There is a right and a wrong way to stretch wrap film. This video on a silver Mini Cooper shows both side by side, and what happens to each piece when you post-heat.
The wrong way
- Lift a small section, heat it and stretch only that piece. You get a clear discoloration mark, and the film shrinks back when you post-heat.
The right way
- Pick up the majority of the piece you need to stretch.
- Heat the whole lifted area.
- Stretch it and tack it down.
- Cut along the edge.
- Post-heat the material. A piece stretched this way stays where you put it.
Tips
- Only stretch if you absolutely have to, for example when you come up short on a panel.
- Stretching a bigger section avoids discoloration marks and keeps the film from moving later.
Aura Vinyl is a cast polymer hybrid film with German-made adhesive, made for pliability and repositioning.
FAQ
Why does vinyl wrap discolor when stretched?
Vinyl wrap discolors when heat and tension are focused on a tiny section of the material instead of being distributed across a larger piece.
How do you stop vinyl wrap from pulling back after trimming?
You stop vinyl from pulling back by lifting and heating a majority of the piece before stretching it, which relieves stress along the cut line during post-heating.
When should you stretch vinyl wrap?
You should only stretch vinyl wrap if you absolutely have to, such as when you come up short near an edge.