eye4clr · 04-17-2006, 09:29 AM

Just about done with my first wrap. It's been a bit bumpy due to a number of things. First, I trusted the designer and the vehicle template to adequately anticipate going from 2d to 3d. Lesson is to always measure the physical car if at all possible and verify. Second, I rushed things far to much and made some kindergarden mistakes. Lesson is that a minute spent double checking is worth hours of mistakes. Somehow this is one I seem to have to relearn sometimes. A good humbling goes a long way.

Because of all this, I'm getting unsolicited advice from someone who considers themselves and 'expert' even though they've never actually done an installation. I'm wanting to verify some of the suggestions.

- is it not smart to hinge from key horizontal design elements that have to line up from vertical panel to panel? The design has long lines that must match down the lenght of the car. The suggestion was to always start at the top and apply down.

- how much overlap should there be between panels? Does is really matter if it is 1/4" or 3"?

One thing I did learn is how much I love 3m 180C and how much this stuff can stretch. I'm really excited to do the next one since I'm so much more comfortable with the process now. I even feel that I can do the install solo.

jgolo · 04-17-2006, 12:49 PM

Don't forget a picture when done.

The instructor at the Aralon wrap class used horizontal hindges.

As far as the overlap - at least 1/4" - bigger is up to the installer - you will just have a larger "doubled-up" area to look at.

2NinerNiner2 · 04-18-2006, 05:54 AM

I couldn't recall so I checked the video again and the Oracal guy is using a vertical hinge method on the vehicle sides. I've watched this a few times and am still amazed how "easy" he makes it seem! But that's what a pro does I guess...makes it look easy! I'm still working up the nerve to do my first one, but almost have the graphics ready to print, so will put some pics up when I'm done. Don't know if you've seen this video before, but here's the link:
http://www.oracal.com/global/CF_instruction_large.jsp

CW Graphix · 04-19-2006, 10:40 AM

If you like the 3M stuff then your going to love the Oracal 3551RA! I have been playing with it since the ISA and this stuff is great! When I was wrapping things or had overlaps I used 1/4 inch its cleaner looking, but thats just my thoughts!

Chris

cg- · 04-19-2006, 01:18 PM

We usually print with a .5" overlap. We sometimes have to send out prints across the country to other installers too. No complaints so far. We had another person install once and they wanted a 2 inch overlap. The wrap looked funky up close.

John Miller · 04-19-2006, 06:07 PM

And remember to always start with the back panel & work towards the front of the vehicle so that wind & rain is not forced against the seam as the vehicle moves down the road.

Demitrio · 04-19-2006, 07:38 PM

You're absolutely right, it's always best to physically measure things first. This goes for anything, not just vehicles. 1/4" seems kind of tight. You've gotta leave some room for error. 1/2" or even .75" is usually pretty good. As you get better you can decrease it if you want. I agree that when you get into the 2" to 3" territory things can start looking pretty funky in certain areas. It's very image dependent. Oh yeah, I also start from top to bottom and go from back to front. Congrats on your first one!

eye4clr · 04-19-2006, 08:55 PM

Isn't it tough to line up something like a line that goes the lenth of the side if you start from the top?

I'm about to take on 4 tacoma trucks. They look much easier since I don't have to do the bumpers. Those tight compund curves kicked my butt. Customer said "are these wrinkles normal" - uh... yes for someone who sucks at installation!

bpatrick3 · 04-20-2006, 12:05 AM

I would think that bottom to top install would be best, you would create a roof shingle effect in that rain and snow would run off one panel and onto the next much like the back to front procedure.

Demitrio · 04-24-2006, 04:11 PM

I'm talking about one full panel from Top to Bottom. Like you would use on a 54' footer or box truck. And yes it is hard to line them up. But it is no harder than going bottom to top. You'll figure out your own preferred methodology soon enough.

04-17-2006, 09:29 AM	#1
eye4clr Super Moderator Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: San Diego Posts: 1,414 Printer: HP9000, HP45500, JV3, Onyx	Wrap techniques Just about done with my first wrap. It's been a bit bumpy due to a number of things. First, I trusted the designer and the vehicle template to adequately anticipate going from 2d to 3d. Lesson is to always measure the physical car if at all possible and verify. Second, I rushed things far to much and made some kindergarden mistakes. Lesson is that a minute spent double checking is worth hours of mistakes. Somehow this is one I seem to have to relearn sometimes. A good humbling goes a long way. Because of all this, I'm getting unsolicited advice from someone who considers themselves and 'expert' even though they've never actually done an installation. I'm wanting to verify some of the suggestions. - is it not smart to hinge from key horizontal design elements that have to line up from vertical panel to panel? The design has long lines that must match down the lenght of the car. The suggestion was to always start at the top and apply down. - how much overlap should there be between panels? Does is really matter if it is 1/4" or 3"? One thing I did learn is how much I love 3m 180C and how much this stuff can stretch. I'm really excited to do the next one since I'm so much more comfortable with the process now. I even feel that I can do the install solo. __________________ -- Pacific Print Works "For every big problem there is a simple answer, and it's wrong." - Author unknown

04-17-2006, 12:49 PM	#2
jgolo Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Colorado Posts: 383 Printer: SP-540V -Triangle - CX300- Titan 165	Don't forget a picture when done. The instructor at the Aralon wrap class used horizontal hindges. As far as the overlap - at least 1/4" - bigger is up to the installer - you will just have a larger "doubled-up" area to look at. __________________ John Golo

04-19-2006, 07:38 PM	#7
Demitrio Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Orange County Posts: 26 Printer: Epson, Mimaki, Roland and Vutek	Wrap Techniques You're absolutely right, it's always best to physically measure things first. This goes for anything, not just vehicles. 1/4" seems kind of tight. You've gotta leave some room for error. 1/2" or even .75" is usually pretty good. As you get better you can decrease it if you want. I agree that when you get into the 2" to 3" territory things can start looking pretty funky in certain areas. It's very image dependent. Oh yeah, I also start from top to bottom and go from back to front. Congrats on your first one!

04-19-2006, 08:55 PM	#8
eye4clr Super Moderator Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: San Diego Posts: 1,414 Printer: HP9000, HP45500, JV3, Onyx	Isn't it tough to line up something like a line that goes the lenth of the side if you start from the top? I'm about to take on 4 tacoma trucks. They look much easier since I don't have to do the bumpers. Those tight compund curves kicked my butt. Customer said "are these wrinkles normal" - uh... yes for someone who sucks at installation! __________________ -- Pacific Print Works "For every big problem there is a simple answer, and it's wrong." - Author unknown

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04-18-2006, 05:54 AM	#3
2NinerNiner2 Junior Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Montréal, Quebec Posts: 19 Printer: VersaCAMM SP-300	I couldn't recall so I checked the video again and the Oracal guy is using a vertical hinge method on the vehicle sides. I've watched this a few times and am still amazed how "easy" he makes it seem! But that's what a pro does I guess...makes it look easy! I'm still working up the nerve to do my first one, but almost have the graphics ready to print, so will put some pics up when I'm done. Don't know if you've seen this video before, but here's the link: http://www.oracal.com/global/CF_instruction_large.jsp

04-19-2006, 10:40 AM	#4
CW Graphix Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Fargo, ND Posts: 190 Printer: CW Enterprises	If you like the 3M stuff then your going to love the Oracal 3551RA! I have been playing with it since the ISA and this stuff is great! When I was wrapping things or had overlaps I used 1/4 inch its cleaner looking, but thats just my thoughts! Chris

04-19-2006, 01:18 PM	#5
cg- Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 106 Printer:	We usually print with a .5" overlap. We sometimes have to send out prints across the country to other installers too. No complaints so far. We had another person install once and they wanted a 2 inch overlap. The wrap looked funky up close.

04-19-2006, 06:07 PM	#6
John Miller Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Branford, CT Posts: 247 Printer: Roland SC545-EX	And remember to always start with the back panel & work towards the front of the vehicle so that wind & rain is not forced against the seam as the vehicle moves down the road.

04-20-2006, 12:05 AM	#9
bpatrick3 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Columbiana,Ohio Posts: 214 Printer: HP Design Jet 3000, SP540V, Orca I 55" laminator	I would think that bottom to top install would be best, you would create a roof shingle effect in that rain and snow would run off one panel and onto the next much like the back to front procedure.

04-24-2006, 04:11 PM	#10
Demitrio Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Orange County Posts: 26 Printer: Epson, Mimaki, Roland and Vutek	I'm talking about one full panel from Top to Bottom. Like you would use on a 54' footer or box truck. And yes it is hard to line them up. But it is no harder than going bottom to top. You'll figure out your own preferred methodology soon enough.

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