Here’s the bottom line. If you want to avoid vehicle wrap problems – hire a pro. Sure, an amateur can probably install a decal, but even then if best practices aren’t adhered to it can fail. However, a wrap or partial wrap is a different animal. Unlike a flat decal, a wrap is three dimensional, it might not be one piece and might equipment need removed. Angles and curves present a challenge, and there are edges to seal. Do yourself a favor, if you’re considering a vehicle wrap don’t attempt to DIY, not unless you want vehicle wrap problems,  How to Find the Best Vehicle Graphic Installers.

6 Vehicle Wrap Problems Professionals Avoid

Vehicle Wrap Problems

  1. You Should be Able to Peel a Hard Boiled Egg but not a Vehicle Wrap

Peeling edges are a common problem with vehicle graphics. There are three steps to avoid peeling edges. The edge must be absolutely clean, no oils, film, dust, or debris. The adhesive vinyl should be squeegeed smooth with no wrinkles. It’s best to use an approved squeegee. Post installation procedures include heating the adhesive vinyl to manufacturer’s specifications.

  1. A Little Bubbly is Fine at a Wedding but not on a Wrap

“…inadequate surface preparation can be a cause bubbling as can overstretching, not heating the vinyl post-application, or installing in unfavorable climate such as high humidity or cold temperature.” — How to Avoid Vehicle Graphic Bubbles.

  1. Bad Bad Trim

When it comes to trim there’s no substitute for following procedures, experience, and a steady hand. Not knowing what you’re doing when trimming a vehicle graphic can not only lead to a bad bad wrap but also damage the vehicle’s surface.

  1. Don’t just Wrap Around it – Remove it!

From weather stripping to door handles, remove any piece of equipment that can be taken off and without causing a problem. Think of it like painting an interior room, is it better to remove the light switch and paint behind it or try to paint around the switch? Caution: Not every piece of equipment can or should be removed, if you’re uncertain check with the manufacturer.

  1. A Vehicle Wrap Isn’t a Quilt

A vehicle wrap shouldn’t be a patchwork quilt of pieces. Too often when an applicator doesn’t know how to wrap corners, or uses the wrong material, patches are placed to compensate. However, too many patches and your wrap begins looking like a Picasso painting.

  1. A Vehicle Wrap Application isn’t like Installing Wallpaper

Okay, I don’t know much about wallpaper, but from what I’ve seen you hang it from the top and squeegee it down. Vehicles have parts and pieces that have to be accounted for, such as rivets. One 53 foot trailer will have hundreds of rivets, and each needs cut individually. Knott’s Fine Food Truck Wrap: How to Wrap Rivets.

Be Afraid, Be Very Afraid

If you have experience with vehicle graphic installation, this post isn’t for you. If you plan to install flat decals on your vehicle, you should have no problem if you follow instructions and use the correct material. However, a full wrap installation is complex. You need to know what you’re doing and if you don’t, and you plan on attempting to complete the wrap yourself then you should be scared. Like I said if you want to avoid vehicle wrap problems – hire a professional. Contact Us.

If you’d like a free estimate for your fleet or vehicle graphics; you can Request A Quote.

TKO Graphix is a national fleet and vehicle graphics company helping customers since 1985. We provide full-service graphic design, digital printing, screen printing, graphics installation, and removal of large format graphics.

We’re a fleet and vehicle graphics company and since 1985, we’ve been helping businesses, large and small, brand their fleet of tractor-trailers, service trucks and company vehicles. Whether you have a fleet of thousands or a few vehicles, we are here to lead you through the vehicle branding process.

TKO Graphix is a Certified 3M™ MCS™ Warranty graphics manufacturer. Our installation crews are 3M Certified and are employees of TKO Graphix, not sub-contractors.