This tutorial demonstrates the proper relief cut method for vinyl wrap. The video shows an installer cutting and heating the material to test its durability under tension.
Relief Cut Technique
Straight relief cuts tend to split continuously under tension. When a straight cut tears, heating the film will not return it to its natural state. This failure can ruin a panel during stretching.
Instead of making straight cuts, cut the material in the shape of a circle or half circle. Rounded cuts distribute tension evenly across the edge of the film. When you apply heat and pressure to a rounded cut, the material expands rather than tearing. Because the vinyl does not tear, adding heat allows the film to return cleanly to its natural state.
Wrapping with Aura Vinyl
Aura Vinyl vinyl wrap uses a cast polymer hybrid film with German-made adhesive. This gives the material pliability and repositioning support while minimizing glue lines as you work around complex curves and edges. Proper cutting methods protect the film as you stretch it into position.
FAQ
Why do straight relief cuts split in vinyl wrap?
Straight relief cuts split because tension concentrates at a sharp point. Once the vinyl tears, heating the film will not return it to its natural state.
How should you shape relief cuts when wrapping?
Make relief cuts in the shape of a circle or half circle. A rounded cut expands under heat and pressure without tearing, allowing the film to recover its memory.
Does vinyl wrap return to its original shape after heating?
Yes, vinyl wrap returns to its natural state when heated as long as the film has not torn.