FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS WHEN WRAPPING A VEHICLE

What is a "vehicle wrap" made of?
The materials used for the vehicle wrap is a vinyl similar to a bumper sticker. Actually, that's what a vehicle wrap is, a large bumper sticker. The vinyl graphic material is printed in panels from a 48 inch wide roll. Each printed area (panel) is 48 inches wide and as tall as the vehicle. Each panel is installed or stuck to the vehicle in a manner similar to wallpaper. Each panel overlaps the other by half an inch or more. Each panel is lined up to the next so the image looks like it's one single piece. This is why professional installers charge what they do. It is very difficult to get the panels to line up to each other and not everyone can do correctly.

What's involved in wrapping a vehicle?
Wrapping any vehicle consists of 3 stages or elements. The first is the conceptual, design and layout stage. The second is the production stage and the third stage is installation. There may even be a forth stage that involves removal of the graphics.

Do I have to wrap my entire vehicle?
No, that's why there is a rear window graphic available. Keep in mind though, that your vehicle is a moving billboard, the more image you have on the vehicle the more it will stick out like a sore thumb, and that's good. If you only invest in a rear window graphic you are limiting your exposure to the market dramatically.

Tell me more about stage one, the design stage.
The design stage is the most critical part of the process. Communication is key. Expectations, and a thorough understanding of the overall project is a must. The design should be done with the understanding that images need to be scanned at specific resolutions, file types must be adhered to and the design must be scaled to the vehicle. We always try to get our clients to focus on the purpose of the vehicle ie. bring in new business, create brand awareness etc. The vehicle is a moving billboard so the message on the vehicle must be instantly understood. Having our clients accept a simple but deliberate design is sometimes difficult but an important step.

Tell me more about stage two, the production stage.
The second stage is where we in essence push the print button. If everything in stage one is done properly and all the specifications are followed in detail, not much should go wrong in the production stage. This is the part of the project where most clients try to cut corners and reduce the overall cost of the project. Our quality control policy mandates that our production department print a 4 foot wide layout proof on the material to be used including the over-laminate. We also print a full size cropped area of the vehicle for our records so if down the road something needs to be reprinted we have the colors to match to.

Tell me more about stage three, the installation stage.
The third stage is key and can make or break the deal. A good installer properly trained and given enough time and budget can be worth their weight in gold. An inexperienced installer working at bargain prices may get the graphics installed in record time but more than likely the graphics will be full of bubbles, creases, torch burn marks and the vinyl around rivet heads not put down. Not to mention the graphic is not placed properly on the vehicle per the layout. If you want a warranty on your graphics then a 3M Certified Installer is required to install your graphics. At The Graphics Department we have an internal list of installers that we know will do the job correctly.

How long does the process take?
That depends on how long stage one takes. Since Coldwell Banker corporate has already provided approved designs it's only a matter of having the personalized areas approved by the individual affiliate. This shouldn't take more than a couple of days. The production stage takes about 3 to 5 days and the installation can take as long as 2 days or as little as a few hours depending on the vehicle.

What is the standard life expectancy of the printed images?
Your 3M warranted graphics come with a 5 year outdoor warranty against fading, cracking and delaminating. You should expect area around the wheel wells, moldings and leading edges to begin lifting over time. This is normal and can be stopped with some edge sealer or clear tape. We can advise you on the best method.

Can I roll my windows up and down?
Yes, your installer will trim the perforated window film so that it does not catch on the rubber moldings. This is a problem area over a period of time so you should keep an eye on it.

Can I run my rear window wiper?
Yes, but you should only do this when there is moisture on the window. Running the wiper dry by accidentally turning it on can scratch the graphic and over time reduce the visibility out the window.

What if my graphic becomes damaged in an accident or vandalism?
If your graphic becomes damaged, send us a digital picture of the damaged area. We will determine if we can reprint that area and match it to the surrounding areas. We may even ask that you remove a portion of the damaged area for us to color match to. We'll contact an installer that can remove the damaged area and cut in the new graphic. There is no guarantee that the colors will match perfectly but we'll do our best.

Can I customize the graphics and how?
Yes, there are approved areas of each design that you can add your picture and contact info. If you want something completely different that's possible too but that would be considered a custom design and will add to the advertised cost.

I want to remove the graphic later, is that a problem?
No, your 3M graphics are considered a removable graphic. That said, have you ever tried lifting Scotch tape from a piece of glass after it's been in the sun for a couple of weeks or longer? You'll find it's on there pretty good and leaves some glue behind as well. Your 3M vehicle graphics have the same tendency. They will remove easily within the first 3 weeks becoming more aggressive over time. When they are removed, a professional decal removal company should be contracted to remove the graphic.  They know how to remove the graphics with a minimal amount to damage to the surface if any.

How do I pay for my vehicle graphics?
We are set up to accept credit cards, money orders and company checks. Terms of the sale are: 50% deposit on all orders with the balance due upon completion of the installation. Once the install is complete you can give the check to the installer or have us add it to your credit card.

I know an installer, can they install my graphics?
If you like, with one caveat. We are not responsible if they damage them. There will be an additional charge to reprint them. Just be sure they are certified by 3M to install your graphics. You get what you pay for when it comes to installation.
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How to Care for Your Vehicle Graphics
source: 3M Instruction Bulletin 6.5

Caution: Before handling any chemical products, always read the container label and the MSDS

Your 3M high resolution graphics are an investment and should be treated as such. They will hold up against high pressure washing. If you want your vehicle to look as good as it did the first day the graphics were installed we recommend periodic hand washing. Of course there are those days when an important client will call not leaving you with just enough time to go to the car wash.

For Cleaning Graphics with an Overlaminate Film
Use a cleaner designed for high-quality painted surfaces. The cleaner must be wet, nonabrasive, without strong solvents, and have a pH value between 3 and 11 (neither strongly acidic nor strongly alkaline.)

For Cleaning Graphics with an Overprint Clear
Use a wet, nonabrasive that contains NO solvents and NO alcohol and has a pH value between 3 and 11 (neither strongly acidic nor strongly alkaline.)

Power Washing Exterior Graphics
Power washing, or pressure washing, may be used. However, aggressive washing can damage the graphic. Two common types of damage are:

• Excessive pressure during power washing can damage the graphic by allowing water to get underneath the graphic. Water lessens the adhesion of the graphic to the substrate allowing the graphic to lift or curl. These problems are magnified by wind. This is a critical problem for perforated window graphic film.

Caution: Loose graphics could tear away from a moving vehicle or from a building and cause an obstruction to motorists and pedestrians. After washing, check all the graphics carefully for edge lifting and repair, remove or replace damaged graphics.

To avoid edge lifting or other damage to the graphics, follow these important steps:
• Use a spray nozzle with a 40 inch wide spray pattern.
• Be sure the spray nozzle includes a nozzle protector (tip guard).
• Use a pressure of 2000 psi or less.
• If the system is heated, limit the water temperature to 180° F or less.
• Hold nozzle at least 12 inches (300 mm) away from and perpendicular (90° +/- 10) to the graphic.
• Do not direct the water stream at a sharp angle to the edge of the graphic.

Caution: To reduce the risk of serious injury from high pressure spray:

• Do not place your hand or body near the nozzle or the spray.
• Do not direct the spray toward anyone else.

Automatic Brush Washing
Automatic brush washing may be used, but keep these two points in mind:
• Brushes can catch a loose edge of the graphic and cause further damage to the graphic.
• Brushes can dull the finish of the graphic.

Hand Washing Exterior Graphics
• Flush the graphic with clean water to remove loose dirt particles. A trigger-type hose nozzle is convenient for this purpose.
• Use a mild liquid detergent and water solution and wash the graphic with a soft brush, rag or sponge.
• Wash thoroughly from the top down.
• Avoid abrading the graphic by unnecessary scrubbing.
• After applying the cleaning solution, keep a steady stream of water flowing on the graphic to wash away dirt particles.
• Rinse the entire graphic thoroughly with clean water. Allow graphic to dry naturally.

Removing Difficult Contaminants
Some contaminants may remain after following the normal cleaning procedures. Most contaminants can be removed using one of these methods. Other cleaning products and methods should be used only on a customer test-and-approve basis.

• To remove tar, oil, diesel smut or bituminous material:
• Wipe with a rag dampened with kerosene, mineral spirits, heptane, or VM & P naphtha. Do not use other solvents.
• Wash immediately with detergent and water, and then rinse with clean water.
• To remove pollen and fungus:
• Wash the graphic with a 3% to 5% sodium hypochlorite (full-strength household bleach) solution or mild liquid detergent and water.
• Rinse with clean water immediately.
• To remove crayon, lipstick, or similar materials:
• Select an appropriate solvent and test it in an inconspicuous area to ensure it removes the contaminant without damaging the graphic. This must be done on a customer test and approve basis.
• Wash immediately with mild liquid detergent and water, and then rinse with clean water.

Edge Damage
• Trim loose edges back to the point where the adhesive is firmly adhered to the substrate.
• Apply edge sealing, if desired. Edge sealant may help prevent further damage if the lifting is caused by aggressive washing conditions. Call us and we'll be able to recommend the best solution.