More than 50 pages longer than the previous edition, Sign Gallery 6 presents recentSigns of the Times competition winners, honorable mentions, and others in this expanded edition of electric ...
Examining complex-curve, graphic-application strategies, techniques and post heating.
By Rob Ivers
Rob Ivers owns Rob Ivers Inc. (Raymore, MO), a vehicle-graphics and installation company. He’s installed vinyl since 1978 and taught vinyl-graphics installation since 1993. For more information, visit www.robivers.com
I installed my first vinyl graphics in 1978. Back then, I remember vinyl manufacturers instructing me not to stretch the vinyl. Vinyl has memory, they explained. After being stretched, it tends to gradually return to its original, unstretched shape. The vinyl pulls away from the surface, which causes failure.
They also said it was impossible to conform a flat vinyl graphic to a complex curve without stretching. So, they also instructed me to never apply vinyl to complex curves. They got no argument from me. Applying vinyl over those shapes led to wrinkles, stress and even migraines. I was happy to have a legitimate excuse to avoid them.
New rules
Fast forward to 1993, when vehicle wraps hit the market. From an installation standpoint, wraps differ from other vinyl-graphic applications because they require installation over complex curves. To quote a former Dodge truck slogan, the rules have changed.
Suddenly, it was OK to apply vinyl to complex curves. I didn’t quite know how to handle the sudden “policy” change. I knew for sure vinyl still had memory and would probably fail if I stretched it. No big deal -- if they insisted I stretch vinyl over complex curves, surely they wouldn’t hold me responsible for any failures.
Riiiight. This brings us to the present and my opportunity to share tips and tricks I’ve learned in the past 16 years of wrapping vehicles.
Vinyl-graphic films have certainly evolved. Such key improvements as repositionability and air egress have made installation easier. But vinyl still has memory. Have you ever seen a wrap with vinyl peeling? Or, worked really hard on a job, only to have the film lift?
If so, you’re not alone. Here’s what I’ve learned: You need a well-defined strategy that allows you to assess each situation and develop a plan. Mine is very simple: I know stretching vinyl can lead to problems, and I know I have to stretch the vinyl for complex curves. So, my strategy involves stretching the vinyl the absolute minimum amount required to conform it to the shape.
To the limit