14 May 2025

Everything You Need to Know About Installing Paint Protection Films

What is Car Wrap?

Car wrap (or vinyl wrap) is a thin layer of high-quality vinyl that is applied to the exterior of a car. It is used for multiple purposes, such as: protecting the original paint from scratches, sunlight, and dust.

• Permanently changing the color of a car without the need for repainting.
• Advertising by printing logos on the wrap.

History of Car Wrap and Its Popularity

Warning began to be used in car racing during the 1960s to protect cars from damage during competitions. However, its commercial popularity began in the 1990s with the development of vinyl printing technologies.

The reason for its current popularity is due to:

1. Cost: 50-70% cheaper than traditional car paint.
2. Flexibility: It can be removed without damaging the original paint.
3. Unlimited customization: Choose any color or design, such as metallic colors or visual effects (matte/gloss).

How to make car wrap vinyl: A multi-stage process to achieve quality and durability.

Vinyl wrap vinyl is made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) with additives to improve flexibility and durability. Here are the detailed manufacturing steps:

1. Raw Material Preparation

• PVC: The primary material that gives the wrap its strength.
• Plasticizers: Such as phthalates or environmentally friendly alternatives, to increase the flexibility of the vinyl.
• UV Stabilizers: To protect the color from sun damage.
• Dyes and pigments: To produce different colors or digital printing.
• Adhesives: Pressure-sensitive adhesive.
• Liner: Typically paper or silicone-coated plastic.

2. Main Manufacturing Process

A. Mixing Ingredients

PVC granules are mixed with plasticizers and stabilizers. and pigments in huge mixers.

The ingredients are heated to high temperatures (160-200°C) to form a homogeneous paste.

B. Forming the vinyl layer

The most common method (for high-quality vinyl):

1. Casting: The liquid paste is poured onto a metal conveyor belt, then cooled to form a thin layer (approximately 0.1-0.2 mm).

• Advantages: The result is a smooth, flexible, and shrink-resistant surface.

1. Less expensive method: Calendering: The paste passes through rotating cylinders to compress it into thin layers.

• Advantages: Faster production, but the vinyl is less flexible.

C. Adding the Adhesive Layer

• The backing layer of the vinyl is coated with a special adhesive (such as acrylic).
• The adhesive is dried in ovens to ensure optimal adhesion.

D. Attaching the Protective Liner

A protective layer of silicone is applied to the adhesive side to prevent it from sticking before use.

E. Printing and Finishing (If the skin is printed)

• High-resolution digital printers (UV printing) are used to print the designs.
• The print is covered with a top protective layer (laminate) to resist scratches and UV rays.

How to Install Car Wrap: Step by Step

1. Prepare the Car Surface

1. Clean the car from dust and oil using special cleaners.
2. Remove any removable parts (such as lights or emblems) to facilitate installation.

2. Measure and Cut the Vinyl

1. Design programs such as Adobe Illustrator are used to create a digital model that matches the dimensions of the car.
2. The vinyl is cut automatically using cutter plotters with high precision.

3. Apply the Wrap to the Car

1. A special installation fluid (a mixture of water and soap) is sprayed onto the skin. The surface is smoothed to facilitate the application of the vinyl.
2. The vinyl is roughed down, then excess liquid is removed with a plastic trowel.
3. Hot air guns are used to stretch the vinyl around the curves.

4. Final Finish

1. Excess edges are trimmed with a sharp knife.
2. The vehicle is left for 24-48 hours to ensure the vinyl is fully bonded.

Why Request Car Wrap Installation Service from Al-Emad Auto Center?

Al-Emad Auto Center is the region's leading car wrap installing paint protection Films Company for the following reasons:

• Over 15 years of experience in wrapping all types of vinyls using 3M and Avery Dennison.
• Up to 5-year warranty against peeling or discoloration.
• Competitive Prices: Starting from AED 5,000 for smaller cars.
• After-Sales Service: Free maintenance for the first 6 months.

It has been summarized that car wrap installation isn't just a trend; it's a smart investment to protect and enhance your vehicle's appearance. With modern installation techniques and Al-Emad Auto Center services, you can achieve the results you dream of risk-free. Contact our team today for a free consultation!