Textured vinyl film: One-piece mirror | TeckWrap

A mirror is usually tricky to wrap. And textured film can be challenging to handle. Thus, when wrapping a mirror with textured material like carbon, you will need the right approach to make everything perfect.

Use the correct technique

A carbon car wrap is directional. There are patterns on the finish, and distortion will be apparent if there is any overstretch. Also, carbon vinyl film is usually thick and stiff. Because of all these factors, pre-stretching can be the best option for wrapping a mirror with this material.

Pre-stretch

Cut off a piece of carbon wrap film that is roughly the size of the mirror. And put it over an open window of the driver’s side. Add heat to soften the material, and stretch it about 20% to 30%, almost until the panel bridges over the window.

Heat and shrink

When the pre-stretch is done, apply the vinyl film to the mirror and start wrapping roughly. Do not apply it quite to the edge yet. Hold the material away from the edge, apply light heat, and the film will shrink back and suck on the edge because of its memory effect. Mostly, wrapping a mirror in one piece can usually overstretch the material. But you can avoid the situation in this way. Even the bottom corner is wrapped properly with no stress in this case.

You can incrementally make relief cuts on other sides, getting you better access to other mirror parts. Continuously repeat heating and shrinking until the mirror is completely wrapped with full coverage. Do not forget to tuck the film to the edge and seal it after removing the excess material.

You will have a high-quality one-piece carbon mirror with long durability as soon as you finish. This pre-stretch technique is simple but very helpful. Unlike an overstretched car wrap that is fully put on a mirror by force, the carbon film will not bounce back over time. It will stay there well in shape for quite a few years. Learn more about wrapping at teckwrap.com