Take some time to view the answers to common questions. If you don’t find an answer to your question, please call us and we will be happy to answer any question or concern about our products.
Vinyl Installation Resources
General
What exactly is a vinyl wrap?
A vinyl wrap is when you take a specially formulated vinyl material print an image, logo, lettering etc… on it and completely cover the object to which it is applied.Vinyl wraps are very popular, you have seen them in many applications and may not even know it. Have you ever watched a NASCAR race, if you have then by all means you have see a wrap. Many semi tractor trailers have large photographs on the complete side & back, this was done using wrapping film.Many local deliver vans and box trucks have various type of advertising on them most of these are wraps as well. Now we are changing the colors on vehicles using solid color materials in chrome, metallics, Ultra metallics, satin finish, matte finish and textured wraps.
How does it work?
Vinyl wrapping film isn’t just your average decal material. This film is specially formulated to easily conform to all types of curved, corrugated and convex surfaces. Unlike the average decal film which would never be able to do so. Most films have an advanced air release system built into the material.This greatly reduces the trapping of air bubbles, creasing and imperfections. Another great feature is the adhesive is a very low tac adhesive to start, so it makes it very easy to work with. You can actually peel of the backing paper and dry set the material on the surface, if you are not happy with placement you can simply pick it up and lay it back down. Even if the adhesive touches it self you can simply pull it back apart without destroying the material, try doing that with standard decal film. This is why you need to be sure when choosing a company to purchase from that they are really using a quality wrapping film with an equal cast hard laminate to protect your wrap.Some film manufactures are: Oracal, 3M, Avery, LG, Arlon.
Why is this better than painting?
Wraps are great because you can have custom digital effects applied to a wide variety of products for a fraction of the cost of custom paint. As an example: We have many customers that are very excited to find us and purchase our Flame wraps. Our True fire natural flame pattern doesn’t get any more real. Another benefit you will also see that digital effects are in many cases far superior in image quality, consistency & color vividness than that of painting. Another factor that makes a wrap very popular is you can remove it up to 4 years with little to no adhesive left on the surface. You can turn just about any photo, pattern, logo, or effect into a wrap with minimal cost involved. You can even apply this material over glass and still have the benefit of being able to see through it using our perforated window film. Vinyl wraps are highly durable as well due to the hard laminate that we use. he
Why do you use a hard top sheet laminate over the print rather than screen print it?
The purpose of any laminate covering is to protect the image over which it is applied from the elements, scratching & chemicals. Most screen printed laminates are 1/2 a mil thick. The majority of those in the industry are producing their wraps this way.We however, want to give our customers the most durable wraps possible. Although the production costs are much higher we have opted to use a hard cast laminate covering on our wrap products. What does this mean? In an nut shell: The competition uses 1/2 mil thick laminate ours is 2 1/2 mil thick that’s almost five (5) times thicker than most liquid laminates. The Results: Enhanced protection from abrasion, higher resistance to gasoline and chemicals & more resistance to UV fading.So, which do you think is better 2 1/2 mils of rolled laminate or 1/2 mil of liquid coating…. you’re right, it’s not even close. This is why more people choose PowerSportsWraps for all their wrap needs. Another benefit is the rolled laminate also helps to make installation application even easier.
Why do you offer sheets in 2′ x 4′ & other smaller sizes?
How do I submit a photo to be posted in?
We are looking to increase our photo gallery with pictures of our products on various types of items. Please contact us for instructions.
Do you offer custom designs, or just what is shown on the web site?
Can I submit a photo to be converted into a wrap?
I have a small vehicle, do you have anything designed especially for smaller Bikes and Go-carts?
Yes. Many of our patterns can be adjusted to render a smaller pattern. Contact us for details.
What is “View able Distance”?
View able distance the distance in which an image is intended to be viewed from. Most high definition patterns have a very close view able distance something like 2′-6′. The average view able distance for our patterns fall into that range. Some are better and some are worse. It depends on the pattern you are interested in & the requested size if we have to customize it. The more you increase the size the more pixelated the image will become.
Example: Driving on the highway you see billboards along the road. From the road you are traveling they look crisp and clear but if you were to walk up to it you would see up close the image was blurry and fuzzy even pixelated. The reason is because the image was not intended for close up viewing so no need to have a 300 ppi image on the highway.
The same goes with many wrap images, because of design and production limitations not all patterns are going to be crystal clear when viewing them from 1 foot. But if you take a few steps back and look at the image again you will see how nice and clear it becomes. That is viewing an image at it’s proper view able distance.
If you are interested in the view able distance of a particular wrap we have, feel free to contact us and we will provide you with an answer.
Do you offer solid color wraps?
Yes, our solid color wraps have become very popular for full color change on vehicles. Why paint when you can wrap and have the advantage of removing when ready. Wrapping also helps prevent damage to the paint, protecting from UV, scratches, stone chips and more. We are working on adding to our current line up of solid color wrapping film so, if you have a color you are looking for in particular, feel free to contact us.
Can the wraps be removed?
Our wraps can be removed quite easily by applying heat to it and pulling it off. Leaving no damage or adhesive residue remaining on factory surfaces. See this quick video
Material / Technical
What about the seams with the smaller sheets?
Some people are worried about the seams… why??? this material, especially the camouflage can be tiled with little to no obvious view. Many of the patterns were designed to tile or seam together so you can have a continuous pattern. Keep in mind most seams stand out only to the person who applied the wrap because they know where they are.The average person who is viewing the complete image does not see these small lines where the material comes together. Remember… seaming material is an industry standard and many professional applications have seams in them you just don’t notice them. Feel free to ask us which pattern is less obvious when it comes to hiding seams.
Can I use your camo for hunting?
Do you offer your other wrap patterns in Non-Gloss?
Yes we can produce any of our custom Body Skinz patterns with a matte non gloss laminate. Just let us know when you order.
How well they will hold up when applied to a jet ski or personal water craft used on salt water?
This product is made for a wide variety of applications including boats and PWC’s. The key to this and any application is the surface prep and application temperature prior and during the application. If you follow the instructions you will have no issues with the product.The key to the lasting durability is the base material and the protective laminate. If you have seen any professional bass tournaments the majority of the boats are wrapped.
How well will it hold up to mud water and abuse?
How well does vinyl wraps hold up in the cold?
Have you seen any bubble problems when wrapping a motorcycle tank?
How long do wraps last for?
I had to reorder more material & the color is different, why?
This is some what normal & also why we strongly suggest, when you are estimating how much material you need for your project that you calculate a bit more than you need. Why should you do this? Printing is not an exact science and there are many factors that determine the output color of an individual job. Some of these factors we do not have any control over as a job is produced.
Things like:
- temperature
- humidity
- nozzle fire
- head cleanness
- other unforeseen factors
What does this mean? It means that you could order a pattern from us on your initial order and apply it, reorder the same pattern and have it arrive a few color shades off of the original. This can really cause you great issues because we can not guarantee that reorders will match exactly & for that matter even be close. This is why we recommend that you factor in enough material to complete the job plus a bit more just in case.
What temperatures can this material withstand once applied?
Arizona heat: I live in Arizona, the summer heat exceeds 120 deg F can the Licensed Camo withstand this temperature.
Do You Have Clear Or Transparent Wrapping Film?
Our standard wrapping film is produced on White material so no color would come through. However, we do have available transparent wrapping film that has the same conform qualities but without the air release system engineered into the film. What does this mean for you? The transparent film will show the base color of the applied surface through the material but it is more difficult to apply without getting air bubbles. Both in stock and available.
The transparent material does not show the printed color as aggressive as our White film does so some colors may be muted depending on the color it is applied over. We do not recommend applying the transparent material over dark colors.
Will this film adhere to the finished surface of itself?
Yes, overlapping the film is an industry standard, it will stick to itself very nicely. I would recommend that prior to overlapping the material that you wipe the applied surface one more time with your alcohol & paper towel just to make sure. Reason being the way my decals are cut and designed there is slight overlap at one end which I’d really like to keep.This means that one end of the decal of stripe #1 will be adhered to the body of the truck and the matching end of the decal of stripe #2 will overlap the finished surface of the end of #1 by about one half of an inch or so. Is this ok? Yes, you will have no issues if you follow the above instructions.
Down the road when I wax the vehicle’s paint can this wrapping film get waxed?
We do not recommend you wax the Matte finsh films but with the glossy, yes, you can wax over the film just be careful of the edges, just to be safe. Do not use any type of wax that has cleaner or compound in it (no grit) it may scratch the laminate. A basic paste or liquid wax will give the film a nice shine.
Will the wraps damage the surface when I remove it?
If the surface you are applying to is a factory finish & has never been painted then we can confidently say No, you will not damage it by applying or removing this film. By having the film applied it actually acts as a preservative in that nothing can effect the finish because it is covered over. If it is not a factory finish then you should test the surface before you apply the wrapping film (apply at your own risk) In most cases you will not have any issues but we have no way of knowing who or how the surface was prepped prior to paint.
The film you will be applying is rated a 4 year which means you can remove it up to 4 years after applying and it will leave little to no adhesive residue. It’s a really cool film it’s permanent but you have the ability to remove at any time.
What kind of surface coating I should apply to get maximum adhesion from the wrap? Do I need to give it a base coat of paint?
Can you wax over the wrap?
Yes, you can wax over the Glossy material once it is applied but we recommend that you wait a few weeks before doing so.Also, be sure once the product is applied that you heat it up to 180 degrees to set the adhesive. “No cleaner wax”!! Do not wax any matte finish wrap. View all application videos.
Pricing / Ordering
Is it possible to get a custom sized sheet?
Is it possible to get some samples small sheets to see what it would look like?
Do you have a catalog of all your designs you can send?
Do you sell and ship to Canada and the UK?
Installation
Are these sheets big enough to wrap a Car?
How many sheets do I need?
How do you apply these?
In a very basic description our products are peel and stick application. The material is adhesive backed so you just peel and stick. We go out of our way to be sure that our customers are well informed about application technique.Each kit sold comes with these items:
- Written application instructions with illustrations
- FREE application tool
- FREE phone tech support
- Application schematic (if needed)
- Access to FREE vinyl application installation videos
You only need a few tools…visit our video tutorial page.
I don’t have any experience, how hard is it to install?
That is the million dollar question. To answer it you can take a look at our blog site, where we have quite a number of photos and comments from our “first time users”. We will admit it does take effort and time to apply these products… but the effort and time are well worth it when you see the end result.We go the extra mile to be sure our customers have the need information to feel confident about applying these wraps. (see question “how do you apply these”) The proof for us are the positive comments and emails we receive along with the photos from our happy customers. If you have questions we would be more than happy to address them prior to purchase.
Do you provide application instructions?
Each wrap project kit comes with: Step by step application instructions with photos. These instructions cover surface prep, application temp, techniques & tips that contribute to a successful application. All wrap kits come with a FREE application tool “squeegee” this is the same tool that the professionals use. We don’t stop there though, all of our customers are welcome to contact us by phone with any last minute questions using our FREE tech support customer service hot line.
Additional resources include: Access to our “Do It Your Self” wrap application videos & comments, tips, suggestions & photos from first time users like your self who have purchased and applied our products.
We do our best to go the extra mile to be sure that our customers have the knowledge & confidence to achieve a successful wrap application.
If you have questions you need answered prior to making a purchase please feel free to contact us. Toll Free 866-289-2358
How do i apply this vinyl material to my metal gas tank?
With regard the gas tank application you should always start on the flattest part of the tank like the gas cap area. Once you have that applied, work from the center to the outsides and down toward the motor as you go in each direction. “Like a circular application working your way around the take applying equal amounts of material on each side as you apply toward motor.”Don’t forget to hold film out away from the surface, heat it, then pull the material tight against the application surface, then squeegee it. “hold out, heat, pull tight against surface, squeegee.” ( WARNING!!! if using a heat gun DO NOT USE near the gas cap especially if you have the lid open.. MAJOR FIRE HAZARD)
Don’t over heat material, just gently wave heat over the material and watch the film change its appearance then stretch tight over surface, squeegee using overlapping strokes.
The film will be applied to the middle of flat areas and the edges of the film will lay flat and exposed, and not wrap around a body panel edge or be concealed. Is this ok?
Yes, this is not a problem at all. Many of our wraps are used the same way you are using them. This product performs the same as standard decal film but has a lighter tac adhesive to start, conform qualities & “rapid air release” system to help release any trapped air. This all contributes to an easier time for those who are first time users. You will have less chance of damaging this type of film over standard decal film.I would highly recommend that after you have applied the material that you go over the complete surface with heat pushing down the film as you move slowly over the complete surface. Use a clean dry cloth to rub over the surface. The heat will help to activate the adhesive to be permanent and promote permanent adhesion. You will still need to be mindful when you wash the unit just to be safe.
What are the chances that the edges of the film will lift or peel back if not edge wrapped or concealed?
Can I put the wrap on a freshly painted surface?
Application Tips
How Should I Prep the surface prior to application?
Surface Prep:We recommend prior to applying our products that you do a complete heavy wash of the application suface using some type of degreaser like “Simple Green” or other brand degreaser mixed with dish soap. There are quite a few degreasers on the market that can be found in most stores. This wash, if on some type of vehicle should be done the day before your application this way the water has enough time to disapate from any area that it might be holding it. You do not want water dripping as you try to apply your warp.
Once the application area has been washed your final surface prep should be to thoroughly wiped down all application surface using 70% rubbing alcohol and kitchen paper towel on a roll “DO NOT USE SHOP TOWELS OR BATH TOWEL”.
Paper towel on a roll is required due to non contamination purposes. When wiping down surface be sure to open any doors, or areas that open and close also be sure if you are wrapping under fenders, gas tank ect… that you wipe down on the under side as well as the top application surface so as to have good adhesion when folding material under these areas. If you do not do this prep carefully it will peel up over time… Guaranteed.
The absolute key to a successful application is in the surface prep, application temperature & technique. If you take your time in these 3 areas you will have an amazing finished product. Do’s & Donts:
- Do not apply this film using water or any other type of application liquid.
- Do not rush your application.
- Don’t do your application alone it’s best to have a friend to assist you as a second set of hands.
- Do not apply the wrap in less than 60 degree temp.It is best to apply in a clean, controlled temperature environment free of silicone and grease products or open air particles.
- Do not apply film outdoors where dust is blowing. If these circumstances exist while you are applying or are in your application environment, your application will fail.
Final Step: Once the material has been applied we reccomend that you leave the product out in direct sunlight which will help aid the adhesive in its perminant curing process. If you can not do this then it is wise to heat all application area especially the areas you have folded under very well with a heat gun or at minimum a very hot hair dryer.
Do not wash or get the material wet for a minimum of 48 hours. Do not pressure wash the film. Care: If you need to wash the material it is best to use general dish soap and soft cloth, clean wash mit or sponge. Do not pressure wash. Wax can be applied to glossy material but we do not recommend waxing the Flat Matte material.
