Wrapping Materials and Techniques: Getting to Grips

As those working within the sector will know, wrapping, be it vehicle or otherwise, is so much more than simply applying some vinyl and sending customers on their way. The reality is that each job has to be carefully planned out to ensure the wrap or graphic not only looks the part when it leaves the workshop but that it will continue to do so once it’s being used out in the big, wide world.

Vinyl choice is just part of the process. Of course, this is of huge importance to ensure the job is a success, but there are so many other elements to wraps. From picking the right printer, to using the correct tools to apply the wrap, there is plenty to consider. Here, SignLink highlights some of the factors to take into account when wrapping.

Extreme Endurance

Starting with vinyl, Metamark is one of several leading suppliers of materials for use in the wrapping and graphics market. Commercial director Max Somper says materials used for wrapping applications typically embody a range of features that are lacking in materials used in less demanding applications.

He explains: “Wrapping materials have to endure extremes of elongation to make them fit over complex surfaces and the adhesives used need to tolerate the same conditions without ’thinning’ or losing their design-performance.

“Print characteristics of films need to support larger-than-life colours and accommodate large ink volumes. Metamark MD-Class materials can claim all the features desired for quality print and colour fidelity, but the company’s premium cast films is reported to occupy the apex spot for anyone looking for a state-of-the-art wrapping film.”

Somper adds: “Quality too has a bearing on this material’s qualifications for the role. Metamark has a raft of processes and proprietary measures overarching its manufacturing, and the company’s wrapping films are said to set benchmark standards for consistency and performance that wrappers trust.”

Metamark offers materials suitable for use across large commercial projects through to customisation jobs on single vehicles, which are becoming increasingly popular as more consumers discover the possibilities of wrapping. Somper picks out MetaCast MDC which he says has become the go-to film for wrappers who need a quality product with reliable results.

“Materials development and improvements have made wrapping more accessible and, some argue, easier to learn, in recent years,” Somper adds.

Other Options

Somper also takes the opportunity to flag MiA, a new range of architectural films for interior applications – something that may also appeal to wrappers with a diversified offering and customer base.

“MiA has the potential for wrappers to save new customers thousands,” he says, adding: “Instead of ripping out and scrapping very costly interior infrastructure like doors, partitions, and furniture and consigning them to scrap, MiA can be used to transform it all, giving it and other articles, a new life.”
MiA is available in a range of finishes suited to a range of projects with the options on offer including woods, metals, stones and attractive clay-like matts. Somper says that the films are hardwearing, long-lived, and easy to clean.

In functional terms, MiA works in a way familiar to most wrappers in that it has an air release adhesive system and conforms readily over complex surfaces. As an added show of support, Metamark has specialist training available for those who need it when working with the new line of films.

“Metamark’s MiA range is available ex-stock from Metamark and in volumes that suit the needs of both occasional users and those with huge projects and workloads to address,” Somper says.

“MiA enables wrappers to build a whole new revenue stream and the cost of entry is practically zero for those with some expertise. Samples are available from Metamark and it merits repeating that the product is on the shelves and ready to ship without delay too.”

Long-Term Plans

Next, wrappers should be looking at the type of printer that they are using. Can it print onto vinyl and film? If so, will the print stand up to the elements and constant wear and tear when a car is out on the road, boat in the water, or even plane in the air?

HP Latex has been cited by many wrappers as a suitable printing technology for producing wraps. One such company is national fleet vehicle graphics specialist OPG, which has been working with HP Latex technology for a number of years, using its machine to create wraps for high-end clients such as Sainsbury’s, NatWest, FedEx, Boots, and McDonald’s.

“We really like HP Latex printers for their ease of use, reliability, and colour repeatability,” explains OPG technical and operations director Tristan Harrold, who continues: “The latex machines are also faultless, and I don’t have to worry about them. I always tell my team they are spoilt by how good the machines are.”

Harrold says an added benefit of working with HP Latex printers is their ability to produce work that aligns with the company’s sustainability objectives. All HP Latex printers run water-based inks, which have less impact on the environment than their solvent, eco-solvent, and UV counterparts.

Harrold says being able to pass this on to customers is critical. He offers up one example of a recent project with a leading UK supermarket chain, during which OPG used its HP Latex printers to create 30,000 metres of vehicle graphics on recyclable materials. After the graphics have reached their end of life, they will be removed and recycled.

“It is a front door to a back door recycling process,” Harrold says, adding: “We recycled all the manufacturing and application waste, and also plan to recycle the end-of-life waste. We wanted to do it all ourselves to show customers what we can offer in addition to our print side. Any job we take on is printed on a material that can be recycled. Around 90% of what we do can be recovered and recycled.”

Any job we take on is printed on a material that can be recycled. Around 90% of what we do can be recovered and recycled

The latest addition to the OPG family is the HP Latex 800W printer. Harrold explains that OPG selected the device primarily as it was new to the market and was seen as a good fit, but since taking on the printer and exploring its capabilities OPG has discovered a host of benefits, many of which are linked to its white ink capabilities.

“The addition of white print capability is something we use a lot in workplace branding projects,” he says, continuing: “We had been using workarounds to create what the HP Latex 800W printer can deliver as a normal feature. For example, previously we had to produce white text separately; now we can do it at the same time.

“It has also opened up new markets for us. Prior to installing the HP Latex 800W we weren’t capable of work such as a blockout, double-sided print – but this is something we can now deliver with the new machine.

“We approached one customer to say we can offer this type of application, and they loved it, and it has led to us securing thousands of pounds worth of new work. We are now providing this service to other print companies, opening up another new business angle in terms of trade print.”

Food for Thought

From squeegees to heat guns, a whole host of tools are required to apply wraps and graphics to vehicles and other surfaces. Great attention to detail is of paramount importance when it comes to applying films and vinyls to tricky sections of the bodywork, such as around wing mirrors and door handles.

For further guidance on such tools and methods, readers would be well advised to drop in on FESPA’s WrapFest event at Silverstone from October 3rd to 4th. Taking place for the second time, WrapFest will once again throw open its doors to the wrapping community, playing host to a wider range of suppliers in the market and staging a series of live demonstrations, workshops and insightful sessions, all designed to offer valuable advice and guidance to those in attendance.

In response to growing industry demand, WrapFest will unveil a brand-new zone dedicated to surface decoration. Organisers say: “The Surface Decoration Showcase will display a vast array of products for interior spaces, including furniture wraps, window films, wall coverings, and window tinting solutions. Independent trainers will be on hand to demonstrate these solutions, allowing attendees to get hands-on experience with the latest materials.”

Returning this year will be the WrapTalks programme, featuring a host of sessions, including a panel discussion with Paige Walton, chief executive officer and founder of The Vehicle Wrapping Academy. This will explore the unique experiences of women in the sector, with Walton to moderate the ‘Women in Wrap’ discussion. Other highlights include Sean Bull, F1 graphic designer at Alpine, who will share his expertise on the interplay of design, technology, and aesthetics in Formula 1.

Other speakers include Keiran McCabe, owner of RGVA Vehicle Graphics, who will be hosting the ‘Designing Effective Fleet Liveries’ session, teaching attendees how to both design and implement eye-catching fleet liveries to promote their brand.

In addition, celebrity car wrapper Yiannimize will take part in a bookable ‘business surgery’ for those looking to take their services to the next level. Visitors without a pre-booked slot can also drop in and listen to sessions.

Aside from these talks, live demonstrations will take place in the world-famous pit garages at Silverstone, with dedicated areas for event sponsors to offer learning opportunities and installations from expert technicians.

In addition, WrapFest will also play host to the UK leg of the World Wrap Masters competition where as many as 20 wrappers will battle it out under pressure in a series of skill testing and creative rounds with the winner going on to compete at the World Wrap Masters Final in May next year at FESPA Global Print Expo.

While wrappers are highly skilled in what they do and very talented with the work that they produce, there is certainly no harm in exploring some of the new solutions on offer and gaining further insight into what is a vibrant and exciting market. Speaking with suppliers, such as those mentioned here, and dropping in on WrapFest will help open your eyes to even more opportunities and techniques in wrapping.