I've worked with bus wraps before, but on previous installs we have trimmed the vinyl and window perf to the edge of the rubber window seals, letting the black show. Is it possible to prep the seals so the vinyl will adhere to them?
This is the type of bus:
Edited to say: Yes, the customer is proposing an abominable chaotic design which I'm trying to simplify.
[ October 29, 2008, 12:08 PM: Message edited by: Russ McMullin ]
Posted by Mike South (Member # 4523) on :
I havn't herd of any primer, treatment, etc for treating rubber to get good vinyl adhesion.
Accroding to Oracal and my 3M certified installer friend says do not go on rubber mouldings. Also trim back the perf film 1/8" or so from edge of rubber moulding. The perf expands and contracts a great deal. When it expands it hits the moulding, then buckles up then start coming off on edges.
Posted by Checkers (Member # 63) on :
Hiya Russ, Going by the picture, the bus looks a little tired. So, the weather stripping probably wouldn't come clean enough for anything to adhere to it. If I was to gamble, I would try Vinyl Cote (maybe)... http://www.ronanpaints.com/clear.htm However, I know of nothing that is guaranteed to stick to the weather stripping and would suggest not applying anything to it.
Havin' fun,
Checkers
Posted by Deri Russell (Member # 119) on :
Been there- done it- itcame off- wasn't worth the hassle, trying to cut without touching the rubber- won't do it again- design around it.
Posted by JD Iles (Member # 4066) on :
There actually is a primer for rubber that 3M makes. Call Fellers, they will know
At the wrap seminar I attended several months ago, the speaker discussed this very thing.
At his shop, no guarantee is given when applying the vinyl to rubber parts.
Do not laminate the vinyl. Instead, it is best to clear coat it. It will allow the vinyl to remain thinner and more flexible.
Posted by Donna in BC (Member # 130) on :
Glenn, what do you use for the clearcoat? Good point.
Posted by Glenn Taylor (Member # 162) on :
I honestly can't remember what he recommended. The name CrystalTek comes to mind but don't quote me on that.
Posted by Glenn Taylor (Member # 162) on :
Ah...I think I found it, Donna. Its called ClearStar. (clearstarcorp.com).
I hope this helps.
[ October 30, 2008, 12:18 PM: Message edited by: Glenn Taylor ]
Posted by Dawud Shaheed (Member # 5719) on :
You can take all the precautions you want but if it were my wrap...whatever the case, I'd explain to the customer that there's no warranty on the rubber. If it comes off it comes off.
Posted by Russ McMullin (Member # 5617) on :
I'm going to avoid the seals unless the customer insists. In that case, I'll make sure they know the risks involved. I really appreciate the responses. Thanks!
Posted by Dawud Shaheed (Member # 5719) on :
that's the best approach. If they insist, just inform them and let them eat the risk so they can't pin it on you.
Posted by roger bailey (Member # 556) on :
Applied partial wrap to a window tint co. veh. (4 runner) in late 98, cleaned the seals well with TacII and applied right over them(pushed vinyl down on and in groves)I saw it last in 02 and it was holding fine.
I guess if the vinyl seat on snowmobiles holds vinyl in the dramatic low temps, thats testimony enough.
