In the previous article, No Stress Vinyl Install - Hood Wrapped in Calendar Film, it is demonstrated that a calendar film is in no way more complex to wrap than a cast film. In fact, your workflow can even become smoother if you take advantage of its nature. Let’s go a bit further to see how you can wrap a front fender with a calendar vinyl film today:
Special prepping
A calendar vinyl wrap film usually has low or medium initial tack. To ensure a smooth application, you can spray a polish like Tripple S on the main surface area and wipe to create a layer of even coat there, which can also avoid sanding from the adhesive. (Make sure you do it after cleaning and degreasing the surface thoroughly.)
For vehicles like the BMW X1, you should apply masking tapes on the high side of the front fender before the installation, as this area can be tight for a calendar film. Then, secure the panel with suitable tools like magnets and trim off the excess material. You can then release the entire liner. With the Tripple S underneath, you can pick the film up without stress whenever it needs to.
Let the material wrap for you
Tack the vinyl film in the middle and hold the material off the surface along the bodyline from one side. Let’s say you start with the left side of the fender, and you will then apply overlapping heat to this area. As the vehicle wrap gets relaxed and its memory effect gets triggered, you can give it a good shake, and it will shrink and suck onto the edge, wrapping for you naturally.
Next, run your finger along the bodyline. Always form the recessed areas first and squeegee down the flat part last. Doing this can help you effectively avoid getting adhesive lines. If you are handling sensitive material, you can add a bit of Tripple S to your squeegee buffer to prevent scratches during the process.
Cut and heat
Make relief cuts at the transition point as you reach the top area near the front door. Then, apply heat to relax the car wrap, let it shrink and set on the edge naturally. Use your finger to feed the material into the recessed areas if there is any.
You can handle the bottom part in the same way: make relief cuts and heat to relax the vinyl film. Let it shrink and wrap for you. Don’t forget to run your finger along the bodyline and frame the outside before squeegeeing the flat area.
Check and dry
Once the whole section is wrapped, double-check if everything is set nice and tight. Then, remove any residue from Tripple S and dry out the surface. As you will check again with heat, if there is residue from Tripple S on the surface, it will cause you trouble.
Finish it
Conduct a heat check to see if there is any bubble. When it is ready, you can cut off the excess film. Then, heat and let the vinyl shrink and wrap around the edges. And seal everything down.
As soon as everything is done, don’t forget to post-heat. Keep learning more about wrapping with calendar film at teckwrap.com
