A vinyl wrap is a great way to give your car a brand-new look without spending money on paint. However, when wrapping a vehicle, air bubbles are a common issue many wrappers encounter. Air bubbles can be annoying, unappealing, and, if not properly handled, may even damage the wrap.
Check out this video guide on how to remove air bubbles and creases. As well as compare premium vinyl wrap brands like 3M, Avery Dennison, Hexis, KPMF and Orafol.
Why Air Bubbles are Bad for Vinyl Wrap
There are several ways that air bubbles can harm your vinyl wrap. First of all, they look bad and can ruin your car's appearance, and they may enlarge and stretch the vinyl unattended, resulting in injury or tearing. Finally, air bubbles can cause moisture and dirt to get trapped between the vinyl and the paint if the vinyl wrap covers a painted surface, and this can eventually cause corrosion and other damage.
Use High-Quality Vinyl Wrap
Using top-notch vinyl wrap is one of the best ways to stop air bubbles from forming. It is well known that companies like 3M, Avery Dennison, KPMF, Orafol, Hexis, and Metro Wrap manufacture bubble-free, high-quality vinyl wraps. The investment is worthwhile to avoid air bubbles and ensure your vinyl wrap lasts for years.
Preventing Vinyl Wrap Bubbles
When it comes to preventing air bubbles in your vinyl wrap, prevention is critical. It's crucial to begin in the center and work outward when applying the wrap. By using this technique, air bubbles under the wrap can be avoided. Additionally, avoid stretching the wrap too much, which may distort the vinyl and introduce air pockets.
What Supplies are Needed
If you end up with air bubbles in your vinyl wrap, a few supplies will be needed to remove them. These include:
Heat Gun
A heat gun is a handy tool that can soften the vinyl wrap and make it more pliable, making it easier to remove air bubbles. At Metro Restyling, we recommend using the Wagner Furno 500 Heat gun for this task. This heat gun is a top-of-the-line tool perfect for installing and removing vinyl wrap. It has multiple temperature settings, ranging from 150°F to 1200°F, allowing you to adjust the heat level to your needs.
Any Pin
A tiny pin or needle can puncture the air bubbles and release the trapped air.
Squeegee
A squeegee can press the vinyl wrap down and push out any remaining air bubbles. Metro Restyling, we highly recommend using the Metro ProGlide Scratchless Squeegee for vinyl wrap installation and removal. This squeegee is made of a special polymer that is gentle on vinyl, ensuring that it won't scratch or damage the material during use.
How to Remove Vinyl Wrap Bubbles with a Tiny Pin
Use a tiny needle or pin to remove any small air bubbles from your vinyl wrap if you have any. The steps are as follows:
- Locate the air bubble on the vinyl wrap.
- Clean the area around the air bubble with mild detergent and water.
- Sterilize a tiny pin or needle by rubbing it with rubbing alcohol or dipping it in boiling water.
- Gently puncture the center of the air bubble with the pin, taking care not to scratch the vinyl.
- Use your fingers or a squeegee to press the vinyl down and push out the air bubble.
How to Remove Vinyl Wrap Bubbles with a Heat Gun
A heat gun is a better option if your vinyl wrap has larger air bubbles. Here's how to remove air bubbles from vinyl wrap with a heat gun:
- Clean the area around the air bubble with mild detergent and water.
- Use a heat gun to warm the vinyl wrap around the air bubble. Be careful not to overheat the vinyl, as this can cause it to shrink or melt.
- Once the vinyl is warm, press the vinyl down with your fingers or a squeegee.
Air bubbles in vinyl wrap can be frustrating, but they are simple to remove with the proper methods and tools. You can ensure that the vinyl wrap application goes smoothly and looks professional by using a high-quality vinyl wrap, avoiding bubbles, and following the instructions in this article.
Click the link to read how to post heat vinyl film on recessed areas!
FAQ:
Q: Can air bubbles in vinyl wrap cause damage to my vehicle's paint?
Air bubbles by themselves are unlikely to harm the paint on your car. But if they aren't fixed, they might let dirt and water penetrate the vinyl wrap, eventually leading to damage.
Air bubbles by themselves are unlikely to harm the paint on your car. But if they aren't fixed, they might let dirt and water penetrate the vinyl wrap, eventually leading to damage.
Q: Can I use a hair dryer instead of a heat gun?
A: hair dryer may not get hot enough to eliminate larger air bubbles, even though it can warm up the vinyl wrap. A heat gun is preferable because it has more control over the heat output and can reach much higher temperatures.
Q: Can I reuse vinyl wrap after removing air bubbles?
A: The vinyl wrap can be reused if not harmed during removal. However, it might not stick as well as before, so swapping it out for a fresh vinyl wrap is best.
Q: Is it possible to prevent air bubbles in a vinyl wrap?
A: A high-quality vinyl wrap, proper application, and the use of tools like a squeegee and a heat gun can all help to reduce the likelihood of air bubbles forming, even though it is not always possible to completely prevent them from forming.
Q: Can I remove air bubbles from vinyl wrap without using a pin or heat gun?
A: Using a squeegee to push the air out toward the edges of the vinyl wrap, small air bubbles can be eliminated without using a pin or heat gun. Larger air bubbles, however, might need to be removed with a pin or heat gun.
1 comment
Thomas
Video was insightful, thanks