Scratching wrap when applying.

[Jharris81]

So I have been doing wraps for a small amount of time compared to a lot of people on here and I feel like I have tried everything to prevent getting marks from squeezing out the film on a vehicle. I have tried all kinds of edge buffers. I use squeegee lube on the edge and on the vinyl. I have it on whatever vinyl I use. We print with Avery and over laminate as well and use 3m, Avery, oracle and a few others for color changes and always have issues leaving marks in the vinyl. I change out my buffer edge, wipe the the vinyl for before applying to get any dirt or dust off. If I push light enough to not get marks then I still have air trapped under some of the films. Any advice out there would be greatly appreciated.

 

[tulsagraphics]

I only use a squeegee when I have to (tight areas, or tuck-ins). For broad surfaces (90% of my work) I use a Rollepro. If i have leftover hairlines from a squeegee -- I just torch 'em out.

 

[Jharris81]

I only use a squeegee when I have to (tight areas, or tuck-ins). For broad surfaces (90% of my work) I use a Rollepro. If i have leftover hairlines from a squeegee -- I just torch 'em out.

 

[crashaffinity]

I only use a squeegee when I have to (tight areas, or tuck-ins). For broad surfaces (90% of my work) I use a Rollepro. If i have leftover hairlines from a squeegee -- I just torch 'em out.

When i was doing wraps i used to use torch as well

 

[Graphic Extremes]

Wrap gloves work great

 

[411Graphics]

We use glove for large areas. Rollers for smaller. We get them the sun should make it out. Or heat it while there.

You may not post heating it may sound like. Maybe you are and have the temp wrong to change the memory and flies in the film. It should take them out at that time.

There is a slight technique to holding the vinyl when about to squeegee that can cause the edge glue lines from the squeegee.

Look at wrap institute for some helpful handling vinyl, glove, squeegee and roller techniques.

 

[Think713]

So I have been doing wraps for a small amount of time compared to a lot of people on here and I feel like I have tried everything to prevent getting marks from squeezing out the film on a vehicle. I have tried all kinds of edge buffers. I use squeegee lube on the edge and on the vinyl. I have it on whatever vinyl I use. We print with Avery and over laminate as well and use 3m, Avery, oracle and a few others for color changes and always have issues leaving marks in the vinyl. I change out my buffer edge, wipe the the vinyl for before applying to get any dirt or dust off. If I push light enough to not get marks then I still have air trapped under some of the films. Any advice out there would be greatly appreciated.

The best way to avoid scratching laminate or wrap film is using a good squeegee buffer (a fresh one) every wrap you start, and use soap/water as a slip solution (on top of the vinyl not under it). This ISNT necessary but it will help you avoid any scratching.

 

[Boudica]

Try using a squeegee with the felt on it. Our installer also uses glass cleaner on occasion with the squeegee. Also you can usually get stroke marks out with a heat gun

 

[JBurton]

Just to throw it out there, new 3m 2080 films have a protective film over them, they're basically impossible to scratch when installing.
Also, not sure if you're talking squeegees with felt or applying your own, but I used to love geek squeegees until I realized cheapwraptools sold the same thing at 1/2 or better the price.

 

[Think713]

Just to throw it out there, new 3m 2080 films have a protective film over them, they're basically impossible to scratch when installing.
Also, not sure if you're talking squeegees with felt or applying your own, but I used to love geek squeegees until I realized cheapwraptools sold the same thing at 1/2 or better the price.

We use neoprene buffers. They tend to be the less destructive on the surfaces assuming you put a new one on.

 

[Notarealsignguy]

Don't the fine squeegee scratches disappear with a touch of heat?

 

[Boudica]

Just to throw it out there, new 3m 2080 films have a protective film over them, they're basically impossible to scratch when installing.
Also, not sure if you're talking squeegees with felt or applying your own, but I used to love geek squeegees until I realized cheapwraptools sold the same thing at 1/2 or better the price.

Geekwrap Squeegies.

Don't the fine squeegee scratches disappear with a touch of heat?

Yep! A heat gun or a torch (if you know what you're doing) will take those scratches out.

 

[Bonzai901]

I use Monkey Tails on my squeegee, one per wrap (maybe two depending on the size of vehicle) but it all starts with a clean environment since laminating and cutting the vinyl sometimes the vinyl attracts fine dust and this dust is collected by your squeegee.