Hey everyone. This thread is particularly for those who have vinyl wrapping experience (and for those looking for questions. While I know there's a few threads out already (particularly blnewt's infamous thread which provided steps on "How To"), this is more a thread based on the materials.

I am shopping around for vinyl to use on the following areas:

1. Grill (Gloss Black)
2. Window Trim (Debating between Gloss Black & Matte Black)
3. Trunk Spoiler (Gloss Black)

What's in parenthesis is the type of vinyl cover I would like to use, so all together I want to know how much I should get. I don't want to get too much, yet I don't want to short myself. Who has some advice they could provide? I'll be sure to add photos along the way.

 

One sheet of 2'x5' gloss black 3m 1080 scotchprint will do all of that, if you're worried about messing any of it up then get another foot, so a 3'x5' piece. I wouldn't use matte on the window trim, the factory door pillars are already wrapped in gloss black so you'll have a perfect match going w/ gloss.
I'd go w/ AVS
3M 1080 Vinyl Wrap - Gloss Black
They also have a shop on ebay and sometimes it's cheaper over there
items in AutoVinylSolutions store on eBay!

 

Thanks blnewt.

I'm sure it's not an exact match to the OB color code, but on a scale of 1-10, how close would you say the gloss black would be?

** Sidenote: I just compared the prices between EBay and the main site. Surprisingly, EBay cost $5.00 more ($45.99 for a 3'x5' sheet). I would definitely take Blnewts advice for those shopping around and compare pricing between the two.

 

Buying vinyl online is fine, but every sign/banner shop in your town should have rolls of this stuff. My local Fed Ex Kinkos has sold me lengths of vinyl for various projects for dirt cheap many times in the past. I think its on a 36-40 inch roll, or whatever a standard plotter width is. I bought 10+ feet of black for $20 to "blackout" a glass commercial door & transom. $20 cash & carry, no tax, no shipping, no waiting. Best to look for a teenage employee who doesn't know any better, but I've had luck with the manager types as well.

Just ask for outdoor grade, Scotch, 3M, Avery are brand names I'm familiar with/used.

 

This is definitely a useful tip for those that may want to check locally. What's funny is that I was at a Fed Ex yesterday and thought to myself "I wonder if they carry vinyl". Should've asked!

 

You can take a look at your door pillars and compare the color match, the vinyl isn't identical to the 3m but close enough for comparison. Keep in mind the vinyl does look a bit different under various lighting and angles, but for the most part the 3m black wrap has a good match overall.

GAWD, interesting post about finding it at an office supply, never considered that one.

 

great thread - and something i've been thinking about for a while now. i am interested in wrapping my window chrome trim as well. i already have the OEM midnight grille and trunk lip spoiler.

i am not experienced in film application so i do have concerns for how factory my work would look. i tend to prefer OE-looking mods, not the more obviously-aftermarket stuff. i've installed the chin lip, splash guards, trunk lip, but these do not take much artistic licence. i'm no fine arts guy - i'm an engineer. lol.

one question (for blnewt?):

- what are your results for durability of the 3M film? i hand wash and wax my ride regularly. does the film stand up well to the rigors of cleanings as well as daily driving? or does this need to be touched up on an annual basis. this would be a real PITA if so.

thanks in advance.

 

blnewt can still respond to this, but while I was doing my research, some people preferred the vinyl over painting (primarily because of rock chips, etc).

I've also seen folks say theirs have been done for quite some time now and still looks good.

 

I have to re-do my rear drivers side window trim but it's not because of durability, my car was T-boned over a year ago (as most of you regulars know) and they never got the original trim piece back perfectly and the rear "swoop" section in the back quarter window is wrinkled.
The other side I've had on since my DIY
https://www.myg37.com/forums/d-i-y-i...-g-sedans.html

And TBH it still looks like day one. I keep my G garaged always so if it were in the sun daily it might be a different story but I've not heard of any fading issues w/ this product. It will get a bit brittle after many years so removing it will be a bit more work after 6 or 7 years. Other than that I think you'll be very satisfied w/ how well it holds up and is really resistant to the daily stuff that our cars get into.

Canucklehead, just do it

 

That moment when you're beginning to think you're getting familiar with the forum.. then someone reminds you that you're not yet a regular....


Update: I ordered the vinyl, so now it's just the waiting process. I think that's next is searching for a sport front chin spoiler for a good price.

 

Sry, should have said "old regular", but yeah, you seem to be pretty regular around here sir

 

^ yeah, i'll probably end up doing this over the next while. i did read your DIY (thanks!) so i know i'm in for the better part of a day. or night - i've just installed 6 new light fixtures in my garage for fall and winter car tinkering. now with 2 kids at home, the garage is my retreat.

 

i think i'm a regular here aswell!! I ordered some vinyl for the interior peices and the grill, and i received it yesterday after a 3week wait, this sunday it's on! also i don't have any experience but i do have some extra vinyl just in case, and a blowdryer haha

 

I did the window trims... best thing I've ever done.

 

The title is kind of leading me to think of that song by Metallica-"fade to black"

anyways, nicely done. I like it,

for mine Moonwhite i wouldn't do it though coz the color combination white and chrome looks more fit.