretching Lightly
to another part of the car (the top of the bumper
in this case), then gently heat the vinyl. This activates the film’s ‘memory’ and will smooth out most of
the wrinkles and gathers. Don’t overheat the vinyl as this can ruin the adhesive and impair the finish.
Practice on a scrap piece to get a feel for how much heat can be safely applied. Never simultaneously
pull and heat, as you’ll burn a hole straight through the vinyl (pictured below right).
13. Heating the vinyl makes it stretchy. Even then,
it’s often necessary to make relief cuts (to right of the
installer’s thumb) to allow the vinyl to stretch into concave
curves – such as across this bonnet’s leading edge.
14. After heating, pull/stretch the flap while simultaneously
rolling the vinyl around with your thumb. Be wary when
working on the heated vinyl as it’s easily scratched –
you can even leave fingerprint impressions in the surface!
15. Tight internal curves require multiple relief cuts,
while sharp external corners need to be pie-cut to avoid
excess bulking under the lip. With a bit of practice anybody
can achieve a professional-looking finish like this.
16. Working on small sections at a time will ensure the
underside will be crease free. This is important as creases
(puckering) allow moisture to get in under the vinyl
which can undermine the adhesive and reduce longevity.
the car in direct sunlight, or run over both the top surface and
Finishing Up Park
underlying edges with a hot-air gun. This heat cycling will coax out
any fine (and some not so fine) scratches left in the surface after application and assist sealing the
edges. It also ensures Designer Wraps attains a very strong bond. Glue residue and fingerprints can be
removed with Designer Wraps Heavy Duty Wrap Cleaner or IPA spray.
Although it looks relatively straightforward, the compound curves and tricky detail along the front edge of
this bonnet makes it Advanced DIY. Items like bulges, air vents and other irregular contours all increase
the level of difficulty. MotorActive advises against attempting such a wrap application without having
successfully completed a number of simpler projects.
This bonnet, roof and boot wrap only took a couple of hours, yet it has completely transformed the vehicle’s looks.
Designer Wraps truly is one of the easiest, quickest and most cost-effective ways to give your ride a
completely new, killer look. Enjoy!
CARE & MAINTENANCE
Designer Wraps will
not only add value
and style, it will
also protect thanks to its durable polyethylene construction. It acts like a second skin, shielding your vehicle’s
finish from typical impairment caused by UV fading, stone chips, tree sap, bird droppings and industrial fallout.
Designer Wraps is also 100 percent water sealed, completely protecting your vehicle’s finish from the elements.
Better still, when applied to factory-quality paint, Designer Wraps PREMIUM can be easily removed after up
to seven years and STANDARD will perform for up to 2 years without damage or leaving behind a residue.
See website for instructions on how to safely remove Designer Wraps vinyl.
T
RR
Y
D
EX
E
N
TE D
WA
To ensure the film retains its as new appearance; hand-wash whenever dirty and always
chamois to avoid water spots. Never scrub or buff the film and avoid using harsh chemicals
along with abrasive tools or compounds. Designer Wraps is offered with an Extended
5 Year Warranty, however when cared for appropriately, it can maintain its appearance
for up to ten years. Extensive exposure to weathering and UV will result in accelerated
degradation of any vinyl wrap material, particularly on horizontal surfaces. To maintain
Designer Wraps good looks, MotorActive recommends the following products;
AN
Microfibre Wash Pad
Not only does it deliver superior
washing action and incredible
cleaning power, the Wash Pad’s nonscratching microfiber construction
will not abrade your Designer Wraps
or cause edge lift. AG1020
Super-Glide Chamois
This high-absorption, premiumgrade microfibre chamois has been
specifically designed for drying
sensitive, scratch-prone finishes.
This makes it ideal for use on
all vinyl wrapped surfaces. AG6000
Heavy Duty Wrap Cleaner
Safe to use on all types of vinyl
wraps. Spot clean to remove harmful
contaminates like bird droppings, or
any other condition that’s likely to
damage the wrap’s finish, before it
has a chance to. It also removes wax
coatings. DW6016
Quik Detailer
Similar to Heavy Duty Wrap
Cleaner, Meguiar’s Quik Detailer is
perfect for everyday use. It features
higher-lubricity than Heavy Duty
Wrap Cleaner, making it a gentler
product that cleans without affecting
your wrap’s light, wax coating. A3316
Ultimate Wash & Wax
Suitable for all Designer Wraps
finishes. Specialised, high-sudsing
formula dramatically improves water
roll-off and beading to minimise
water spotting. Adds a light layer of
wax protection. G17748
Ultimate Quik Wax
Ideal for use on all wrap finishes,
including carbon fibre, brushed metal
and even matte! Super-fast and easy
to apply, it adds a layer of lasting
protection without leaving any trace
of white residue. G17516
WARNING!: Never apply a traditional automotive polish or wax to Designer Wraps (such products should
be cleaned off with Designer Wraps Heavy Duty Wrap Cleaner). Meguiar’s Ultimate Wash & Wax and
Quik Detailer are the only suitable products for regular cleaning.