How to Put Vinyl On a Car?

On many occasions you may find yourself wanting to change the appearance of your vehicle to differentiate yourself from other cars, either because you chose a color that has already tired you or you don’t like it at all. Regardless of the reason for it, you should know that it is not always necessary to resort to paint. You can cover it with vinyl, a very interesting alternative for it.

Covering it in vinyl is a great way to get a new look for your car without resorting to a more expensive painting process. However, you should know that if you do not apply the vinyl in the correct way, the result may not be ideal. To do this you will need to be patient and dedicate some time to it, although by following the steps that we are going to indicate in this article, you will not have any problem in this regard.

Choice of vinyl

When choosing vinyl, you should know that there are two types: calendared and cast. The former is characterized by being stickier and thicker than the latter. Their quality is inferior and they are more difficult to mold, so they are preferable for occasions in which their application is simpler.

Cast vinyl is, on the other hand, more flexible and easier to handle, even suitable for edges and areas where the curves of the bodywork are more pronounced. When buying vinyl, you should make sure you buy enough material and not buy just enough. It is advisable that you have enough material in case there is any problem in the application.

Also, keep in mind that it is important that when you go to unfold the vinyl, it is advisable that you do it on a surface that is clean and smooth.

The price per square meter of vinyl depends on its quality, but it can be found for around 25-50 euros. Chrome vinyl, for example, has a higher cost, but it must be taken into account that it is also more complicated to apply.

The vinyl process in a workshop can exceed 1,500 euros, while doing it yourself following the steps that we have indicated you can save a large amount of money.

Considerations before installing vinyl on the car

It is important that before you apply the vinyl on the vehicle you make sure to perfectly clean the entire area on which it is going to be applied. It is a very attractive material for dust and if the particles stick to it, they will still be there when you apply.

You should also make sure you have enough space to work with the vinyl cylinder. Find, therefore, a perfect place for it. The workplace must be completely clean. Also, you should measure the length of the surface you need to cover, using a meter stick, pen and paper, so you know how much vinyl you need for each of the vehicle parts.

Keep in mind that the cross on the chosen piece should protrude several centimeters on both sides. In this way you will avoid possible problems when applying the vinyl on the vehicle.

Instructions for putting vinyl on a car

If you are interested in knowing how to put vinyl on a car, you just have to follow the steps that we are going to indicate below:

1. First of all, you must proceed to remove the protective lining from the adhesive part. Then place the cut piece in the center of the area to be wrapped. You must make sure that the surface is properly covered and without showing the edges. Even if you notice that it sticks, it definitely won’t until you apply heat for sealing.
2. With the help of another person (in order to better handle the vinyl), you must hold each of the ends of the vinyl, as if it were a sheet. which will help you to have fewer wrinkles in the middle area of ​​it.
3. Next, you should help yourself with a plastic, felt or mixed spatula to smooth the surface. You should work from the inside out, so that you can remove any air bubbles that may be present.
4. Using a powerful hair dryer, you can apply it to the most difficult areas to make the vinyl more malleable. However, you do not have to apply it in excess since it can cause it to stick. You can also have a heat gun, which is more advisable because it is more efficient and comfortable to use.
5. With the remaining edges, you must make them soften with the use of the heat gun, doing the same process to remove wrinkles. Once done, you must cut the excess vinyl with a cutter. However, it is important that you leave 1-2 cm when cutting, as it will shrink when heated later.
6. The next step is to fix the vinyl with a heat gun. When everything is correct, you must apply the heat on the coated areas, thus ensuring that the adhesive can stick completely. The usual thing is to heat it to 90º-120ºCand you should avoid getting closer than 15 cm.
7. Once all of the above is done, you have to wait 24 hours and the process will be finished.

What do you need to put vinyl on a car?

• Vinyl
• Spatula
• Hair dryer or heat gun.
• cutter

Tips for putting vinyl on a car

• You must take into account the properties of the chosen vinyl, as well as its ability to be stretched and heated. To do this, test before you start installing it in the vehicle.
• Avoid placing the vinyl on surfaces that are wet, rough or dirty.
• Don’t handle the vinyl too much, as this could make it more difficult for you to apply it properly.
• Remove any parts that you don’t want to cover with vinyl, such as vehicle badges or mirrors.
• Apply heat on surfaces that have a more concave shape.