Apex Customs: How to Wrap Your Car

Wrapped Dodge Challenger | Apex Customs photo

Lets be real, everyone has contemplated wrapping their car at least once. Wrapping your car can be one of the most satisfying, yet challenging projects you can tackle as a “do-it-yourself” project. It seems simple on the surface – I mean it’s really nothing more than a big sticker right? What seems simple in theory, is more challenging that you might expect in reality.

Wraps provide a cost effective way to change the color of your car anytime you like, however vinyl wrap application requires patience, a lot of prep, and a steady hand. Unlike bolting a supercharger to your V8, vinyl wrap is more of a nuanced skill which takes practice to really master.

The pro’s at Apex Customs in Phoenix, Arizona put together a video with tips and tricks to get you started:

  • Prep Work: Make sure the surface of the car is clean.
  • Pro-Tip: Never have re-lay. Cut the vinyl to fit the panel but allow for 4-6-inches of extra material on each side.
  • The Lay: Aim for lots of tension on each side. It is recommended to have another person to help create tension on the wrap before it touches the panel so you get a smooth surface.
  • Side Panel Lay: Do the whole side of the car. Be careful not to get dust on the sticky wrap. Lay it down with tension to ensure it covers the car but don’t press it on. Use a heat gun to remove wrinkles. Use a squeezee at a 45-degree angle to feed extra vinyl into recess. Cut along the appropriate body lines without touching the vehicle.
  • Pro-Tip: Keep heat gun 6-inches away from the vinyl and do small circular motions. Do not use a torch.

Have you ever wrapped a vehicle? Drop us a comment and tell us about your experience or share a photo.

About the author

Nicole Ellan James

As an automotive journalist and avid car enthusiast, Nicole Ellan James has a passion for automotive that is reflected in every aspect of her lifestyle. Follow Nicole on Instagram and Facebook - @nicoleeellan
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