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What causes wraps to bubble, curl, or lift on the edges?

Learn how substrate conditions, installation techniques, environmental factors, and print processes can contribute to graphic failure—and how to avoid them.

Bubbling, curling, and edge lift can be caused by one or a combination of the following:

  1. Improper cleaning or surface preparation. Embedded dirt, wax, sealants, and other slick coatings on the surface will prevent the adhesive from properly wetting out.

    NOTE: If the surface has a ceramic coating, this usually requires removal with a buffing machine. Consult a detailing professional for removal. 

  2. Lack of Outgassing. This does not apply to latex prints but lack of outgassing with solvent prints weakens the adhesive.

    outgas-lift

  3. Overstretching. If there is noticeable discoloration in the deepest part of the groove, this is an indicator of overstretching.

    BottleCapping-2

  4. Insufficient pressure. There might have been less pressure applied in this area. The only way to verify if sufficient pressure was applied is during post-heating.

     bubble-lift 

  5. Improper post-heating: Post heating is a necessary step in any vehicle application not unique to SLX. It is a combination of specified high temperatures, reapplication of pressure, and time. If sufficient pressure was applied, no bubbles should appear during this process. Any air under the film will expand when heated.

    microbubble