Vehicle Wrap Installation Guide

Storage Guidelines

Always keep vinyl rolls tightly wound. If left loose, the PET (plastic) backing may begin to separate from the vinyl, causing a condition known as tunneling. This results in visible imperfections that cannot be repaired. While paper-backed vinyl is slightly more forgiving, it can still develop tunneling if not stored properly, so tight rolling is essential in all cases.

Unapplied vinyl should be stored horizontally in its original box at temperatures between 70–80°F (21–26°C). Keep the material away from excessive dust, direct sunlight, and high humidity. Long-term exposure to temperatures outside this range may lead to adhesive failure.

Full, unopened rolls can be stored for up to one year under these conditions. Once a roll has been partially used, the remaining vinyl should be installed within three months. For PPF, partial rolls should be used within 30 days to minimize the risk of tunneling.

Measuring and Laying the Vinyl

Installation should always be performed in an environment maintained between 70–80°F (21–26°C). Vinyl becomes significantly harder to work with when temperatures are too hot or too cold. Avoid installing in direct sunlight, as heat buildup can affect adhesive behavior. High humidity increases adhesive tack, making installation more difficult—using a dehumidifier is strongly recommended in humid conditions.

MALLCAS® vinyl is non-directional, so panel alignment is not required during installation. The roll width measures 1.52 meters / 4.985 feet / 59.6 inches.

We recommend cutting off the first 12 inches of material and reserving it for door handles or small components. Tape used to secure the roll may leave marks on films without a protective cap sheet.

Before laying each panel, apply Tack Reducer by lightly misting the center area of the panel and wiping it off after 30 seconds. Do not apply Tack Reducer near edges. If overspray occurs, it can be removed with alcohol. Tack Reducer significantly improves repositionability, allowing the vinyl to move freely until final squeegeeing and post heating.

To prevent vinyl from sticking to adjacent panels, always mask neighboring surfaces. Vinyl bonds aggressively to itself, and unprotected contact can result in panel lifting or material damage.

Never use acetone or other harsh solvents during surface preparation, as these chemicals can degrade the adhesive.

Gloss vinyl has a flawless factory finish, meaning any adhesive distortion during installation may appear as visible glue lines. Tack Reducer helps reduce this risk by limiting initial adhesive bonding, giving installers more margin for repositioning without disturbing the adhesive pattern.

When laying panels, allow the material to relax naturally. Apply only enough tension to remove wrinkles without stretching. If stretching is unavoidable, distribute it evenly over a large area rather than concentrating it in one spot. Always apply heat to the widest, flattest area—not near trimmed edges. Feed material into recesses and avoid bridging sharp or tight contours.

Probond adhesive promoter is recommended for commercial vehicles, unpainted surfaces, deep recesses, sharp contours, or any area where overstretching may be difficult to avoid.

Use a squeegee with a suede buffer, combined with squeegee lubricant (or mild soapy water—never wax-based sprays). Apply medium pressure during installation. Leaving the cap sheet on while squeegeeing helps prevent micro-scratches on gloss vinyl but may increase installation difficulty. If micro-scratches occur after removing the cap sheet, they can be eliminated using a polishing compound and a low-speed mechanical polisher.

For heating, a heat gun is strongly recommended. While expert installers may use a torch, it carries a higher risk—especially for satin or matte finishes, which may develop glossy spots due to concentrated heat. A heat gun is always the safest option.

Post Heating

Post heating is a critical step, especially along edges and seams. This process activates and sets the adhesive. Failure to post heat can result in seam separation when exposed to sunlight.

Use a heat gun (never a torch) and move along edges and seams at a rate of approximately 2 inches per second. Verify surface temperature with a laser thermometer to ensure the vinyl reaches 200°F (93°C).

For best results, post heat seams and edges immediately after completing each panel, then perform a final post heat on the entire vehicle once installation is complete.

Sun Curing

Before delivering the vehicle, place it outdoors in a warm, sunny area for several hours. Inspect the wrap every 30 minutes. This process reveals any areas that were insufficiently post heated, allowing corrections to be made while the vinyl is only lifting—before complete adhesion failure occurs.

Long-Term Care

Proper maintenance is essential to preserve both the appearance and durability of your wrap and to maintain warranty coverage. Please review and follow the official care instructions carefully as part of your long-term wrap maintenance routine.