Instructions on how to glue a film on a car with your own hands at home

People often wonder how best to stick the film on a car. For this, it is worth considering many features. First of all, it is necessary to choose the right composition of the material. For cars, use vinyl or polyurethane film. Compliance with the technique of applying the composition to the surface of the body is not insignificant. In order for the film to retain its appearance as long as possible, it must receive high-quality care.

Appointment

Film is cheaper to use than paint. The structure of the material resembles plastic. When heated, it changes shape, and when cooled, it hardens and acquires a solid texture.

Design

Using such a cover for the car helps to make it more beautiful and modern.

Protection against scratches

The material protects the body from scratches and other damage.

Hide body flaws

The use of such a coating makes it possible to hide the disadvantages of the body.

Advantages and disadvantages of using

Using such a coating for a car allows to achieve a number of positive effects:

1. Hide scratches, chips and dents. After gluing, the defects will be practically invisible.
2. Provide protection against adverse weather conditions. The film minimizes the negative effects of sun, hail and rain. It also protects against mechanical faults.
3. It is allowed to stretch the transparent film on the headlights and mirrors. This helps maintain their flawless appearance for a long time.
4. Change the style of the car.
5. The composition is distinguished by its affordable cost. You can find many shades of this coating on sale.

When using low-quality materials or improper preparation for the procedure, the coating has some disadvantages:

• deformed;
• burns;
• peels off under the influence of sunlight;
• obtains a coarse structure.

Varieties and properties of film coatings

Today, several lamination options are known, each of which has certain characteristics.

Vinyl

This material appeared a long time ago. Its structure is similar to plastic.When purchasing vinyl, you should consider the following features:

• adhesive on wrong side of vinyl;
• strength;
• width and thickness;
• lifetime;
• elasticity.

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Polyurethane

The material is very strong - it measures 300 microns. It protects the body from bumps and scratches. The film transmits ultraviolet radiation. This is important when gluing certain areas of the car.

If the film is removed, the machine will have an even shade.

Choice criteria

When choosing coverage for a car, there are a number of criteria to consider. This will help you successfully pack your car.

Adhesive composition

This substance must be present on the wrong side of the vinyl.

Thickness in microns

For cars, a film with a thickness of 80 to 200 microns is used.

Width

It is better to use roll material. Their width should be 1.5 meters. This will allow you to stick to the surface of the machine without seams.

Strength and elasticity

It is important that the film is strong and has sufficient elasticity. This will help to achieve excellent performance.

Possible lifespan

The life of the coating is not negligible. The longer this parameter, the higher the quality of coverage.

Vary

The coating has different types, each of which has certain characteristics. The right choice of material leads to excellent results.

Mast

The advantage of this material is the ability to take complex shapes. It is allowed to exploit the film for 7 years.

Bright

Such a film is usually used to tighten body elements.

mirrored

The material prevents the appearance of rust on the car body. The mirror film can be gold or silver. The operating time depends on the manufacturer.

Carbon

Coating differs in different costs. The quality characteristics of the material directly depend on the price. It can be used for 5 years.

Texture

The coating helps to simulate different textures - for example, metal or wood. The material has a dense texture. It is allowed to use it for more than 10 years.

Antigravel

This screen protector was originally invented by the US military-industrial complex. After some time it began to be used for gluing sports cars.

Today, the anti-gravel film is used everywhere, providing reliable protection for the car.

What you need to stick at home

For car wrapping, it is worth choosing the right material and taking into account the rules of use.

Raw material

It is recommended to take the tool with a margin. In addition, it must have a width greater than that required.

Scissors or sharp knife

To prepare the material for gluing, you need sharp scissors or a quality knife. It is best to use a stationery.

Spray bottle with soapy water

It will be possible to make such a solution based on liquid soap, car shampoo or other detergent composition. To do this, it is mixed with water in a ratio of 1:10.

paper tape

In some situations, when performing work, paper tape is required. It is used for the parts of the machine on which it is not necessary to stick the film.

Plastic and felt trowel

A felt or plastic trowel is needed to level the surface of the vehicle.

Surface degreaser

In order for the coating to fit well on the car, its surface must be degreased. This procedure is carried out with alcohol or solvent.

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Lint-free cloth or towels

Use a cloth to wipe the surface of the machine. Lint-free towels will also be a good option.

ZM primer

This substance helps to improve the characteristics of the adhesive part of the material. Primer 3M is a clear liquid with a pronounced odor.

How to calculate material consumption

Before purchasing equipment, it is worth determining the quantity required for a specific brand of machine. It is very problematic to make an accurate calculation. Therefore, the calculation is carried out approximately - depending on the class of the car:

• 21 square meters is enough for a compact car;
• for a middle-class car, 24 meters are needed;
• for a large family car, take 27 square meters of material;
• business class cars require 30 square meters;
• for a sports coupe, 34 meters are used;
• large SUVs need 37 square meters.

The best choice is vinyl rolls. Their width should be 1.5 meters. Thanks to this, it will be possible to stick on large parts of the body without joints.

Preparing the car

In order for the coating to lie flat and retain its characteristics for a long time, it is worth preparing the car well for its application.

Wash with car shampoo

First of all, the condition of the car should be examined for stains and damaged areas. Then it is recommended to wash the car. For this, an ordinary car shampoo is suitable.

remove stains

Insect and bitumen stains can be removed with a cloth soaked in alcohol.

body paint polishing

It is recommended to polish the surface of the body. The composition falls on a smooth surface much easier.

Degreasing of complex parts of the machine body

The degreasing of the machine is not negligible. To do this, it is recommended to wipe a clean car with white spirit or another solvent.

To wipe

Finally, it is recommended to wipe the machine dry.

Do-it-yourself instructions for performing the procedure

Having prepared the car, it is worth carrying out the following procedures. First you need to prepare the material for applying to the body. To do this, it is worth making patterns according to the areas on which you plan to glue the film. There are 2 coating methods - dry and wet.

Dry method

To glue the material dry, it is applied to the surface of the body. After that, it is recommended to heat the coating. It is worth walking on the surface with a felt trowel. Then wipe it with a dry cloth. The maximum heating temperature is +70 degrees. Exceeding the indicator causes loss of color and destruction of the material.

When applying, it is important to ensure that the material does not stretch too much and bubbles do not appear on its surface. If this happens, it is recommended to press the unfinished area with a damp cloth and act on it with warm air. This will cause the substance to shrink slightly, which will help hide any imperfections.

After applying the material, do not wash the car for 10 days. It is also not recommended to drive at high speed. This is the period of time required for the material to dry.

Wet application method for automotive film

In order to properly glue the composition with this method, it is recommended to apply a soap solution to the surface of the body, remove the protective layer from the material. It is recommended to stick the composition in the center and gradually move it to the edges.Smooth the coating with a spatula. If bubbles appear from the formation area, it is recommended to carefully remove them with a squeegee with a solution. As a result, the defects will disappear. In the bend areas, the material is heated with a hair dryer and a primer is applied to the edges.

If irregularities in the crease form, heat them a little more. After applying the substance to the surface, heating is carried out. This facilitates hitching and eliminates faults.

Review of the best manufacturers

Today, many companies produce films for car wrapping. They all have certain characteristics.

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HEXIS

This is a French company that produces relatively affordable equipment. It is characterized by great quality and variety. The company not only offers cheap coverage, but also exclusive options.

ZM

The film from the Japanese company has an innovative adhesive layer. Thanks to the use of special technology, the glue is applied much faster and easier. The vinyl can be used for different parts of the car. The film has high elasticity, which allows you to work with complex elements.

Kay Premium Marking Foils

This is a British company whose products are very popular. After application, the composition will serve for 5 years. It is allowed to use the film for the whole car or stick on individual elements.

ORAFOL Europe GmbH

This is a German company whose products are characterized by high quality. The film contains an innovative self-adhesive layer. In addition to the main products, the company's assortment includes cast automotive vinyl.

How to remove old car vinyl

If it is necessary to remove the film, it is important to do it correctly. Thanks to this, it will be possible to preserve the integrity of the paint. It is easier to remove material that has been applied recently. With prolonged use, the degree of attachment of the substance to the surface of the body increases. This is due to deformations that appear under the influence of external factors. In this case, it is recommended to carefully cut the film. To do this, use a sharp object - a blade or a knife. Then the material must be carefully pulled.

Sometimes the film is so firmly attached to the surface of the body that it breaks upon removal. To eliminate such a material, it is necessary to exert a temperature effect on it. For this purpose, it is worth using a construction or ordinary hair dryer.

They evenly heat the surface of the film. In this case, it is not recommended to get too close to the device. This will cause strong heating. As a result, the material stretches and melts. It is also allowed to use a special liquid. It is used to wet the material. After that, it is recommended to wash off the soggy film. The remaining glue is removed with a warm soap solution.

Common mistakes when pasting

Some people make various mistakes when pasting the film:

• choosing the wrong material;
• the sizes are miscalculated;
• violate the technology of the procedure.

Additional tips and tricks

If the film is damaged in one place, it can be glued. Proper maintenance of the material will help avoid this. It is worth removing dirt from its surface in time. To do this, use water or soapy water.Many people stick on automotive film. This method of protecting the body has many advantages.At the same time, it is important to correctly select the material and strictly observe the technology of its fastening.