Wrapping the B5 in Avery Sw900 dark gloss grey

[Spoorguy]

Because of a big dent in my hood and failed attempt to fix and then paint it, decided to wrap it myself. By no means am I a pro, this is my first time and all by myself so far. I've made a few mistakes so far but have managed to fix it somehow and overall, I'm really happy with how it's turned out so far.

Upon completion I'll have a time lapse and a full shoot. The trim, mirrors and wheels will also be black after the wrap is done. Wanted to share and will highlight some areas where I made a mistake and give a heads up to those who want to tackle this themselves. Excuse the iPhone pics, too lazy to brig out the DSLR

[88ninety9]

Wow good work. Liking the color alot

[jjvwg]

awesome job! I'm planning on DIY'ing my b6 avant this color come spring. how did you go about dealing with the door trim? thats the one thing I'm really questioning how to go about right now. did you wrap over it with one whole piece and then cut around it and fold the edges under? any info would be much appreciated. how do you like working with the avery vinyl? i watched a guy wrap his allroad in the campsite across from me at camp all road this summer and he made the avery look pretty to work with.

[AudiTechS4]

how much do you need for a s4 ?

[Kruat]

Man I'd love to try this, just not sure if I have the patience to do it. Are you doing great door jams as well?

[tar]

Looks like the same color as Greg's a4. If so great choice
Pics in here if ur curious.

http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...TX-Build/page8

[demonmk2]

His is telephone gray or technic gray ( I think )

[Spoorguy]

how much do you need for a s4 ?

Id say 5'x55' is just right. Give you a bit of wiggle room but it's nice to have extra too.

[Spoorguy]

awesome job! I'm planning on DIY'ing my b6 avant this color come spring. how did you go about dealing with the door trim? thats the one thing I'm really questioning how to go about right now. did you wrap over it with one whole piece and then cut around it and fold the edges under? any info would be much appreciated. how do you like working with the avery vinyl? i watched a guy wrap his allroad in the campsite across from me at camp all road this summer and he made the avery look pretty to work with.

The Avery vinyl is great! I've used 3m 1080 and also Vvivid's vinyl too and so far I like the Avery. As far as the trim, I was going to remove all of them but decided not to. Reason being is that one of the pieces is riveted in and I didn't want to drill it off and I saw another b5 wrap over. I'll have up close photos of areas I either had trouble with or made a mistake. This will be re-wrapped, certain panels for sure.

[Spoorguy]

Man I'd love to try this, just not sure if I have the patience to do it. Are you doing great door jams as well?

I went partial door jams. Bring it was my first time and this is no show car, just wanted to change it up, try something new and get her just looking clean again, I decided not to. I don't it'd be too hard though aside from prep work of removing things. I'll probably do the door jams next time

[Spoorguy]

Looks like the same color as Greg's a4. If so great choice
Pics in here if ur curious.

http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...TX-Build/page8

Oh yeah I saw his, his is lighter and more nardo then this. This is the same wrap that kleapers4 has on his b8. I like Rogers color too but wanted a darker one

[Kronprinz]

Id say 5'x55' is just right. Give you a bit of wiggle room but it's nice to have extra too.

Coming along very nice. Can't wait to see the finished product.

What size roll did you order, and from where?

[Spoorguy]

I ordered 5x45 because I had a gift card to Amazon. Ordering another 5 x 15 for extra plus made a few mistakes so got to fix those. Right now metrorestyling has 10% off

[Kronprinz]

I ordered 5x45 because I had a gift card to Amazon. Ordering another 5 x 15 for extra plus made a few mistakes so got to fix those. Right now metrorestyling has 10% off

Got it. Now did you apply this dry, or with some sort of lubricate solution?

[Spoorguy]

No just dry, no need for it. If you're serious about it, grab some 3m 94 primer for some of the edges and corners. It's to help prevent peeling and to strengthen the adhesive. Might as well grab a wrap kit from metro or Amazon. Helps a lot. Grab as many of the tools as you can especially if you doing it yourself. Magnets and painters tape is amazing help too, keeping stuff in place

[Spoorguy]

Here's a pic of the door jamb just to show what I did. Used the lines for the cut, great tip for anything else. Use any lines you can to help with lining up the cutting/trimming

[Spoorguy]

Remove the tail lights and even the gas cover for easier access and cleaner lines/cuts

[demonmk2]

For your first time that's an awesome job IMO.

How on earth do you keep it from creasing?

[e30mclow]

The very same colour that I've been considering for my Imola.

How does it hold up to scratching during install? I'd imagine that the screed/bubble remover can catch grit as you go?

I've always been put off by attempting it on my own, but you seem to have executed the rear quarters and roof line well.

[jjvwg]

How are you getting such clean cut lines?! I get that you're using the lines on the car but are you actually cutting it when it's already pressed down? Seems that you couldn't follow the lines for a clean cut unless you did so, in which case you're probably touching the blade to the paint. What's the trick?

You're making me want to order vinyl right now, but I read you should install between 60-75 degrees. Guess I'm stuck waiting till spring

[Spoorguy]

For your first time that's an awesome job IMO.

How on earth do you keep it from creasing?

Thanks! well it's about heat management and also doing it by sections vs. as one whole piece per panel. So if it creases while I'm laying it down then I would pull that area back up separate the crease if the material is sticking together and then apply low heat so that it goes back to its normal state, allow it to cool then reapply again. You don't want to apply right after heating it because you want the material you lay on the surface to be as close to its normal state as possible to ensure no lifting occurs later down the road. When vinyl is stretched then heated, it'll want to pull itself back in and be as close to what it originally was at. Hope that makes sense.

Brings up another good point, when it comes to wrapping the edges and corners, anywhere that has a higher chance of lifting, using 3M 94 primer can help with making it stick more and also post heating the area, which keeps it from wanting to pull in or lift after time and being in the sun, introduced to a heat source, etc...Post heating was key prior to cutting and ensuring the material was sticking. Post heating an area can show you where it would lift if it a heat source like the sun would've made contact onto the surface after install.

The very same colour that I've been considering for my Imola.

How does it hold up to scratching during install? I'd imagine that the screed/bubble remover can catch grit as you go?

I've always been put off by attempting it on my own, but you seem to have executed the rear quarters and roof line well.

Scratching, I was a bit worried about that initially and even during install it had seemed to be getting scratched when I would forget to use the felt side of the squeegee or use my gloves. I got a wrap kit from Vvivid which had a knife, knifeless tape, gloves and 3M 94 primer pens. I'd suggest a similar kit with also magnets and even tape but I got away with buying magnets from a DIY store and also just used painters tape. I used the tape and magnets primarily to help hold the vinyl down for measurements and cutting. I also used a photo backdrop support to hold the vinyl. There is also certain waxes that could be applied to the vinyl, so that might help alleviate some of the scratches but even so, there not as noticeable when the car is in the sunlight. Might be for how new it is or the color, but I wouldn't worry too much depending on the color you choose and whether it's matte, satin, gloss or chrome. Obviously it varies.

How are you getting such clean cut lines?! I get that you're using the lines on the car but are you actually cutting it when it's already pressed down? Seems that you couldn't follow the lines for a clean cut unless you did so, in which case you're probably touching the blade to the paint. What's the trick?

You're making me want to order vinyl right now, but I read you should install between 60-75 degrees. Guess I'm stuck waiting till spring

Well, as far as clean lines I'm using the body lines whether it be the welds, the edges or even sometimes the brackets that hold some trim down. When I don't have anything to run the knife along then I sometimes use the squeegee as a guide or have my index finger near the tip applying constant pressure as I cut slowly and surely. Touching the paint, that's hard not to but most of your cuts shouldn't be on an area or surface of concern unless you're really trying not to scratch anything at all. I didn't really pay much attention or be too careful when cutting like when I cut the door jambs or within the hood/engine bay area. I just didn't apply too much pressure so I guess it's about feeling it out and knowing your strength I guess haha. It's not too warm here and I can't say my garage is around room temp but I definitely ensure that it's not freezing or cold in there when applying. You could apply in a somewhat cooler temp but I'd recommend not doing so for the fact that the material is best applied near room temp. Same goes for too hot as well. Order some vinyl! I've tried Vvivid in which you can get a whole wrap for a standard sedan for about 250-300 and that's about 5x65 too. Also have tried 3m 1080 which to me has been the thickest product I've used but still is forgiving and stretchable. Avery so far is great as well. I'd do it, but be prepared, take your time and do the research. I watched a lot of youtube videos and read and have also worked on smaller pieces so that helped me out.

[JeriQo]

Subscribed. Good shit mark!

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[jjvwg]

Well, as far as clean lines I'm using the body lines whether it be the welds, the edges or even sometimes the brackets that hold some trim down. When I don't have anything to run the knife along then I sometimes use the squeegee as a guide or have my index finger near the tip applying constant pressure as I cut slowly and surely. Touching the paint, that's hard not to but most of your cuts shouldn't be on an area or surface of concern unless you're really trying not to scratch anything at all. I didn't really pay much attention or be too careful when cutting like when I cut the door jambs or within the hood/engine bay area. I just didn't apply too much pressure so I guess it's about feeling it out and knowing your strength I guess haha. It's not too warm here and I can't say my garage is around room temp but I definitely ensure that it's not freezing or cold in there when applying. You could apply in a somewhat cooler temp but I'd recommend not doing so for the fact that the material is best applied near room temp. Same goes for too hot as well. Order some vinyl! I've tried Vvivid in which you can get a whole wrap for a standard sedan for about 250-300 and that's about 5x65 too. Also have tried 3m 1080 which to me has been the thickest product I've used but still is forgiving and stretchable. Avery so far is great as well. I'd do it, but be prepared, take your time and do the research. I watched a lot of youtube videos and read and have also worked on smaller pieces so that helped me out.

i guess cutting your vinyl between panel seems like between the hood and fenders or fenders and doorsis easy. my concern is cutting it at the top of the door by the weather stripping. like you said though, most of those areas wont be seen where the blades could actually come into contact with the paint. ive used 3m 1080 for interior trim and it wasnt too bad and laminex also, both of which are fairly thick products. when i watched that guy using the avery sw900 it definitely appeared to be much easier to work with than either of those. been watching youtube vids for the past few months haha...trying to pick up as many tips as i can. i may just order some vinyl and tools tonight yet, supposed to be pretty nice in the 50-60's next weekend! maybe i could give the hood and fenders a go then! thanks for all the tips.

[jjvwg]

oh and whats your cleaning process before you apply it? are you full on clay barring it and then cleaning with something xylene or denatured alcohol?

[Spoorguy]

Yup, if need be since the paint is fairly old anyway I've wet sanded with 1500 and 2000 on areas needing it. Particularly paint defects that clay bar or anything else can't take out.

[Lindsaaay]

Why not use knife less tape??


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[xalents23]

Sick color, wish you were near me so you can wrap my CASA. Can't wait to see it finished.

[Spoorguy]

Why not use knife less tape??


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Because for the edges id rather use the knife. Better control and most of the edges and corners are in tight areas. Just prefer it that's all really

[Spoorguy]

Sick color, wish you were near me so you can wrap my CASA. Can't wait to see it finished.

Thanks, I'll have plenty of pics for sure! As I lay down more and more vinyl, I'm getting into a groove and getting better. Still not 100% nor am I a pro yet, but I'd definitely help others if I had the chance.

[Spoorguy]

Well I guess there was some hidden dirt and water...had to remove the vinyl completely off driver door. Trying something different and really cleaning the area.

Be aware of the lower trim and any of the trim on the side especially while prepping prior to wrapping. I didn't verify that there wasn't any water within the trim. After applying pressure to press on vinyl in those areas, dirt and water came out. Tip, use 3m like mentioned already on edges and tough areas that are prone to lifting. The q-tips worked great. Can use small applicator brush if you prefer.

Also try and cut the backing of the vinyl in sections to apply in sections of alone.

[Spoorguy]

Way better sectioned off, especially for trim.

[Spoorguy]

[jjvwg]

so for the doors you started by wrapping over the trim and then moved in either direction towards the top and bottom of the door? what was your approach with getting the vinyl under the weather strip at the bottom of the window? gonna be ordering my vinyl and tools today!

[Spoorguy]

Yeah I learned by going from the trim then going up, then trim then down, it helped with the clean and tight fit. Also I removed the lower trim to prevent what happened the first time, also easier this way. With the weather strip I took a card/squeegee and opened it up a little so there's a big enough gap to tuck in a bit. Didn't do too much, just enough to where I can get the knife in for a clean cut

[erykv1]

how did you repair the hood before you vinyled over it? looks great!

[Spoorguy]

Filled and sanded. Didn't really do a great job with ensuring it was good to go. I set myself up for failure but not having better lighting in my garage. Lesson learned but I'll be picking up a new hood and wrapping that sometime this spring or summer

[CJ_]

subbed for final shoot

[SuitedUp2The9s]

Subbed for final shoot as well. It looks very nice already!

[Spoorguy]

Yeah hopefully I have time this coming weekend to finish it! Have been working hard at work as you can see, something else that's grey haha. Removed a whole landing gear to change out some components.

[MarlinFoundNemo]

Have you considered maybe making a couple videos on the more difficult areas to wrap and how you did them? B5'ers are in need of something cool like that haha