Hints & Tips
Learn more about products and improve your application techniques by reading about some very useful hints & tips. #Knowledgeispower
Vehicle Wrapping - Application
3M Controltac films require firm squeegee pressure
When applying 3M Controltac wrapping films, you must use firm consistent pressure to break the glass beads in the adhesive. This enables maximum adhesive contact and avoids any rashing issues, where air pockets appear.
3M Controltac films perform better between 18-21ºC
The film and vehicle should be stored overnight at this temperature to acclimatise before application. If it is too cold, the film may become too rigid and brittle. The adhesive can also become too hot and tacky at higher temperatures, which can weaken the performance of the Controltac beads losing its repositionability.
Apply the film to the flattest part of the panels first!
Use this as your anchor point and only work the vinyl into more complicated areas once you are happy with the initial application. This allows the rest of the vinyl to drop into place giving the neatest possible finish.
Post-heating is critical in any areas that have been stretched
Heat inch by inch, always removing the heat gun before reading the temperature of the vinyl. Use an infrared digital thermometer to ensure the film is post-heated to the correct temperature.
Use plenty of excess to avoid overstretching
When wrapping to the edge of panels, allow an excess of 150mm either end/side to cope with the stretching needed to get rid of wrinkles and creases over a larger surface area. By avoiding overstretching the vinyl is under less stress and will not shrink back from the edges. This technique is also useful when applying matt films to avoid glossing, usually caused by overstretching.
3M Controltac films require firm squeegee pressure
When applying 3M Controltac wrapping films, you must use firm consistent pressure to break the glass beads in the adhesive. This enables maximum adhesive contact and avoids any rashing issues, where air pockets appear.
3M Controltac films perform better between 18-21ºC
The film and vehicle should be stored overnight at this temperature to acclimatise before application. If it is too cold, the film may become too rigid and brittle. The adhesive can also become too hot and tacky at higher temperatures, which can weaken the performance of the Controltac beads losing its repositionability.
Apply the film to the flattest part of the panels first!
Use this as your anchor point and only work the vinyl into more complicated areas once you are happy with the initial application. This allows the rest of the vinyl to drop into place giving the neatest possible finish.
Post-heating is critical in any areas that have been stretched
Heat inch by inch, always removing the heat gun before reading the temperature of the vinyl. Use an infrared digital thermometer to ensure the film is post-heated to the correct temperature.
Use plenty of excess to avoid overstretching
When wrapping to the edge of panels, allow an excess of 150mm either end/side to cope with the stretching needed to get rid of wrinkles and creases over a larger surface area. By avoiding overstretching the vinyl is under less stress and will not shrink back from the edges. This technique is also useful when applying matt films to avoid glossing, usually caused by overstretching.
