How to Wrap
Your Vehicle

Cleaning your vehicle is of paramount importance when installing vinyl wraps. Take your vehicle through a car wash the day before — do not use any waxes or protectants — because it allows for complete drying.

Remove hardware and clean it (molding, nozzles, side lights). Use a microfiber cloth folded into quadrants so you can flip it over as it gets dirty. Use overlapping strokes when cleaning, and clean open doors and edges too.

After initial cleaning, wrap a squeegee in the towel and dig it into creases and tight areas. Use a clay bar or scratch-less sponge. Finish with the "squeaky finger" check — if it squeaks, you're good to go.

For a complete vehicle wrap, multiply the vehicle length by three (one for each side, plus roof, hood, and trunk), then add 5–10 feet for bumpers, rocker panels, spoilers, and mistakes.

For a partial wrap, use a tailor's tape or string to measure the exact width and height of the application area. Add an additional 2 inches to each dimension — this extra material is critical to avoid body oils and over-handling, which cause delamination and bubbling.

Plan your method of attack. Lay your film — with the liner still on — over the application area to ensure you have enough wrap for the job.

Apply the film to flatter areas first, as these tend to be easier and more convenient. Check to make sure there is nothing hindering your application, such as logos, hood ornaments, or other bulky objects that won't be wrapped. Research how these objects attach to the car and the best method to remove them before starting.

Unroll the desired amount of film and cut it using a utility knife or pair of scissors. Leave plenty of extra material — you'll trim it precisely later.

Try not to unroll or place the film on the floor, as this will leave dust and debris on the film, causing scratches when applying with a squeegee. Keep the liner side down on a clean cutting surface at all times.

With someone helping you, carefully remove the backing paper while applying some tension to the film so that fewer creases appear. Have your helper position the vinyl and drape the film over the panel.

At this point, ensure that the entire panel is covered without any edges exposed. When placing vinyl on moderately curved surfaces, carefully reposition the vinyl to create tension over the entire surface before committing to the application.

Anchor the film by tacking it down — or "kissing it" — to a few areas of the application surface that are flat and easy to reach. This creates reference points that keep the film in position while you work.

Do not press firmly yet. The goal at this stage is simply to anchor the film so it doesn't shift while you begin the squeegee process. You can still lift and reposition the film at this stage if needed.

Use your squeegee to form the film downward over curves. Lift and reposition the film to re-tension it and remove as many ripples as possible. Work from the center of the panel outward toward the edges.

Do not squeegee over any large fingers or ripples — this will lock them in place. Instead, lift the film, re-tension it, and try again. You'll use tension and your heat gun together to conform and stretch the vinyl over complex curves.

While re-tensioning the film, use a heat gun to stretch the film 2 to 4 percent beyond its unheated size. This allows it to conform perfectly to curves and complex body lines.

Be careful not to overheat or over-stretch the film — overheating causes the vinyl to lose its memory and can create thin spots. Apply heat to 8 to 10 inch sections at a time and work slowly toward the edges, keeping the heat gun moving constantly.

Cutting requires a new, sharp blade — a dull blade will tear the vinyl instead of slicing it cleanly. Trimming takes very steady hands and close attention to detail.

Be careful not to cut into the car's paint. Use a Snitty cutting tool or knifeless tape for clean, paint-safe cuts along panel edges. If using an Olfa-style knife, use a very light touch and cut against a straight edge where possible.

For rounded or sharp edge corners, heat the vinyl until it becomes malleable, then warp the vinyl over the corner until the film is almost at its breaking point. Either use your hands to wrap over the corner, or if the corner is hard to access, use your squeegee.

It might seem intimidating to stretch a vinyl that much, but Rvinyl wraps are specifically designed to handle a lot of warping and stretching without damaging the film. A properly tucked edge is carwash-safe and will last for years.

Before you stop to enjoy your handiwork, post-heat the entire wrap. Use your heat gun to go over every panel at 180–200°F to activate the adhesive and ensure the film bonds permanently to the surface.

Allow the wrap to cure for 24–48 hours before washing. Do not use a pressure washer on the edges for the first week. Wash by hand with a mild soap and avoid wax products that can lift the edges. With proper care, your vinyl wrap will look great for 5–7 years.