• Heat impacts conformity. During installation, it’s important to have appropriate surrounding temperatures. Lack of heat in the air causes a reduction of the plasticity of vinyl, which impacts its ability to conform to curved or textured surfaces. When temperatures are too cool, the integrity of the adhesive on vinyl wraps is compromised. This could hinder the vinyl’s ability to adhere to the vehicle, or could even cause the graphic to peel off after customer delivery. Such a situation could be damaging to a vehicle wrap company’s reputation. As a general rule of thumb, the surrounding area should be heated to a minimum of 45 degrees Fahrenheit to be conducive for wrapping a vehicle.
• Heat impacts vinyl in storage. Drastic changes in temperature between storage and wrapping can cause the protective paper to shrink or expand. When graphics are stored in extreme heat, it can impact dimensions of the cuts as well as the flatness of the self-adhesive. This will impact the integrity of the graphic and will cause an inability to adhere effectively to the vehicle. Ensure that wraps are stored in an area that does not exceed 86 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Heat is needed for application. During the application process, heat is applied to soften and stretch the vinyl. Vehicle wraps must then be post-heated to avoid the graphic returning to its previous size and causing the graphic to pop off of curves and recesses on the vehicle. Post-heating should be done at a temperature of 203 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Heat and UV exposure can damage the vehicle wrap. Extreme heat and harmful UV rays can cause a vehicle wrap to fade. Apply wrap-safe waxes after each wash and avoid parking the vehicle in the sun whenever possible.