Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/637632
2 0 1 6 • WRAPS • 83 This bumper had quite a few contours but with a few carefully placed seams we were able to wrap the fenders, bumper and tailgate in large panels. Pieces Another approach is to plan your bumper install in smaller pieces; essen- tially planning your seams out ahead of time. In this case we generally install the center section of the bumper first, again working the flat center section first and then applying up and down. The sides sections to the bumper are then applied. If possible, plan these side panels larger so they can be trimmed at the lights or other natural body line. At the top of the bumper, where the trunk lid comes down, there are usually curved sections on either side. Depending on how deep these spaces are you may be able to wrap these sections as part of the center or side panels. If the space is too deep I would suggest wrap- ping these pieces separately with clean edges and then wrap the larger panels with an overlap onto these pieces (see Figure 8A & B). Both the front and rear bumpers for this complete van wrap had simple, straight seams planned out. We wrapped the center sections then overlapped the panels on each side. If you don't have a natural line to trim at, then I would suggest using Knifeless Tape to create a nice clean seam. You can apply it at either side when you apply the center section then pull it to trim that section. Then reapply another line of Tape, overlapping the installed graph- ics, and then pull it later to trim the side pieces. This keeps you from having to trim on the bumpers and on the vinyl under the overlap. Tips I recommend using 3M Tape Primer which promotes adhesion. Brush a light layer under the bumpers, where the graphics will end. Also, brush a light coat around any lights, molding or other obstacles. Be very careful you're not over- stretching during application. These areas will want to lift later. Be sure to give everything a really good post heat when you're finished to release the memory of the vinyl and help ensure the graphics stay in place. If the wrap will be going over a light, windshield wiper post or other obstacle that sticks out, trim this piece ahead of time. To do this, tape your panels where they need to go. The obstacle will gen- erally push the graphic out so get your placement above or below the obstacle. Once you know the graphics are in place then create a small cut above the obstacle and allow it to push through. Always cut a little short of the obstacle and above it, don't trim too far down. The light or post may not push com- pletely through, which is fine, you're just wanting to relieve a little tension so it applies flatter. You'll tuck and trim the excess later (see Figure 9A &B). The windshield posts on this wrap pushed the graphics out and made it harder to align and install. By trimming the graphic so the post stuck through it made installation easier. Figures 8A & B Figures 9A & B