Vinyl Wrap

[Dford]

I want to black out the center of the grill on my Accent, so I bought some vinyl wrap. Anyone know the best way to apply it? Should I make a template (and if so, how) first and pre-cut the wrap, or apply it and cut the extra off after? I am worried about scratching the paint with the blade if I apply it first, then cut. Any suggestions?

[decalsrus]

are u removing the grill or leaving it in? even if u make a template the best thing to do is leave an excess of at least 1/4 inch all around just in case it shifts & then trim it after. What kind of vinyl did u get; it comes in different grades as well...good luck and take a pic when done!

[MPG23]

I have this idea...I want to wrap the entire front bumper and hood in flat black vinyl wrap. I would do it the only thing stopping me is, it seems like a real pain too apply the stuff.

[Wigglepuppy]

You use transfer tape to apply it and a squeegee thing to flatten out the bumps. If you do get bumps, use a pin to pop them and then flatten them out.
The problem you will have is that the front is a bit rounded and has that horizontal divide, for lack of a better term. Making a template is max danger, as the vinyl will likely stretch some as you apply, or you could apply it crooked, creating awkward edges, gaps and lines. If you use the transfer tape and squeegee it on where you want (starting from the horizontal midline and working up, then to the sides) you can easily use the blade to cut the excess-- put thin cardboard underneath where you want to cut. The vinyl is very thin and easy to cut, so you won't be steak-knifing the stuff--you shouldn't get any damage to the paint at all.

My only word of caution is that the vinyl can fade in the sun, crack, and peel. If you're using it on the front grill, it's for sure going to be susceptible to rock/gravel damage...meaning it will potentially look like garbage in a few months and look cheap.

[Dford]

Originally Posted by Wigglepuppy

You use transfer tape to apply it and a squeegee thing to flatten out the bumps. If you do get bumps, use a pin to pop them and then flatten them out.
The problem you will have is that the front is a bit rounded and has that horizontal divide, for lack of a better term. Making a template is max danger, as the vinyl will likely stretch some as you apply, or you could apply it crooked, creating awkward edges, gaps and lines. If you use the transfer tape and squeegee it on where you want (starting from the horizontal midline and working up, then to the sides) you can easily use the blade to cut the excess-- put thin cardboard underneath where you want to cut. The vinyl is very thin and easy to cut, so you won't be steak-knifing the stuff--you shouldn't get any damage to the paint at all.

My only word of caution is that the vinyl can fade in the sun, crack, and peel. If you're using it on the front grill, it's for sure going to be susceptible to rock/gravel damage...meaning it will potentially look like garbage in a few months and look cheap.

Good advice. The vinyl is pretty inexpensive, so I thought I'd give it a shot. This is a lease, so I wanted something I could take off if needed. I bought an extra piece in case I screw it up.

[MRA]

THE BLACK MAATE PART ON MY CAR IS VINYL WRAP!!! IS SUPER EASY AND FUN AT THE SAME TIME, JUST CLEAN THE AREA, USE WATER WITH SOAP AND A MICROFIBER CLOTH AND YOU ARE READY TO GOO PLUS A SPRAY CAN!!!

[fsv87]

I Plasti-Dipped mine. It is holding up great and it looks good too.

[erik93203]

I haven't received my vinyl so i still don't know how im going to do it, yet.

[Dford]

Originally Posted by MRA

THE BLACK MAATE PART ON MY CAR IS VINYL WRAP!!! IS SUPER EASY AND FUN AT THE SAME TIME, JUST CLEAN THE AREA, USE WATER WITH SOAP AND A MICROFIBER CLOTH AND YOU ARE READY TO GOO PLUS A SPRAY CAN!!!

Looks great. Exactly what I'm going for. I'll probably tackle it tomorrow.