Avery Dennison recently introduced its new PVC-free SP 1504 Easy Apply
That’s A Wrap
When people talk about wrapping in the sign-making and wide-format print sector, minds are almost certainly drawn to images of colourful car wraps and impressive designs covering the sides of lorries and vans.
However, the fact of the matter is that wrapping stretches much further than just vehicles. Yes, the vehicle wrapping sector is busier than it has ever been but wrapping presents companies in and around this sector with many more profitable opportunities outside of the traditional market.
SignLink takes a closer look at some of these sectors and picks out the materials sign-makers and wide-format print companies can use to take full advantage of opportunities available to them across these markets.
Push The Boundaries
The far-reaching potential of the wrapping industry is referenced by Avery Dennison, which supplies a wide range of materials to the market. Rick Snabel, project manager for digital printing media at Avery Dennison, explains that wrapping can be applied to virtually any type of surface or object, with the only limit in this market being your own creativity.
Avery Dennison says wrapping can be applied to virtually any type of surface or object
“While wrapping may be commonly associated with vehicles, it is equally effective in architectural applications such as walls, phone booths, and window frames, as well as on unique items like guitars, fridges, and gaming controllers,” Snabel says, adding: “By utilising digitally printable media, you can take your creativity to the next level, transforming objects or surfaces with your printed designs to achieve truly amazing results.”
Snabel also flags the importance of working with quality vinyl wrapping materials, warning that the wrong choice early on could cost sign-makers in the long run, both in terms of the print quality and when applying the piece to the actual surface.
“Quality undoubtedly plays a significant role when it comes to selecting the right material for an application,” Snabel explains, adding: “Higher quality materials offer superior durability, conformability, and vibrant colours, while also incorporating features that make the application process easier, such as air egress functionality, repositionability, or even ‘slideability’. This combination ensures that you can achieve the best results with minimal time and effort.”
With this, Snabel draws attention to some of the products available from Avery Dennison. One of its most popular options is Supreme Wrapping Film, which can be used for both vehicle and surface colour changes.
Avery Dennison also provides premium sign and cut materials such as the 777CF iA Tech, 800PC, and 900SC series. Snabel flags digitally printable media options such as the MPI 1105 EA RS cast films, as well as its newly introduced PVC-free SP 1504 Easy Apply, as the solutions he is particularly excited about.
In addition, he speaks of the importance of sustainability saying it is a fundamental focus of its innovation. This, he adds, is demonstrated by its 777CF iA Tech series, now featuring a new solvent-free patented adhesive called iA Tech.
While wrapping may be commonly associated with vehicles, it is equally effective in architectural applications”
“When it comes to wrapping, it’s essential to think outside the box and explore applications beyond just vehicle wrapping,” Snabel advises, continuing: “Many end-users are still unfamiliar with the possibilities of wrapping, but once you show them the transformative results that wrapping materials can achieve in spaces, you’re likely to hear numerous ‘wows’ from your audience. As we say at Avery Dennison: every space is an opportunity!”
Protect And Serve
Another company known for its wrapping solutions is Hexis, which earlier this year threw its backing behind WrapFest, serving as a sponsor of FESPA’s brand new event dedicated to the wrapping market. While the Silverstone event mainly looked at vehicle wraps and what opportunities there are in this market, those in attendance were able to find out more about other areas and the products and solutions available to help them access new opportunities.
Among the subjects covered by Hexis and its team at the event was the protection of cars and their paintwork or wrap job. This, Hexis says, can often be overlooked and says that wrappers should consider some of its options when applying wraps to vehicles.
“Impacts from gravel, sharp objects, friction, bird droppings, and simple cleaning operations carried out incorrectly can damage the paintwork on your car,” Hexis explains, adding: “To protect your bodywork from scratches and other potential damage and preserve the beauty of your vehicle, it is important to be familiar with best practice and suitable solutions.”
The stand-out product from Hexis in this area is Bodyfence, a collection of self-adhesive films for the protection of a car’s bodywork. These films are specially designed to adhere to the vehicle’s bodywork without causing damage to the paintwork during application or removal. One of the key characteristics of Bodyfence films is their ability to absorb impact and resist scratches, which Hexis says offers effective protection against potential everyday damage.
Bodyfence from Hexis allows wrappers to protect paintwork on cars from external damage
“All our Bodyfence self-adhesive films act like a protective barrier,” Hexis says, adding: “This prevents paint from being chipped or damaged. In addition to their protective function against scratches and impacts, Bodyfence films also feature self-healing properties. This means that minor scratches that may form over time as a result of exposure to the elements can heal by themselves thanks to the film’s ability to regenerate. Self-adhesive films with X-technology have the ability to regenerate at room temperature.
“Designed to resist the roughest road conditions, Bodyfence self-adhesive films offer an invisible barrier against scratches, paint chipping, and harmful UV rays. Thanks to their cutting-edge technology, they adapt perfectly to the contours of your vehicle. Even more, you can choose the finish you want with our films: gloss, satin, or matt finish.”
Away from cars and Hexis also offers films for use in other applications such as interior décor. Solutions for this type of work are available through the company’s Hex’Perience collection, whereby customers can choose and create their own personalised printing kit to make the process even easier.
Hexis offers a free online library of large-format, high-definition printing or cutting patterns measuring 1.3m wide by 3m high at 200dpi. The library of self-adhesive deco films includes wooden materials, mineral materials, metallic effects, wallpapers, designs for window graphics, and designs for floors.
“All our patterns are designed to be matched with our range of effect laminates for maximum realism,” Hexis says, adding: “In addition, they are designed to be repeated seamlessly. With Hex self-adhesive deco film, you are free to combine the elements with each other and create your own designs without limit.”
Explore New Opportunities
Elsewhere and while Metamark may also be best known for working with companies within the vehicle wrapping market, its products are suitable for use in other projects. Max Somper, commercial director at Metamark, says surface transformation in general offers such a range of opportunities to wrapping experts.
“Wrapping articles with vinyl embodies a number of attractive benefits that traditional methods would struggle to deliver and opens attractive commercial opportunities too,” Somper explains, adding: “Furniture, kitchen fixtures and fittings, and common or garden household fabric such as doors are all fair game.
“In addition to covering minor damage well, wraps can be printed to deliver a whole range of visual effects and personalisation. A child’s bunk bed for example could be transformed from a painted or natural wooden finish into a colourful homage to a favourite movie or game. Similarly, kitchen units can be freshened up at a fraction of the cost of replacement. The skillset needed is practically identical to those used for vehicles and the market is underdeveloped and thus full of potential.”
Metamark says wrappers should consider looking beyond traditional vehicle wraps to take on other projects such as boat wraps
When it comes to material choice, Somper says this is critical for any time of wrapping work or application. He explains wrapping introduces stresses into applied materials that lesser formulations struggle to live with, adding that even if the application is successful, failure in the short-term is a very real possibility.
“Materials for wrapping are drawn from the quality end of the formulations spectrum and for a whole range of good reasons,” Somper says, continuing: “Cheaper material typically features marginal adhesives that are not designed to make wrappers’ lives easier.
“The time spent struggling with an inferior material and the prospect of failure and loss of reputation really do question the wisdom of scrimping.”
With this, he points to some of the materials available from Metamark that he says offer reliable and quality solutions to wrappers. Metamark has recently introduced a premium cast wrapping film in the form of MetaCast MCX, which is expressly designed and formulated for wrap professionals delivering colour-change wraps to the automotive markets.
“The available colours closely match some of the world’s most desirable OEM finishes and others are homages to classic colours past,” Somper says, adding: “The product is technically advanced and designed to offer experienced wrappers the best application experience possible with a modern wrapping film. The results are exemplary and fully reflect the premium markets’ expectations in terms of quality and durability.”
For additional support with wrapping work, Metamark now offers aspiring wrappers and those long established on wrapping’s learning curve a program of training delivered via the Metamark Academy. The Academy offers its full program at its own premises or can be engaged to visit customer sites if required. The program delivers application and technical training on all Metamark products including the company’s paint protection films.
Speaking with three leading suppliers in this market, two things become clear. First, there are plenty of opportunities for wrappers outside the more traditional vehicle wrapping sector waiting to be explored. Second, wrappers have a wide range of materials at their disposal to take on new and innovative projects. Speak with your customers about how wrapping can help them in a range of projects and talk to suppliers to identify the best and most effective solutions that will allow you to deliver high quality work.
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