How to Do a Vinyl Wrap on a Car: Step-by-Step Guide from Auto Style PPF

At Auto Style PPF in Naperville, IL, we love transforming cars with high-quality vinyl wraps. Today, we’re sharing an inside look at how we wrapped a classic 1991 Mercedes-Benz in Gloss Black 3M vinyl. This car came to us with faded and cracked paint, and the vinyl wrap gave it a fresh, stunning new look.

Here’s how the process works, step by step:

1. Thorough Washing and Clay Bar Treatment
First, we wash the car meticulously to remove all dirt and grime. After washing, we use a clay bar to take off any embedded contaminants from the paint surface, ensuring it’s perfectly clean for the wrap.

2. Sanding to Smooth Cracks and Old Debris
Because this Mercedes had cracked and faded paint, we sanded the affected areas to smooth out imperfections. Some parts, like the door handles, were too damaged to wrap, so we sent them to the paint shop for repainting.

3. Removing Parts for Better Edge Wrapping
To get crisp, clean edges, we carefully removed parts like mirrors, door handles, antenna, headlights, taillights, window trim, and door moldings. This step makes it much easier to wrap each panel neatly.

4. Deep Cleaning of Rubber Seals and Trims with IPA Alcohol
After disassembly, we cleaned rubber seals, trims, and all edges thoroughly with 70% Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA). This ensures all oils and residues are gone, helping the vinyl adhere perfectly.

5. Masking and Preparing for Installation
We apply masking tape to protect areas that should not be wrapped, keeping everything tidy during installation.

6. Cutting and Applying Vinyl Wrap Panels
Each panel’s vinyl is cut to the proper size to fit perfectly with minimal waste. We start applying the wrap piece by piece, carefully smoothing it out.

7. Heat Gun Use and Air Bubble Removal
Using a heat gun, we warm the vinyl to make it more flexible and conform to the car’s curves. We check for any air bubbles, pressing them out to achieve a flawless finish. We tack the edges with 3M’s primer glue designed specifically for vinyl wraps, ensuring strong adhesion.

8. Reassembling and Final Inspection Under Sunlight
Once the wrap is fully applied, we put all the removed parts back on. Then, the car is moved outside into sunlight to heat up naturally. This final heat exposure helps the vinyl settle and allows us to check for any bubbling or peeling.

The Result
The old Mercedes now shines with a deep, flawless Gloss Black finish, looking better than new. The owner is thrilled with the transformation!

How to Book Your Vinyl Wrap
We take a 50% deposit upfront and the remaining 50% once the car is done and ready for pickup. If you want to give your car a fresh, protective, and stylish new look like this Mercedes, call us at 630-524-7477 or visit Auto Style PPF in Naperville, IL for more information.

Vinyl wrapping is both an art and a science and we’re here to do it right for you. Ready to transform your ride? Contact us today!