Installing vinyl car wrap can be a tricky proposition. This type of installation is normally performed by professional installers. However, that is not to say that it cannot be accomplished by a do it yourselfer. Wrapping an entire car should probably be reserved for the professionals; however, wrapping a hood or a quarter panel is something that is quite doable. If you are going to attempt your own installation there are some very important steps that need to be followed.

One of the most important steps in wrapping a car is the surface preparation. Start by hand washing the car with soap and water. Do not go to the car wash and power wash the vehicle. Car washes will still leave a film and small dirt particles. A good old-fashioned hand washing will eliminate this. Next, wipe down the vehicle with a solution of 50% water and 50% rubbing alcohol. This will help strip away any wax residue and grease. There are also specialty products that can be purchased at automotive stores for this purpose such as Prep-Sol. Also, applying the wrap should be done indoors if possible. This will limit a wind gusts and dirt particles from inhibiting your installation. Finally, the ideal temperature to apply the wrap should be between 60 and 90°.

Next, you will need to trim your vinyl wrap to fit this section of car you were working on. You can do this with ordinary scissors. Measure the section of the car you are working with and transfer those measurements to the piece of vinyl. Trim the outline of that section to make the vinyl easier to work with. It is important to remember to trim the piece with some overhang remaining. This overhang will be trimmed later when working around the edges.

Now you are ready to place the vinyl on the car. Remove the backing carefully and do not allow the wrap to stick to itself. If you are doing a large section, like a hood, you may need someone to help you. Line the wrap up with where you want it to go. Start at a corner and began applying the wrap slowly. As you lay the wrap down you will use your hand to rub back and forth across the wrap to help eliminate air bubbles and wrinkles.

After you have applied the entire section, it is time for the final touches. Even with your best effort there will probably be some small air bubbles still trapped in the vinyl. These are eliminated by using a plastic squeegee. Start the middle of the vinyl with the squeegee and work out towards the edges. This will work any air bubbles out of the vinyl. If there happened to be any bubbles still remaining use the tip of a razor blade to carefully puncture the bubble. Use only the tiniest hole you can. Finally, simply squeegee the air towards the middle of the bubble where you created the whole.

The process is not all that difficult. However, it does take time and patience. It would be wise to start with an inconspicuous section for your first application. Remember not to apply to much pressure with the squeegee because it could tear the vinyl.

If you are tired of driving the same old car as everyone else perhaps it is time for a change. Most people will become bored with their car and decide to add some type of accessory. Most of these accessories range from custom wheels to ground effects to tented windows. These are all nice touches; however, others are also doing the same thing and really it does not make your car unique. What to do then to really stand out? How about a custom vinyl car wrap.

You have probably seen business vehicles on the road with vinyl graphics. Computer repair services with full color graphics of computer screens and a variety of computer components emblazoned on the side and hood of the car. Or a pest control truck with a giant cockroach on the side. Did it ever cross your mind that you could do the same thing to your car? Those graphics caught your attention didn’t they?

The price of the wrap will depend on how much you have done. For a full car wrap the price could be between $2,000-$3,000. However, the price would be considerably lower if you only required the hood or front end. That may sound like a lot; however, many people will spend that much and more on custom wheels.

The designs that you can have installed are nearly endless. Lightning, fire, mountains, the possibilities are many. If you are a passionate diver you could have a detailed underwater scene. A snowboarder could have a mountain scene or themselves in the middle of a trick on their snowboard. You are only limited by your imagination

In addition, you can use your own photos to have a vinyl wrap made. This could be a photo of a special place or a special person that can be converted into a vinyl graphic. Or, you could have a collage of several important photos merged together to create your own masterpiece. One thing to keep in mind when using photos is the clarity. The photo will be blown up extremely large, so if the photo quality is not good it will be even worse on your wrap.

You do not have to be limited by off-the-shelf auto accessories. With a vinyl car wrap you can truly make your car or truck stand out in traffic. Car wraps are real head turners. Start thinking up some ideas that can truly make your automobile an extension of yourself.