How Do You "Lock" a Wrap?

If you’ve finished squeegeeing a wrap, you aren't actually done. Without the final step of Post-Heating, the vinyl is in a constant tug-of-war with itself, trying to pull back to its original flat shape.

To stop this "pop-back," you have to physically change the vinyl's memory. Here is how you lock in your work for the long haul.

The "Set Point": Breaking the Memory

By heating the vinyl to its Set Point (typically between 80°C and 95°C / 175°F and 200°F), you are performing a "reset" on the material:

• Breaking the Old Memory: The heat breaks down the original "flat" memory the vinyl had when it was on the roll.

• Resetting the Structure: The physical makeup of the vinyl resets while in its new, stretched position.

• Permanent Bond: Once the vinyl cools, it "forgets" it was ever flat and accepts the curve of the vehicle as its new relaxed state.

The Critical Tool: The Infrared Temp Gun

Pro Tip: Never guess the temperature. "Feeling" the heat with your hand or watching the vinyl smoke is not a professional strategy. Always use an infrared thermometer (temp gun) to verify you have reached the specific target temperature for the brand of film you are using. If you miss the target by even 10 degrees, the memory may not reset, leading to failure in the coming weeks.

Step-by-Step: How to Post-Heat Correctly

1. Identify Stress Points: Focus on deep channels, recesses, and anywhere the vinyl was stretched over 10%.

2. Move Slowly: Use a heat gun or torch to raise the temperature of the vinyl gradually.

3. Verify with the Gun: Sweep your temp gun across the area to ensure the entire stretched section reached the 80°C–95°C range.

4. Let it Cool: Do not touch or squeegee the vinyl while it is at its peak temperature, as it is extremely soft and prone to tearing or scarring.