This installation demonstrates an A-pillar wrap on a white 2017-2023 Tesla Model 3.
The video shows how to prevent the original white paint from showing through the lock seam when installing vinyl wrap. Wrapping a white vehicle with high-contrast vinyl often leaves original paint exposed in body seams if the film is not tucked deep enough. Using 3M Knifeless tape inside the seam provides a clean edge that fully conceals the underlying paint.
Step-by-Step Seam Coverage
To conceal the seam properly, follow these steps demonstrated in the video:
- Tuck 3M Knifeless tape down into the crack along the lock seam.
- Pull the knifeless tape to cut the base layer and remove the excess material.
- Lay the A-pillar vinyl piece over the area and glass it out smooth.
- Cut along the opposite side, leaving enough material to roll into the seam with your finger.
- Warm the edge with heat so the vinyl shrinks down into the gap.
Clean Edge Results
Following this method ensures that the contrast color wraps completely into the recess without white paint peeking through. Aura Vinyl vinyl wrap uses a cast polymer hybrid construction with German-made adhesive and a PET liner to assist with repositioning and smooth coverage across body panels.
FAQ
Why should you use knifeless tape on an A-pillar seam?
Knifeless tape cuts vinyl cleanly inside the seam without risking damage from a metal blade. This keeps the factory white paint from peeking through when wrapping a high-contrast color.
How do you finish the film edge inside the seam?
Leave enough vinyl to roll it into the gap with your finger, then apply heat with a heat gun. The vinyl will shrink and pull itself tightly into the seam.