Cosmo Kramer

Putting on wrap is not something just anybody can do - it's a skill that takes time to learn how to do correctly.

Today I figured "what the heck" I'll give it a try and wrapped the roof panel. (I watched every video on YouTube about wrapping.) It took me three attempts before I could get to look ok and I'm still not happy with it. The part I had the hardest time with was getting the wrinkles out. Also, I found out the hard way - DO NOT apply heat after the wrap is down and set. If you do, air bubbles begin to appear everywhere.

I've always had excellent results applying decals using the wet method. 3M, however, says not to apply the wrap wet. Anybody know why?

Here's a photo of a problem area:

Maxpowers

Yeah. The guys that do this professionally have real skill. And make it look easy.

Rooster OG

Sorry, I can't help you. Every wrapping project I've tried has ended in a wadded up ball in the trash.

$$$frumnuttin'

It's all about dealing with the compound angles...that is where the technique has to be learned 'on the job' so to speak. If your project is essentially flat and 2-dimensional, no problem.

However, when I did my sideskirts I was able to cut notches where the wrap encountered a curve or a depression. I used 4D Carbon Fiber wrap that had the air channels on the backside...this makes it very easy to work with.

Jeff W

I wrapped the roof on my old C6 by myself and I thought it came out pretty good. I took my time and tried really hard to keep wrinkles/air bubbles out of it. Then after about 1 month in the sun I removed it. Turned out I hadn't gotten all of the air out.

Cosmo Kramer

Yea. The rear of the roof was pretty easy, but the front where it curves down to the windshield is a real SOB.

sTz

I am definitely no expert, but I have used the "Wet" method w/3M and have had success w/installation. It certainly makes the job easier and is more forgiving.

Cosmo Kramer

Ok, after much trial and error, I discovered the secret to installing the wrap. Use a small amount of heat and do not stretch the wrap when it's warm. Heat makes the wrap very pliable and it lays down beautifully. If you stretch the wrap when it's warm, it will thin out quickly and discolor. Also, if you apply heat as soon as wrinkles begin to appear, the wrinkles will disappear. If you let the wrinkles get larger, they are next to impossible to get out. Finally, if a crease begins to develope, pull up the wrap and apply heat to the crease and it will disappear.

After I did the roof, I wrapped my side skirts (many compound angles and curves) without any problems. Again, use only a small amount of heat. To much heat will melt the wrap.

Cosmo Kramer

Photos:

Maxie2U

How about providing a better pic of the whole area.

Cosmo Kramer

Ok.

twilhelm39

Wow. Best looking silver I've seen.

DOOKEY

1080 is designed to be installed dry. Not wet.

DOOKEY

The grooved nature of the 1080 vinyl allows you to release the vinyl without it being 100% stuck to your surface. It was designed to be installed dry. Don't use water.

If you are getting bubbles under the surface you aren't working them out properly. You should only add heat to the vinyl when you need it to relax and stretch.

It can be tricky. But a top is cheap to try since you aren't using much vinyl.

Cosmo Kramer

I agree. Applying wet works on a two dimensional surface. However, on a three dimensional surface, the film will not stick down and conform with the surface area.

Eff A Ford

Something I would easily pay someone to do.