Jump to content

Today's vinyl wrap experience


HEADPHONES

Recommended Posts

With my ever losing battle with oxidising headlights no matter what coating I used after polishing, I committed myself to try a wrap to protect them.

 

Being aware of my limited skills I bought 3 pieces with the plan to try wrapping a spare old rear light cluster I have lying around

The size and curves being similar to the front headlights would be a good training exercise.

 

Armed with a heat gun and some spray lube (750ml water and a teaspoon of shower gel)

I made quite good progress.

Just needed to use my fingernail to tuck the edges in tight.

IMG_20210725_130402.jpg

  • Like 3
Link to comment
Share on other sites

So I repolished one of the headlights and then wiped down with alcohol. Re wiped with water.

Then started my wrap.

All went well til I peeled off the protective top layer.

No bubbles but some cloudy patches similar to when celotape sticks against itself adhesive side to adhesive side and when you pull it apart it isn't clear anymore.

I thought maybe I used the wrong lube so tried again with JUST WATER........:wacko:

May as well have tried using it dry....... total mess:surrender:

Going to order another FOUR pieces as I'm adamant to nail this:lol:

IMG_20210725_174044.jpg

  • Like 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Keep at it pal, coatings are crap and don't last.

 

Done mine x3 times now for the pair and 90% is good enough. Careful not to get fingers on the sticky part of the film that will end up on the headlamp and to clean all areas around the lamp also. All good practice as these lamps look fairly flat however are far from.

  • Thanks 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I would recommend fairly liquid + water. Spray on both surfaces, headlights and also the film (sticky side). Lots of water to stop it from sticking when you position/work on the film. Start from middle and work you way out with a squeeze or credit card. Once you 'squeeze' the water out, the film will stick to your headlights. Depending on the film quality, you want to consider to either cut the film to size ie no folding at the edges or 3-5mm extra to fold it. Both have their pros and cons.

 

To size - No risk of edge unfolding due to film not sticking to headlights well but you might peel it whilst washing your headlights (I supposed you can take care whilst washing them).

 

Folded - Looks better but as above, the edges might start to unfold after some time

  • Thanks 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Is it me or the material?

I get this milky cloudiness and this is my third attempt.

If I do a small patch that doesn't need stretching or lifting to reposition, it's all good.

But I have to heat and stretch to get round the curves right?

IMG_20210731_174303.jpg

IMG_20210731_181534.jpg

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Material. Though I'd leave it on for a few days and see what happens. 

 

When it comes to wrapping, I would always recommend to pay a professional and someone who's willing to offer a "lifetime guarantee". Worth every penny imo, I've had air bubbles/water spots get in and they've offered to replace the wrap for me. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Just finished my 4th attempt of the day.

I finally have to admit defeat.

I've run out of film anyway:surrender:

I'm pretty sure it's because I'm taking too long and the adhesive doesn't like being repeatedly squeegeed.

Didn't even peel off to reposition at all this time, holding the heat gun between my knees and using 2 hands to stretch round the bottom left corner.

 

 

IMG-20210731-WA0017.jpeg.0dfa400ee396ef1feb5fca1483751f6f.jpeg

Link to comment
Share on other sites

So, start at the most curved end of the light first when ready to apply, use johnsons baby shampoo, only a little as if you use too much it wont adhere well. Always keep your hands wet when touching the film. Usually those marks appear when theres water left under the film or if its been stretched too much OR if not enough liquid has been used. Sometimes it will vanish after a few days but ideally you dont want it there in the first place. When trying to stick the edges down, squirt with clean water to remove the soapiness and then squeegee down. To be fair youve not done a bad job considering you did it on your own! An extra pair of hands always helps! Well done though!

  • Thanks 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

20 hours ago, zippypooz said:
20 hours ago, zippypooz said:

When trying to stick the edges down, squirt with clean water to remove the soapiness and then squeegee down

 

That's a great tip thanks:thumbs:

I used one teaspoon of Johnson's baby shampoo to 750ml water. I didn't even cheap out and buy Tesco's own brand :lol:

I'll be ordering another 4 pieces and I'm pretty confident I'll nail it now:teeth:

Edited by HEADPHONES
  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

×
×
  • Create New...