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DIY wrap
- Thread starter NHK X
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- diy wrap wrap coating
5_+JqckQttqck
Active Member
Hardest part is the cutting and stretching of the PPF over curved panels to avoid fingers at the end. You need a helper for the stretching. As for cutting, always pull and tension the film to make cutting smooth and easy. Practice on an older car with a small piece (size of the mirror to get the feel). It's easy once you get the hang of it.
As for applying, the big smooth pieces like hood and doors are simple, you can cheat and mix in the slip and tack solutions into a hybrid, will save you time on the big pieces. Have the separate solutions for the stuff that need extra tack. The bumpers where there will be lots of cutting will be harder. Takes time, patience, and above all, lots of planning. Think three times before cutting, one mistake can ruin your hard work.
Good luck.
acadapter
Member
I have Midnight Silver underneath. My FWD insides need work. I couldn't decide which bodyline to bring the wrap to and ended up not using knifeless tape --- no need to post those yet lol. Here is the inside of my door area and trunk.
acadapter
Member
There isn't a universal answer here, mainly due to differences in install and film brands. Personally my sensors are wrapped (and your cameras aren't covered anyway) but some folks have had their ultrasonic sensors be affected and subsequently uncovered them.
woodisgood
Optimustic Pessimist
I’ve seen some vinyl jobs where panels appear slightly mismatched. This is noticeable on Tinh’s job in the recent LikeTesla video about DIY wrapping, and I’ve seen it on other wrapped cars from time to time. No knock on his job at all which was very inspiring, just something I noticed in one of the side shots of the car moving.
I presume it’s due to variable amounts of stretching the material panel to panel? And also affected by the wrap vs. original color? Or is there variation in the material itself that you have to watch for?
I presume it’s due to variable amounts of stretching the material panel to panel? And also affected by the wrap vs. original color? Or is there variation in the material itself that you have to watch for?
acadapter
Member
It's both. If you do a car it's always encouraged to order enough for spare/repairs. Basic colors have little variation but color flops, Chameleon, differ slightly roll to roll. In addition, overstretch will change color which is why Chrome's and the like can't really be stretched when applied to maintain consistency. Some colors are also directional so someone might apply the film from left to right next to a panel that has it upside down causing the differences as well.
Not with any vision cameras since we aren’t wrapping near them. Ultrasonics wrapped and made sure it stuck down tight around them. I didn’t do cut outs. Most of my research indicated low risk of causing issues since I didn’t use a metallic wrap. If you plan on going metallic plan on cutting out circles and maybe doing a non metallic button.
Just be careful when taking off the side repeater. Damaging the connections would just mean purchasing another side camera, but not something you want to do.
After wrapping both cars we did a cross country move without any issues with autopilot.
4rjun
Member
I've been wanting to do this for a while and just got intimidated by the thought of it. Reading this I am going to start getting ready to do it. Will post updates!
4rjun
Member
do you think you could possibly tell me exactly what materials you bought for this? ex. the spudge tools , etc.
4rjun
Member
last question! what ceramic coating did you use? I've been trying to find satin black but can't find the exact color, so I'm thinking just going with matte black and doing the coating as you did with white.
No worries, I went with McKee’s. It’s an easy application relative to some other brands. In terms of longevity would assume if you went with a more pro application or actually get it done by a pro it would last longer. Also I’m no expert on this but would also assume longer longevity with a gloss wrap. I did it more for the look and hoping stays cleaner longer.
4rjun
Member
what vinyl did you get for the headlights? precut ones or just a generic roll? I'm trying to start out with the lights as well
I started with the Vivvid wraps headlight tint. Uncut in a roll, pretty cheap on amazon. I actually ended up taking mine off, a little too much light output degradation. Would order the lightest color possible. But it’s a good intro to see if you have the patience to wrap the rest of the car.
@acadapter - How much wrap in total would you estimate you used for the full X? I'm looking to DIY mine in 3M S261 Satin dark grey.
acadapter
Member
I got the largest roll of Avery's --- 5ft × 75ft and used 70 percent or so. This includes the extra cut out I made for the door, a pillar, and front bumper (which is the largest body piece length wise); all which I did over.
Thickness will affect it but brand seems to determine overall friendliness for stretch/heat. Brand also affects the bubble release technology built into the vinyl itself. Don't quote me, but what I've gathered from the countless industry write ups and reviews is Avery's is the most friendly of the top notch brands with 3M close behind. That's why I chose Avery's since I'd never done this before. In addition, some colors (Chrome's, shifts, etc) can't be stretched at all so the margin of error is extremely low.
Someone wrapped a Model X and Model 3 with a single 5ft×75ft roll so that should help you gauge. Let me know if I can help in any way!
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