Wrapping a vehicle enhances its look and protects the underlying paint, but sometimes imperfections like bubbles can appear. Today, we’ll show you how we tackled a major bubble issue on a Ram TRX vinyl wrap around the door handle recess.
Understanding the Issue
We encountered a significant bubble around the vehicle’s handle, and several factors might have caused it:
- Overstretching: Vinyl can be overstretched, especially over curves and divots.
- No Post-Heating: Post-heating is essential after wrapping to eliminate the material’s “memory,” ensuring a long-lasting wrap.
Neglecting these steps can result in large, persistent bubbles, just like the one we faced.
Tools You’ll Need
- Wrap glove
- Small syringe with angled needle
- Heat gun
Step-by-Step Bubble Removal
- Create a Venting Hole: Using an angled needle, gently puncture the bubble at a shallow angle to avoid scratching the vehicle’s paint. Then, carefully remove the air with the syringe if possible.
- Apply Heat: Use a heat gun to warm the area gently. Heat helps the vinyl become pliable, allowing trapped air to escape more easily.
- Smooth Out the Bubble: Wearing a wrap glove, gradually smooth the vinyl toward the created hole, allowing air to escape.
- Address Smaller Bubbles: Tiny bubbles might still be present. Puncture each bubble carefully, ensuring you don’t damage the wrap or the car beneath.
- Post-Heat to Seal: After smoothing out bubbles, post-heat the entire affected area thoroughly. This step is crucial for sealing the vinyl wrap permanently by mimicking the effects of prolonged sun exposure.
- Trim Excess Material: Remove any excess vinyl or imperfections using precision trimming. Avoid leaving excess material as it may cause lifting or additional bubbles.
Tips and Precautions
- Always puncture at an angle to protect the underlying paint.
- Be careful with the syringe and heat gun—precision and caution prevent unnecessary damage.
- Excess material isn’t beneficial; precisely trimmed vinyl lasts longer and looks better.
Final Thoughts
Fixing vinyl wrap bubbles isn’t always straightforward, especially on complex vehicles like the Ram TRX. However, with the right tools, patience, and technique, it is entirely manageable. This approach significantly improves the appearance and longevity of your vinyl wrap, helping your vehicle maintain its striking aesthetic.