Would you like to give your car a new makeover or add some personal touches? When done carefully and with high-quality supplies, wrapping your fender in vinyl is a wonderful do-it-yourself project. As an industry-leading vinyl wrap supplier, Metro Restyling is committed to giving automobile enthusiasts the tools they need to make incredible DIY changes. In this guide, we’ll take you step-by-step through wrapping your fender with cast vinyl wrap, featuring premium-quality films like 3M, Avery Dennison, Hexis, KPMF, Orafol, and Metro Wrap.
Tools and Materials Needed
Before you start, ensure you have the following tools:
- Vinyl Wrap Film: Choose your favorite from brands like 3M, Avery Dennison, Hexis, KPMF, Orafol, or Metro Wrap.
- Heat Gun: A must-have for stretching the vinyl around curves. Recommended: Metro Restyling Inferno Heat Gun
- Squeegee with Felt Edge: For smooth application without scratching the vinyl. Recommended: Metro Restyling High Quality Felt Edge Squeegee
- Microfiber Cloths: To keep surfaces clean and reduce dust.
- Isopropyl Alcohol & Lint-Free Cloths: For thorough cleaning.
- Utility Knife with Fresh Blades: To trim excess vinyl precisely. Recommended: Metro Restyling Premium Pro Precision Knife 30 Degree
- Masking Tape: To mark guidelines on the fender.
- Magnets or Tape: Hold the vinyl in place during the initial alignment.
- Infrared Thermometer: To monitor the ideal temperature while heating.
- Vinyl Primer (Optional): Helps with adhesion on tricky surfaces.
- Adhesive Remover (Optional): To remove old adhesive residue.
- Rapid Prep: For surface cleaning and preparation. Recommended: Rapid Prep
- Tucking Towel: This is for tucking vinyl into tight spaces.
Step-by-Step Guide
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Preparation:
- Clean the Fender: Spray Rapid Prep on a highly absorbent microfiber towel and wrap a tucking towel inside it. Clean the tight gaps by starting at one point on the fender and working in a 360-degree loop back to the starting point. Open the hood and front door to access and remove dust, dirt, and oil from inside gaps. Be meticulous in working from top to bottom.
- Clean the Main Surface: Spray Rapid Prep again on the microfiber towel and wipe down the fender from top to bottom.
- Apply Masking Tape: Protect edges and sensitive areas with masking tape.
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Positioning and Cutting:
- Align the Vinyl: Position the vinyl on the fender using magnets. Cut the material safely so the knife doesn’t touch the vehicle’s surface. Prepare and trim the vinyl.
- Release Liner: Start at the top, releasing six to seven inches of liner. Fold it underneath without cutting. Pick up the vinyl and hook the upper corner to lock it, ensuring no tension at the corners. Pull the liner low and flat beneath the vinyl to keep dust off the adhesive side.
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Application:
- Glass Out: Create a wrinkle-free surface by evenly pulling the film along the body line. Apply firm pressure with your thumb to lock it in place.
- Remove the Liner: Pull the liner towards the corner for a wrinkle-free result. Apply the recessed areas using the palm technique for a seamless, adhesive-line-free finish.
- Secure Corners: To finish the corners, use an Avery Dennison Flextreme tool. Lift the vinyl high and hook the corner so it sits flat and looks like paint.
- Squeegee Air Out: Use a squeegee with a monkey strip to lock in the edges and remove any remaining air.
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Tucking and Trimming:
- Tuck Deep: Tuck the vinyl into the base using the squeegee. Cut away excess vinyl with a sharp blade held at a 10-degree angle toward the surface. Carefully retract the blade, pull the excess film away, and tuck it in securely with the tucking tool.
- Cut Away Excess: Heat the edges with a heat gun to relax the vinyl. Cut corners first, leaving a quarter-inch of vinyl for full coverage.
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Final Inspection:
- Seal and Check: Ensure all edges are sealed. Wipe the surface with a microfiber towel to remove fingerprints and confirm that the vinyl is properly adhered.
Wrap Your Fender with Metro Restyling Material
Wrapping your fender with vinyl is an art form that, with patience and practice, you can master. High-quality vinyl from 3M, Avery Dennison, Hexis, KPMF, Orafol, or Metro Wrap ensures that your project looks professional and stands the test of time. Follow this guide closely, and you’ll be well on your way to a personalized, standout vehicle!