The Power of Trade Signage
In a market squeezed by rising costs and tighter timelines, trade partnerships are becoming a strategic tool for protecting profit and delivering quality at scale. Rob Fletcher finds out more
With wrapping tools and techniques still evolving and with an increasing number of signage professionals entering the market, Jonathan Pert picks out some of the latest and most popular solutions on offer
Both vehicle and architectural wrapping materials have significantly developed in recent years, now offering high levels of material quality, colour vibrancy, and protective coatings. With this in mind, the tools that wrappers use to apply these materials need to keep up, as well as the techniques needed to get the best out of them.
In this feature, we speak to a number of professionals in the space, both those manufacturing the tools of the wrapping trade and the trained professionals using them, to understand what options are available to sign-makers entering this still-growing market.
For Chris Edwards, director of CVi Group, the rise in the number of signage companies offering wrapping services as part of their portfolios is in large part due to an increased market demand for vehicle wraps. “It seems to have become the norm,” he asserts. “I think gone are the days of plain text vans. With things like part wraps and window panel prints becoming more popular, this means that signage companies are now having to move with the times.”
CVi Group is a provider of industry-specific training programmes and contract labour within the wrapping sector. Alongside its core offering of bespoke vehicle wraps, the company offers a range of specialist vehicle and architectural wrapping services including emergency service vehicle wraps, internal wall wraps, window manifestation, and floor graphics.
Edwards’ advice for those entering the market would be, in his own words, to “seek real training – not just YouTube videos, but good solid training with backup.” Explaining the importance of this training, he continues: “There are so many things that can go wrong fast, that can have a major impact on cost and also reputation. Advice and training from the right areas will far outweigh the costs of getting it wrong.”
CVi offer an array of wrapping courses tailored to different levels of knowledge. These include its Fedrigoni Installer Certification, providing an in-depth understanding of the makeup and installation techniques for Fedrigoni’s self-adhesive vinyl products. Alongside these more in-depth training programmes, the company also hosts a number of overview courses at different levels including its Beginner Vinyl Application course and Intermediate Wrapping course, catering to a range of abilities.
Speaking about the key pitfalls that people can fall into when wrapping a vehicle, Edwards warns that “there are so many areas of potential issue if you are not in the know.”
“Where do I start?” he exclaims. “Using incorrect materials for the job, not post-heating at all or not to the correct temperature, a lack of time to prep, print, or gas off, incorrect knowledge or no knowledge at all of the correct processes to use, not cleaning a vehicle properly with the right amount of time left before the install, bad advice to the customers about aftercare. I could go on.”
In terms of the tools and techniques to use, Edwards stresses that there are a lot of tools available for almost every area of the install, but that not all are necessarily needed or comfortable to use. His suggestion would be to purchase a basic kit and start adding to this with “bits once you find a gap in what you want to achieve.”
At the top of his recommendations is a BodyGuardKnife from YelloTools, which he describes as being “like a second person on a job – a must have.” A good wrap glove is also high on his list, namely a GloveMaxx ProWrap, also by YelloTools. YelloTools, a German-based supplier and manufacturer of wrapping and signage tools, offers a plethora of tools alongside its knives and gloves, with squeegees, alignment aids, removal tools, and cutting rulers among its many offerings.
Factoid: The earliest written references to squeegees date from the 1700s and describe deck-cleaning tools for ships
When speaking about the future of the wrapping market, Edwards highlights the increase in coloured high-performance protective film which he sees entering the market at the moment. “However, at the current costs, I think it will be a while before this becomes a ‘go to’ option,” he states.
Speaking about what trends he wishes to see for the future, Edwards continues: “I would like to see things like lower post-heat temperatures on materials, and higher gloss levels with stronger laminates. I find that vinyls tend to scratch a lot easier these days since we’ve seen the shift to higher gloss levels. Of course, there is a compromise to be had, but I’d like to see the technology improve there.”
Alongside its arsenal of finishing solutions for digital printing, PLASTGrommet also offers a range of sign-making tools tailored to vinyl applications.
For Ignacio Gisbert, marketing and communications at PLASTGrommet, the right vinyl wrapping tool is the one thing that can adapt to the installer’s needs. “This will vary depending on each application and the desired effects and materials used. For example, for vehicle wrapping in general a medium-hard squeegee is generally recommended but for certain finishes such as chrome, a softer squeegee is preferred to avoid any damage or scuffs to the surface of the wrap.”
Gisbert gives the example of PLASTGrommet’s Microfiber Marathon squeegee, which features a microfibre edge that is reportedly softer than felt. “This avoids scratching and can be used either wet or dry, gliding over graphics and vinyls without any damage enabling our customers to work faster, safer, and with ease,” Gisbert explains.
“Our Marathon Flex squeegee offers the same properties as our marathon squeegee, but with added flexibility for areas with curves or for complex shapes. Additionally, we offer our Felt Edge squeegee range featuring a soft, smooth felt edge, enabling vehicle wrappers to apply pressure on the vinyl without causing any damage.
Alongside these offerings, the Spanish manufacturer also offers a range of ‘everyday use’ squeegees which include twin ribs designed for easy handling, developed to adapt to difficult surfaces.
“At PLASTGrommet, we analyse market trends and listen carefully to our customers’ feedback,” Gisbert comments. “This enables us to develop a wide range of squeegees, each with specific shapes and materials, designed to guarantee precision, comfort, and flawless application in every project.”
Gisbert believes that, with the market still growing and more sign-makers seeming to enter it by the day, wrappers require tools that combine speed, precision, and adaptability. He says: “At PLASTGrommet, we respond to this need by designing wrapping tools that simplify work on complex surfaces, reduce installation times, and ensure consistent quality.
“Our wide portfolio of squeegees and accessories are developed hand-in-hand with installers, turning their daily challenges into practical, reliable tools.”
Gisbert believes that, as with all areas of the signage and graphics industry, businesses are looking to expand their offerings, product ranges, and customer base by diversifying into new areas. “Vehicle wrapping is a popular avenue for signage companies already producing wide-format printed banners and signage to move into,” he posits, “as it requires minimal investment in comparison to other sectors, other than in vehicle wrapping tools and accessories and perhaps application floor space.”
In his opinion, adding vehicle wrapping to a pre-existing wide-format print offering can enable signage businesses to boost revenue by providing a ‘one-stop-shop’ offering, servicing existing clients and attracting new clients.
“PLASTGrommet’s mission is to develop a comprehensive range of vehicle wrapping tools and accessories that meets every application need,” he asserts, “enabling our customers to diversify and expand their offering with minimal investment, supported by tools that ensure efficiency, creativity, and professional results.”
We expect the sector to continue to grow, driven by personalisation, sustainability, and faster workflows
In terms of a vision for the future of the sector, Gisbert believes that developments in wide-format print hardware, pre-press software, and wrapping materials are all driving the evolution of the wrapping sector in sync. As he puts it: “We expect the sector to continue to grow, driven by personalisation, sustainability, and faster workflows.
“As a result, wrappers will demand tools and materials that keep up with these developments and ensure high-quality results, are durable and thus reduce waste, and maximise precision to avoid errors, damage, and costly re-prints.”
Gisbert concludes by speaking about PLASTGrommet’s commitment to robust research and development and its focus on innovation, adding: “As a company with a three-decade-long history in research and development, PLASTGrommet is committed to innovating with new designs and materials that anticipate needs and desires, ensuring wrapping professionals stay ahead in the market as the sector continues to grow.”
As previously alluded to, recent innovations in wrapping materials and tools have been seen both in vehicle and architectural spaces, with an increasing number of commercial clients looking for the transformative impact that a fresh wrap can have on décor or walls. Those looking to revamp a premises without incurring high cost are just as likely these days to enlist the help of a wrapping professional than a furniture salesman or interior decorator.
With this in mind, we spoke to Scott Davis, sales director at All Print Supplies, a supplier of materials to the sign, exhibition, and display market which encompasses SPACE Architectural Interiors under its rostra. In Davis’ opinion, the rise in the wrapping market is not simply part of the general diversification of revenue streams that many sign-makers have pursued in recent years, but as part of a need for them “to meet the growing demand for versatile branding solutions.”
“Interior wraps enable cost-effective refurbishments, transforming spaces with minimal disruption,” Davis explains. “Additionally, vehicle wraps provide businesses with mobile advertising opportunities, allowing them to reach a broader audience. At All Print Supplies, we supply high-quality wrapping materials and connect our customers with skilled installers to ensure flawless application.”
As any wrapping professional will tell you, selecting the appropriate wrapping material is crucial for achieving the desired outcome. Chief among these, as Davis sees it, is compatibility. “You need to ensure the material suits the surface and environment of the application,” he stresses.
“Durability and aesthetics are also important, both assessing the longevity required for the project as well as choosing a finish that aligns with your design vision. We recommend premium products from trusted partners.”
For interior applications, Davis suggests using the LX Hausys BENIF interior films range available through SPACE Architectural Interiors, which aims to offer realistic finishes with the practicalities of vinyl. The vinyl is available in over 400 designs including timber, metal, and stone effects, allowing for a wide array of applications.
The LX Hausys BENIF interior films are self-adhesives designed for interior decoration, providing realistic finishes that mimic natural materials. Davis states that these films are “ideal for transforming spaces quickly and cost-effectively, with minimal disruption.”
“For vehicle wraps,” he continues, “Fedrigoni's C50 Ultimate Slide & Tack provides a highly conformable cast vinyl with a micro-textured, bubble-free adhesive, ensuring smooth and fast application.”
Davis points to recent advancements such as slideable adhesives and enhanced repositionability as being key to the development of the sector, facilitating easier application and therefore increasing speed and the barrier for entry. “Fedrigoni's C50 Ultimate Slide & Tack exemplifies these improvements,” he comments, “offering low initial tack and excellent repositionability.”
Explaining the film in more detail, Davis says: “This digital cast print wrap vinyl is highly conformable and features a micro-textured, bubble-free adhesive. It's compatible with solvent, latex, and UV printing, making it versatile for various vehicle wrapping projects.
There's now a much larger and broader selection of finishes including matt, gloss, iridescent, and satin, allowing for more creative designs
“There's now also a much larger and broader selection of finishes including matt, gloss, iridescent, and satin, allowing for more creative designs, and enhanced manufacturing processes which have made high-quality wraps more cost-effective without compromising quality.”
When asked if there are further innovations in wrap materials on the horizon, Davis replies with an emphatic “yes!” He continues: “At All Print Supplies, we collaborate closely with manufacturers to stay at the forefront of industry innovations. With over 40 years in the business, we are committed to bringing the latest advancements in wrapping materials to our customers, ensuring they have access to cutting-edge products that meet evolving market demands.”
Another company well-versed in the world of wrapping tools is Signgeer, a trade supplier of performance tools and equipment. Speaking about the increasing popularity of wrapping, Louise Gardener, director of Signgeer, says that signage companies are being driven to wrapping due to the increased need to diversify and overcome the challenges presented by ecommerce and AI.
Speaking about its latest wrapping products and people’s outlook of wrapping, Gardener says: “Wrapping is a generic term for what is now a vast industry that describes an array of installs from vehicle wraps to architectural wraps, to paint protection films and so much more. We have many purpose-built products such as the brand Trim Wizard PLUS+, a tweak on design of The Original Trim Wizard by Wizard Pro Tools. With this installers can not only trim clean consistent cuts with even borders every time but also cut perfect 45-degree corners for wrapping around.
“Similarly, the AeroBlade created by US installer Mike Norng, solves a simple problem of being able to cut coloured films with an even border when the edge of vehicle panels is obscured. Both examples remove the guess work, making installs more efficient and produce a better finish.”
When it comes to changes in products, Gardener also emphasises the changes that have taken place regarding preparation and aftercare products, saying that the right products can make “all the difference” when it comes to installs and enhanced turnarounds. “The new Wax is Dead range covers all of this [installs and turnarounds] with its well formulated vehicle foams and shampoos, including the specially designed Wrap & PPF Ceramic Coating to help protect your film for up to two years with a single coat.”
When it comes to how the sector evolves, Gardener believes ecommerce will play a large part in the evolution of wrapping, especially architectural wrapping, which will always require that particular skillset and is becoming increasingly popular due to its sustainable attributes.
Gardener adds: “The variety of colours and finishes of architectural wrap films is ever growing as are the tools available to installers of these films. We feel this hasn’t reached its limits and will continue to offer new opportunities for expansion and increased revenue for sign companies both existing and new for years to come.”
Regardless of what can be achieved in the future, the most important part of getting a job right today is having the right tools and techniques at your disposal. “Purchasing a custom tool should be considered a long-term investment for the installer to improve on the time it takes to do the job and the finish it produces,” says Gardener, who adds: “The finish offered will also dictate what can be charged for the job and the time saving element will help to increase profits.”
As evident by those mentioned in this article, having the right products and knowledge is vitally important, and understanding the market and the options available, will not only help you as an installer, but help your business appear professional, knowledgeable, and ready for any challenge.
