It becomes quite challenging to wrap a section with vinyl wrap film, where there is textured molding. But here are some tips for you to avoid frustration:
There are two ways to deal with a section with textured molding. But before doing anything, you should conduct a test to determine which method of the two you will be using:
Try to use your knife to glide right to the base of the molding. If the blade is held firmly, it means you can use the tuck and cut method there. Otherwise, you can take the second technique.
Tuck and cut
There must be more or less a gap between the body of the vehicle and the molding to use this method. Apply the film to the section, and use the hard part of your squeegee to tuck the vinyl wrap film into the base of the molding. And because a textured molding is usually very tight, you should use a micro squeegee to tuck the material in the second time after using your squeegee.
When you finish tucking, make sure your blade is sharp enough. Cut at a 10-degree angle so your blade can glide and cut stably and smoothly. Also, cut at this angle will get you enough material to wrap around so that you will not expose the original color of the car.
Once the cut is made, pull off the excess material, and use a micro squeegee to tuck and seal the edge of the film to the base.
Use the help of knifeless and molding tape
If you find out that the molding is really too tight to use the tuck and cut method, or you are not totally confident in your cutting skill, a knifeless and a molding tape can help you.
First, apply the knifeless tape along the molding – matching the edge of the green side to the edge of the molding. By doing this, the vinyl wrap film will turn out to be an eighth of an inch shorter from the edge of the molding after application.
Apply the film to the section as usual after the knifeless tape is set. Tuck the material to the edge of the molding with the hard part of your squeegee. Release the knifeless tape then, remove it as well as the excess material, and seal the edge of the film.
By now, you will have just enough space to put in a molding tape to the gap between the film and the molding. Match the edge of the molding tape to the edge of the molding while the tape overlapping a little bit on the film on the other side. Take your time when applying, and make sure the tape goes symmetrically. When everything is done, use your squeegee to seal the edge as usual.
This second method can keep you from accidentally damaging either the car or the molding when cutting directly on the surface. In the meantime, it promises you a high-quality and durable finish.
When you have to deal with a section with textured molding, do not forget to test first, and adapt proper techniques for the best result.
