CO99Z28Vert

iTrader: (30)

From what I have researched, you get what you pay for with Vinyl.
Avery says up to 10 years BUT in direct sunlight and especially at 8000ft above sea level I would start seeing failure/ fading/ cracking after 2-3 years however I always have it in the shade at work and at home so with proper cleaning and staying out of direct sunlight as much as possible I know I will see 5+ years easily.
I also wrapped around every edge and used edge sealer but things can still happen and if something does start to peel I will catch it immediately. Worse case scenario you just replace that one panel if needed.

I see it this way... Some paint jobs can fail just as fast if not faster than Vinyl if the vehicle is not prepped accordingly or the product isn't applied correctly.

2JAWZ

iTrader: (1)

that's not bad at all, and very true about bad paint. to wrap that whole suv you must be a man of great patience**

CO99Z28Vert

iTrader: (30)

Hah that's the thing... I have zero patience and after destroying $80 worth of vinyl starting out I freaked out and gave up. My wife was disappointed and said she know's I can do it so don't give up. I went back at it and everything went smoother and smoother as I worked my way around the car.
It did take me 4 months due to only be able to work on it 1-2 days a week with a total of about 200 hrs into it.

casias

iTrader: (1)

My wife frequently tells me to go the garage and do something that will take a long time.

CO99Z28Vert

iTrader: (30)

Haha
It is nice to have something that you are passionate about to keep you busy and to have time for yourself.

I got bored and decided to match the grill to the rest of the truck.

HappySalesman

iTrader: (3)

Damn dude. That is gorgeous.

Did Avery/3M send you any care instructions since it's a matte vinyl? Like no waxing, etc.

CO99Z28Vert

iTrader: (30)

Thanks!
I added some led headlights and a lower bumper lip to set it off a little more.

To answer your question, no instructions included but I did a lot of research and no waxing the satin or matte vinyl at all. Basically wash carefully like you would with paint to avoid scratching, dry with a microfiber towel, apply Meguiars ultimate detailer spray to finish it off. I also keep a spray bottle of 50/50 distilled water and isopropyl alcohol in the car for any grease spots or anything major that might get on the vinyl so I can clean it immediately.
So far after 15 washes I haven't seen any stains or issues / peeling of the wrap.

wlsmoku

you will need 5'x35' to wrap a camaro (45' if you are doing a brushed wrap that is directional). the biggest advice is get it as clean as you can, make sure it's above 70 degrees MINIMUM, and not windy. do your fog light areas and door handle inserts first, then wrap over them. make sure your overlap is 3/16-1/4" and use knifeless tape for the cleanest and safest way to make seams. keep a sharp exacto knife at ALL times, and keep your roll off the floor - hang it from something and cut it in the air if possible to help static stay off the roll. pull your wheels off if possible - not a must do item, but helps wrap around the lips if your car is lowered. use as little heat as possible to get it laid down, and then once a panel is done, go over the whole panel with the heat gun to activate the glue and "set" it to the panel.....especially the edges. do the front and rear bumper in two pieces - the seam is almost not noticable, and the vinyl will last a LOT longer since your not over stretching it (yes I know you can do it in once pice, but you really get the vinyl thin to do it).

Rebob5

iTrader: (3)

When you say to do the front and rear bumper in 2 pieces do you mean wrap the left and rights sides individually and meet the seam in the middle? I have done tons of racecar vinyl just never wrapped a complete car and have been tossing the idea around for my car.

Thanks!!!

cancam99ss

iTrader: (8)

wow.... time for a wrap

Camarokid327

iTrader: (4)

Bump...As I would like to know as well. Based on wlsmoku's pics it looks like the seam goes down the center of the front bumper, simply exaggerating the existing contour of the pointed nose....but confused on how to do the back bumper in two pieces.

wlsmoku- how is the upkeep on the gloss wraps? Does it show micro swirls just as easy as oem clearcoat? I am looking to wrap my whole car in 3m High Gloss black.

coastguy

Knifeless tape will come in handy for complete seamless wraps(plus you dont have to worry about cutting into your paint underneath.

wlsmoku

what coastguy said for sure!!! as far as the seam on the rear bumper, its basically right at the curve on the vertical portion. since the first wrap, I have been using wax as you dry quick detailer, and it works wonders. it helps keep moisture in the vinyl and extend the life of the wrap.....it soaks it up on the flat colors a lot! I have read to use it, and others say dont, but for me, it helps a ton and makes removal that much easier since the more faded it gets, etc it wants to come off in extremely small pieces... even with heat.

HappySalesman

iTrader: (3)

Well so far all I've been able to wrap is the spoiler and trunk lid. (Stupid washington weather...)

Let me tell you, I was NOT prepared for how tedious this is! I'm straight up nervous about the front bumper now lol.

JDEP162

Those both look slick

Neko

Everytime I look at my paint and the cost of a paint correction and painting a new hood and spoiler, I get the urge to wrap it. I'm thinking satin white with some gloss black accents.

HappySalesman

iTrader: (3)

Matte white would look amazing. I almost did it on mine, but I didn't want to have to go crazy on door jambs and underhood