Car roof tinting film: how to choose and do it yourself
Content
Film is an affordable alternative to new paintwork that is much easier, faster to apply and more cost effective. A high-quality film on the roof of a car can withstand temperature changes, high solar activity, and is resistant to scratches and damage.
Film on the roof of a car is a type of tuning loved by many. It can really add a bit of personality. When deciding on a roof wrap, you need to seriously think about how it will complement the car in color and the rest of the finish. Wrapping your car roof with a proper roof wrap will give you a fantastic style upgrade.
What is the function of the film on the roof of the car
By wrapping the roof of a car with a film coating, you can change its color or create a completely new look. The film completely covers the roof paintwork and creates a protective layer against chips, scratches and scuffs caused by general wear and tear. Often such an armored film saves the roof when the car is forced to spend a lot of time under the trees.
Using color and contrast coating to redesign the car ensures that it looks different from everyone else. Such a car expresses the personality of the owner. Also, car roof tinting film is used by companies and brands as advertising space.
car roof tinting process
Film is an affordable alternative to new paintwork that is much easier, faster to apply and more cost effective. A high-quality film on the roof of a car can withstand temperature changes, high solar activity, and is resistant to scratches and damage. Another advantage of the film is that, unlike traditional paintwork, which is more expensive to replace, it can simply be removed at any time.
Car roof tinting options
Something very popular at the moment with automakers like Mini, Citroen and Fiat is that the roof should be painted in a contrasting body color. This can be repeated by the owner of any car by pasting the roof of his car with a film. Moreover, you can choose any style of tinting.
Black gloss and matte black
Gloss black and matte black are the 2 most popular styles to suit any car. Choosing a glossy vinyl roof wrap is the easiest option. The material will work with the existing paintwork and will just need a contrasting color to do the job. Dark car roof film in light colors often works best. With the help of a black glossy film, a panorama effect is also created.
Black gloss on Lexus IS250
Matte vinyl is not as extreme as it might seem when combined with other materials such as gloss and satin. Laying a matte black auto film on the roof is one of the best ways to use it. With constant exposure to light, the roof does not shine as much as the rest of the car. This will make the car look different.
Panorama
Many modern cars follow a design where the car's roof tint film is adjacent to the windshield. It sort of "flows" onto the windshield. The problem is that the flow is not seamless due to the color difference between the two components. If the roof of the car is covered with glossy black film, the glass appears to extend from its front edge to the rear edge of the roof, creating a beautiful panoramic view.
Drawing
Many people try to cover the roof of the car with a film with a glossy, matte or satin sheen. But some car enthusiasts are more daring in their desires and will overhaul the roof of the car with bright colors and graphics to really grab attention. Drawings can be any, digital printing allows you to do everything on the film that reflects the character of the owner. Especially popular is such a pattern as camouflage.
The choice of film for pasting the roof of a car: carbon or mirror
For some car owners, just a smooth roof is no longer enough, they go further and fit it with carbon - this coating is not smooth, it has a texture. Carbon or carbon fiber is a lightweight and high-tech material. Its appearance is unique. Such a coating really hides the flaws that may be on the roof. The most popular choice is carbon black, but there are options in white, blue, green and other colors.
Mazda 3 car wrap
Mirror effect chrome vinyl, which can have a holographic or prismatic surface, is also very attractive. Favorite shades of this sticker are silver and gold. But you need to be careful with mirrored vinyl, as sunlight can reflect off of it and dazzle other road users. This can be a big disadvantage of such coverage.
How to stick a film on the roof of a car correctly
If once in the past it was difficult to apply vinyl lettering or graphics to a car, now much has changed. Bubbles, stretch marks and wrinkles can now be removed not only by a professional. More resilient vinyl, better adhesive and air removal technology for great results at home.
Preparation of material, tools and surface
You need to make sure that the roof surface and the paint on it are not damaged. Minor scratches are fine, but chips, dents, cuts, and rust can cause issues with the wrap. If the wrap sticks to the defect, it will increase its visibility. If the wrap does not adhere to the defect, it will bubble or tear.
Also, you need to choose the right place. You do not need a sterile medical room, but the room should be free of dust that can get under the vinyl.
Work better on a warm day. The film and vinyl adhesive are temperature sensitive, so the temperature of the car and the film must be the same. When cold, vinyl becomes brittle and may break. In hot weather, the adhesive can be too aggressive, making a smooth installation difficult. Optimal - 20 degrees Celsius.
When all the tools and materials are collected and lie in sight, you need to wash the car. Wax-free car washes leave a clean surface to which vinyl adheres easily. Then the surface is degreased with gasoline or alcohol and wiped with lint-free wipes. If there is an antenna or roof rails on the roof, then it is better to remove them, and put them in place after tightening.
Step by step gluing process
In order to seal the lid as accurately as possible, you need to observe an important condition - call someone for help. It is impossible to do this alone. Procedure:
- While holding the vinyl in the air and maintaining an even tension, the backing paper is removed from it. This will help reduce wrinkles and folds.
- The film is carefully placed on the roof, leaving excess material around the edges for manipulation, and pressed in the center. The tension of the rest of the sheet must be maintained.
- Using a scraper, displace the air and at the same time stick the film on the roof. Movements start from the center and go to edges.
Taking proper care of your vinyl wrap will help it last a long time. Depending on location, frequency of use, and other conditions, vinyl can last up to ten years.
