Among various kinds of wrap films, chrome is another favorite wrap film of many people. So what are the Dos and Don’ts when installing a chrome vinyl wrap?
Today we will be looking at the property of chrome film and see what the crucial things to do during the installation are.
Chrome wrap film is a multi-layered film that is between five and eight millimeters thick, which is also without any lamination layer.
This type of wrap film is not directional. So when applying, there is no need to worry about the direction of panels and any color hue.
When it comes to choosing squeegee for install, a soft one is a correct and best choice, as the finish is very sensitive to scratches. As for buffer, a wet buffer is the one you should use. A dry buffer should be avoided when installing chrome wrap film because they can cause micro scratches very easily and lead to bad quality of finish.
Apart from this, there is also another tip to avoid scratches, which is to apply an overlaminate before install. During the install, a soapy solution is needed to allow both the buffer and squeegee to slide easily across the surface of the film.
Not only this, when it comes to squeegeeing, bear in mind that you should avoid holding the squeegee at a high angle, which can cause the corner to scratch the surface.
Instead, make sure to squeegee low and flat so that you can get the best result.
When installing chrome wrap films, wrinkles may occur very possibly. And unlike standard wrap film that can self-heal easily, chrome films do not self-heal. So when it happens, we pick the film back up and adding heat to trigger the memory. Before you stretch the film though, do not forget first to heat it thoroughly, considering chrome wrap film is multi-layered and thick.
This also means that using an IR heater, steamer or heat gun will give you the best result. However, remember not to use propane torches as a heat source, as it can very possibly make the film hard to be stretched properly.
The heat-up to chrome wrap film can help it conform to curves or recessed areas. And when you do the heating, the right way to do is to heat it thoroughly and pull the film evenly.
Be careful not to overstretch the film though, because if the film is overstretched, it will get what it is called “the ghost effects.” This is due to the multi-layers get shifting and not connecting anymore.
For post heating, it is supposed to apply to more areas with chrome wrap films than other cases. Particularly, apply heat to edges, and anywhere the film gets stretched to close to 10%. Last but not least, when making relief cut, the correct way is to do enclosed relief cuts rather than standard ones, as a standard relief cut can easily split and run into the wrapping area.
So here are some essential tips about chrome film for you today. We hope this will somehow lead you to your perfect finish. Happy wrapping!
