Vehicle Wrap Guidelines
Vehicle Wrap Guide for Vinyl Graphic Installation.
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To ensure a professional and durable wrap, thorough preparation is essential. This guide covers essential steps and precautions to ensure a successful vehicle wrap installation and maintenance. Always adhere to manufacturer guidelines and consult with HONBLUE for specific concerns or requirements.
Step 1: Prepping for Your Vehicle Wrap
- Assess Vehicle Condition: Identify any dents, scratches, or damages. Understand that these imperfections may affect the appearance of the wrap. Minor scratches are acceptable, but major damage like chips, dents, or rust need be addressed before installation to prevent issues with the wrap.
- Avoid Wrapping Recent Paintwork: Do not wrap a vehicle that has been painted within the last 30 days, as the paint needs time to cure.
- Areas HONBLUE Cannot Wrap: Vinyl will not properly adhere to the following areas – plastic moldings including bumpers, trim and side moldings. Also, stainless steel, chrome, rubber or silicone.
- Consult with Designer: For complex wraps, have the designer present during the site survey to discuss best practices and potential challenges.
- Surface Preparation: Avoid using wax, Armor All, tire dressing, or silicone-based products, as they hinder proper adhesion of the vinyl. Ensure the paint surface is free of wax or ceramic coating. Remove all roof racks, bumper guards or other accessories where graphics will be installed.
- Cleaning Process: Wash the vehicle with hot soapy water, focusing on areas with high dirt accumulation. Avoid using protectants or waxes. Allow at least 24 hours for the vehicle to dry before wrapping.
- Drop-off Procedure: Schedule a specific drop-off date and time with HONBLUE. Follow specific instructions based on the vehicle's size for drop-off at their location:
- For vehicles under 96” in height, pull into our Customer Parking Area and check in at the front office.
- For vehicles over 96” in height, go through the guard shack at the end of Sumner St. (let attendant know you are dropping off). Take a left after the ramp and head towards Il Gelato and take another left. Park the vehicle on the left side of the tunnel before the staircase and call customer service at (808) 441-4340.
- Timeline: Plan for the vehicle to be at HONBLUE for at least a week to complete the preparation, wrapping, quality control, and curing stages:
- Day 1 – Vehicle prep and prime
- Day 2, 3, 4 – Wrap
- Day 5 – Post wrap quality control before curing stage
- Day 6, 7 – Curing stage
- Day 8 – Final touch ups, quality control & pick-up
Step 2: What to Look for After Your Vehicle Wrap
- Bonding Period: After installation, allow a 5-day bonding period for the vinyl to set properly. During this time, small bubbles or imperfections may resolve naturally.
- Usage Caution: Avoid using the rear wiper or rolling down the rear window if material is present. Report any concerns to HONBLUE after the bonding period.
Step 3: Cleaning and Maintenance for Your Vehicle Wrap
- Cleaning Recommendations: Hand wash the vehicle gently using non-abrasive detergent. Avoid brush car washes, as they can scratch or damage the wrap. Touchless or brushless car washes are preferable.
- Pressure Washing: If using a pressure washer, keep the pressure below 200 psi and maintain a distance of at least one foot from the graphics. High-pressure washes can damage the material and compromise the integrity of the wrap.
- Weather Protection: Protect the vehicle from extreme heat, cold, rain, and air pollutants to prevent damage to the vinyl graphics.
- Responsibility for Maintenance: You are responsible for maintaining the vehicle wrap. Any wear and tear, including scratches or nicks, will be repaired at your expense.
Disclaimer:
- HONBLUE is not liable for any paint damage occurring during installation or while the wrap is on the vehicle.
- HONBLUE is not liable for any damage that might occur when removing any trim, emblems, mirrors, door handles, bumpers, etc.
- Failure to follow prep guidelines will void the 3M MCS warranty.
For any inquiries or assistance, please reach out to your HONBLUE representative.
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