So you’re about to wrap with Omega-Skinz?
Before you dive in, we’ve got some Tips & Tricks that might be crucial for you. But first, we need to know which type of film you’re going to use.
Make your selection below.
Films with a capsheet!
Some Omega-Skinz films come with a protective CapSheet on top to safeguard the surface layer, which must be removed before application to ensure optimal results. Always check for the CapSheet before starting your wrap process – click here to see which films include a CapSheet.
Flat Matte Films
A non-reflective very matte surface without gloss or shine.
• OS-629 You want it Darker
• OS-600 Moon Halo
• OS-612 Robotic Steel
• OS-622 StillDark
• OS-616 Mad Machine
1 Stand out with a Flat Matte Wrap!
If you’re looking for something truly different, a matte vehicle wrap might be the best way to go. It offers a distinct and eye-catching appeal due to its near absence of shine, which stands out, especially in a world where almost everything has a glossy finish.
Matte vehicle wraps reflect very little light and resemble fabric more than metal. Their flat appearance directs attention towards the curves and lines of the car, more so than any other finish, and it can provide a luxurious aesthetic.
But beware. Very matte films have a number of issues to be aware of. Here we describe them for you.
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2. Cleaning matte film: this is what you need to know!
It is important to note that matte vehicle wraps require additional maintenance
Fingerprints and dirt are more visible on matte wrap film, and contaminants tend to adhere more stubbornly.
It’s the dimples in the film
Matte films are somewhat structured with minute ‘dimples’ that deflect light to give it the matte appearance.
And in those dimples, dirt gets trapped. And this trapped dirt is difficult to remove with ordinary cleaners.
Road salt, exhaust vapour and brake dust
Normal street grime is nowhere near as stubborn as the road salt used during the winter, especially when it’s combined with asphalt and rubber.
Add to that the steam from hot engines and the underside of cars that spreads to the sills and spoilers.
Not to mention the dust from disc brakes that escapes through the wheels and clings to side of the car. This is a common problem especially with sports and executive models. These models are much closer to the road and the dirt; they tend to be driven faster, so the brake shoes are subjected to more wear, etc.
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3. How to clean?
Matte films need to be cleaned more often, as dirt adheres more easily to the surface.
Don’t:
Do not use surface cleaners, thinner and other harsh cleaners. This will only make the dirt shift from one side, to the other. The dirt should basically be “sucked” out of the small pits. Using an aggressive cleaner and a cloth is not going to do that.
Do:
Step 1: Wash the vehicle with soap and water. Preferably by hand. Through a carwash can and with a high pressure cleaner can also. Always keep 30cm distance between the film and the nozzle, to avoid damaging the film. Do not use gloss increasing agents! Now the surface dirt is gone. However, there is still dirt in the small pits.
Step 2: This can be “sucked up” with the SOTT Cleaning Spounge (300-044) and the SOTT Carwrap Film Cleaner (600-CC44). Spray the surface and make circular movements over the film with the sponge. Now the dirt will be absorbed into the sponge. Repeat if necessary.
For stubborn dirt that still has not been removed, cleaning clay is a godsend. Omega-Skinz Space Clay Surface Optimizer (OS-T-C180) is intended for this purpose. Read the packaging to see how it works.
Tip: There are special waxes for matte car paintwork. These waxes seal the small pits so that dirt cannot settle. Often these waxes last an average of 3 months. After that, the surface should be treated again.
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4. Is Flat Matte Vinyl more brittle?
Matte vinyl wraps can be more prone to brittleness compared to other types of vinyl wraps due to a few factors. One of the main reasons is the absence of a glossy clear coat layer. The clear coat not only provides a protective barrier but also adds flexibility to the vinyl, making it more resistant to cracking or becoming brittle.
Matte films are more sensitive to tearing during assembly compared to glossy and silk-matte films. The fact that they are more brittle is due to the small dimples in the surface.
We recommend taking this into mind during installation and using heat when the film needs to be deformed and stretched. A temperature of about 50 degrees Celsius is often sufficient.
When removing the film, it will be experienced that the film breaks faster when pulling. Use sufficient heat during removal. Which temperature works best is something you have to test for yourself. Any adhesive remains can be easily removed with SOTT Adhesive Remover (600-Z0415).
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5. Scratches and gloss lines
Very matte films are sensitive to scratching. This makes sense, since the surface is made up of tiny dimples that refract light and therefore do not reflect it back. When something hard presses on the matte surface, the dimples are flattened and the light can reflect back. Result: a scratch; so what is actually a shiny piece of film.
These types of scratches often occur during installation with the squeegee or in everyday use, as something hard touches the surface.
Here’s what to do about it:
When installing, use the proper squeegee Flaming Slicer (OS-T-i205) and a special protective sheet The Wingman (OS-T-I200) or the Black Buffer (OS-T-i201). This prevents gloss streaks and scratches.
If gloss streaks or scratches do occur during installation or afterwards, heat will solve everything. Use a heat gun and heat the scratches. The scratches will disappear as the film recovers. The compressed dimples return to their original shape. A warm sunny day does the same thing.
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6. Is matte vinyl directional?
Matte wrap film is a standard type of vinyl wrap film. It is not directional, which means it is easy to apply to some extent, because no matter whichever way you put on the vehicle, the color and the hue of the vinyl wrap film will stay uniform.
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7. Squeegee Tips
– Preventing air bubbles
OMEGA-SKINZ™ wrapping film features extremely small air channels. As a result, the installer needs to squeegee firmly and with the right pressure. Incorrect pressure can cause small air bubbles or streaks to appear. No worries, though, as they will eventually dissipate. However, you can avoid this issue altogether. Use a medium-hard scraper and a thin velour buffer. Our preferred choice is the OS-T-I205 Flaming Slicer from Omega-Skinz, along with its accompanying buffer: OS-T-I200 The Wingman.
– Preventing scratches
SCRATCHES can occur on glossy films when using the wrong buffers. Many buffers are too hard or have sharp fabrics. Use the buffers mentioned above to prevent this. If you absolutely want to avoid scratches, dampen the SOTT™ WrapEdge 500-037 (made of natural Alcantara) with water and a little soap. To remove small scratches from Flat Matte Vinyl, you can utilize a heat gun; however, use caution to avoid overheating the film.
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More Installation Tips ?
We have created a series of informative and visually appealing videos featuring valuable installation tips just for you. To access these helpful resources, click on the following link. We are confident that these videos will provide you with the guidance you need for successful installations.
Textured Films
(Textured surface, like camo or carbon, has a raised design resembling camouflage or carbon fiber.)
• OS-829 Combat Camo Black
• OS-845 Combat Camo Green
• OS-812 Carbon Silver
• OS-820 Carbon Grey
• OS-828 Carbon Black
Textured Films
Car wrap films with a textured surface, have a feelable pattern that resembles camouflage or a woven carbon fiber pattern. It is tactile because there is depth difference in the top layer. Then keep in mind the following:
1. Installation Considerations
Installing textured car wrap films may require additional care and attention compared to smooth films. The installer needs to ensure proper alignment and conformability of the texture to the vehicle’s contours for a seamless and professional finish. Because of the depth difference, the film is more vulnerable to tearing during installation. Stretching, correcting and repositioning can be a challenge. So use heat to keep the film soft, so the film is less likely to tear.
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2. Cleaning
It is important to note that textured vehicle wraps require additional maintenance
Fingerprints and dirt are more visible on textured wrap film, and contaminants tend to adhere more stubbornly.
____________________________________________
3. It’s the dimples in the film
textured films are somewhat structured with minute ‘dimples’ that deflect light to give it the matt appearance. And in those dimples, dirt gets trapped. And this trapped dirt is difficult to remove with ordinary cleaners.
____________________________________________
4. Road salt, exhaust vapour and brake dust
Normal street grime is nowhere near as stubborn as the road salt used during the winter, especially when it’s combined with asphalt and rubber. Add to that the steam from hot engines and the underside of cars that spreads to the sills and spoilers. Not to mention the dust from disc brakes that escapes through the wheels and clings to side of the car. This is a common problem especially with sports and executive models. These models are much closer to the road and the dirt; they tend to be driven faster, so the brake shoes are subjected to more wear, etc.
____________________________________________
5. How to clean?
Textured films need to be cleaned more often, as dirt adheres more easily to the surface.
Don’t:
do not use surface cleaners, thinner and other harsh cleaners. This will only make the dirt shift from one side, to the other. The dirt should basically be “sucked” out of the small pits. Using an aggressive cleaner and a cloth is not going to do that.
Do:
Step 1: Wash the vehicle with soap and water. Preferably by hand. Through a carwash can and with a high pressure cleaner can also. Always keep 30cm distance between the film and the nozzle, to avoid damaging the film. Do not use gloss increasing agents! Now the surface dirt is gone. However, there is still dirt in the small pits.
Step 2: This can be “sucked up” with the SOTT Cleaning Sponge (300-044) and the SOTT Car wrap Film Cleaner (600-CC44). Spray the surface and make circular movements over the film with the sponge. Now the dirt will be absorbed into the sponge. Repeat if necessary.
For stubborn dirt that still has not been removed, cleaning clay is a godsend. Omega-Skinz Space Clay Surface Optimizer (OS-T-C180) is intended for this purpose. Read the packaging to see how it works.
Tip: There are special waxes for textured car paintwork. These waxes seal the small pits so that dirt cannot settle. Often these waxes last an average of 3 months. After that, the surface should be treated again.
____________________________________________
6. Squeegee Tips
– Preventing air bubbles
OMEGA-SKINZ™ wrapping film features extremely small air channels. As a result, the installer needs to squeegee firmly and with the right pressure. Incorrect pressure can cause small air bubbles or streaks to appear. No worries, though as they will eventually dissipate. However, you can avoid this issue altogether. Use a medium-hard scraper and a thin velour buffer. Our preferred choice is the OS-T-I205 Flaming Slicer from Omega-Skinz, along with its accompanying buffer: OS-T-I200 The Wingman.
– Preventing scratches
SCRATCHES can occur on glossy films when using the wrong buffers. Many buffers are too hard or have sharp fabrics. Use the buffers mentioned above to prevent this. If you absolutely want to avoid scratches, dampen the SOTT™ WrapEdge 500-037 (made of natural Alcantara) with water and a little soap. To remove small scratches from Flat Matte Vinyl, you can utilize a heat gun; however, use caution to avoid overheating the film. _____________________________________________
More Installation Tips ?
We have created a series of informative and visually appealing videos featuring valuable installation tips just for you. To access these helpful resources, click on the following link. We are confident that these videos will provide you with the guidance you need for successful installations.
OMEGA-SKINZ INSTALLATION TIPS
Helpful to ensure a smooth and successful installation process, providing guidance on best practices, potential challenges to watch out for, and techniques that can save time and effort. They can help improve the overall outcome, reduce errors, and ensure that the installed product or material meets the desired standards.
EXPECTED LIFETIME OF A CARWRAP
Factors Affecting the Lifespan of a Car Wrap: Understanding the Expected Durability and Longevity.
The lifespan of a car wrap
can vary depending on several factors:
1. Quality of Materials
The quality of the vinyl material used for the car wrap plays a significant role in its durability. Omega-Skinz vinyl films are produced in Belgium and designed to withstand harsh weather conditions, UV exposure, and fading. They tend to have a longer lifespan compared to cheaper alternatives.
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2. Installation
Proper installation of the car wrap is crucial for its longevity. Experienced and professional installers ensure that the vinyl is applied smoothly, without bubbles or wrinkles, and that the edges are properly sealed. A poorly installed wrap may not last as long and can start to peel or fade prematurely.
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3. Environmental Factors
The environment in which the vehicle is frequently exposed can affect the lifespan of a car wrap. Excessive exposure to sunlight, extreme temperatures, saltwater, or chemicals can deteriorate the vinyl over time. For instance, a car parked outdoors under direct sunlight for extended periods may experience faster fading and deterioration.
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4. Maintenance and Care
Regular maintenance and proper care can extend the lifespan of a car wrap. It is recommended to hand wash the wrapped vehicle using a mild detergent and a soft cloth or sponge. Avoid using abrasive cleaners, power washers, or brushes that could damage the wrap. Additionally, keeping the vehicle garaged or covered when not in use can provide additional protection.
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5. Horizontal parts of the vehicle
Remember that sunlight eventually breaks everything down. The more sunlight, the faster the aging process will be. So with this in mind, it makes sense that horizontal parts catch more sunlight and thus will degrade first.
Think of the hood, trunk lid, roof, etc. We recommend parking a wrapped vehicle under a roof or indoors as much as possible.
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Taking these factors into consideration, a professionally installed and properly maintained carwrap can usually last 3 to 7 years. However, it is important to note that this is an estimate and the actual lifespan may vary. The climatic conditions where the vehicle is located will play a major role. For example, a wrap in northwestern Europe will last longer than a wrap in the Middle East or Australia.
Oceanfront locations, where salty sea air comes into play, will also have a big impact on the lifespan of films.
It’s worth mentioning that wraps used for commercial advertising or in high-traffic areas may require replacement more frequently due to the wear and tear associated with increased exposure and visibility.
CARE INSTRUCTIONS FOR CARWRAP FILMS
To ensure that your wrap stays in pristine condition and retains its vibrant appearance for years to come, it’s important to follow proper care and maintenance guidelines. This downloadable PDF provides comprehensive instructions and valuable tips on how to care for your car wrap effectively.
