How to cut safely on the body of vehicle when wrapping

Knifeless tape has been an excellent help for vinyl wrap film wrapping, especially for sections where it is easy to cut on the paint when using a knife. However, there are times that knifeless tape might not be in hand, and you have to cut directly on the body of a vehicle. Thus, learning to cut safely on the body is essential for every wrapper.

You can use either masking tape or trim line tape to help when you need to cut directly on the body of a vehicle. They both have low surface energy, which means the vinyl wrap film will not stick with them. You can pick up the film very easily when they are underneath the material.

Put the tape on the surface of the vehicle, where you want to cut. This tape can be a guideline and extra protection for you when cutting. Apply the vinyl wrap film over the tape. Cut with a light touch of the blade along the edge of the tape, so you can avoid cutting through the tape and damage the car. Keep your blade parallel to that edge and at a 10-degree angle, which is safe for you to cut.

As soon as the cutting is done, pull the tape away from the area where you apply the film, and seal the edge of the material.

If you are not confident enough to cut lightly, you can put a few more layers of tape underneath before applying the film and cutting. And if you are worried about having a shaky hand and not being able to cut straight and firmly, you can use two pieces of tape to help you:

Lay down one piece of masking tape or trim line tape as mentioned above, and get a second piece of tape, then put the second piece of tape around two millimeters away from the edge of the first tape, where the material is going to be applied – The second tape should be overlapping the first one.

Put the vinyl wrap film over the tapes once they are set, and squeegee down the film along the edge of the second tape, where you want to make the cut. By squeegeeing, the material is not secured and tight, giving you a great guideline. You will be able to make a steady and straight cut along that edge.

When the cut is made, pull off the tape and the excess material at the same time, and seal the edge of the film. You would have achieved a uniform cut by now.

Give it a try if you have not. After all, knifeless tape might not be available all the time. So, get prepared! For more wrap tips, visit teckwrap.com