Bigwormhraphix install

[GT Nate]

Ok, but when claying you need to use a lubricant which is usually a detailer or a spray type of wax. Will the IPA alone remove the wax?

Personally I would wash, clay, rinse, then use IPA or a paint prep.

Something like this: http://www.autogeek.net/optimum-paint-prep.html

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[BigWormGraphix]

We have been using Hexis vinyl for the past 5 years and have been very happy with the quality, ease of install and durability. Unfortunately one problem is they will run out of popular colors and won't get more for months. In our testing the KPMF is equal to or better than the Hexis vinyl, so when Hexis runs out of gloss black, matte black, gloss white or matte red we use the KPMF. Burnt Orange and Matte Purple are 3M 1080 vinyl because that is the only manufacture. All four brands (3M, Avery, KPMF and Hexis) make some of the highest quality vinyl on the market. One manufacture will do a better job at a certain color compared to another which is why we use multiple brands.

For surface prep, watered down alcohol or Windex (has alcohol in it) work well for removing wax. You can also get a wax/grease remover at most auto parts stores in the auto body section. Since paint requires the same thing, no wax. Just rinse off with water afterwards, dry off and then use masking tape to test the surface. If the masking tape will stick without the edges curling up after 5 min or so then the vinyl will stick well.

We have checked with the vinyl manufacturers about the water, their response was they tell people dry install for two reasons. If you tell people you can use water, then they will add soap, Windex, alcohol or other chemicals to the water which can damage the adhesive so better to say no liquids. Also sometimes a small amount of water will get trapped in the air release pattern which will create small bubbles, this will go away after a day in the sun but won't look too good at first (we have only seen this with 3M vinyl). You can install the stripes dry, but the chances of having a problem are a lot greater. A mist of water will make it a lot easier to reposition the stripes, but never use soap or other chemicals in the water. All of the vinyl is pressure sensitive, so it won't stick all the way until you press on it which also helps.

All of our products include instructions with information that applies to that product, cleaning is actually the same of all of the products thou. Also if you ever have any questions you can email, pm or call us. I normally check the forum first thing in the morning almost every day, but email will get the quickest response (sometimes within minutes).

 

[shockme66]

We have been using Hexis vinyl for the past 5 years and have been very happy with the quality, ease of install and durability. Unfortunately one problem is they will run out of popular colors and won't get more for months. In our testing the KPMF is equal to or better than the Hexis vinyl, so when Hexis runs out of gloss black, matte black, gloss white or matte red we use the KPMF. Burnt Orange and Matte Purple are 3M 1080 vinyl because that is the only manufacture. All four brands (3M, Avery, KPMF and Hexis) make some of the highest quality vinyl on the market. One manufacture will do a better job at a certain color compared to another which is why we use multiple brands.

For surface prep, watered down alcohol or Windex (has alcohol in it) work well for removing wax. You can also get a wax/grease remover at most auto parts stores in the auto body section. Since paint requires the same thing, no wax. Just rinse off with water afterwards, dry off and then use masking tape to test the surface. If the masking tape will stick without the edges curling up after 5 min or so then the vinyl will stick well.

We have checked with the vinyl manufacturers about the water, their response was they tell people dry install for two reasons. If you tell people you can use water, then they will add soap, Windex, alcohol or other chemicals to the water which can damage the adhesive so better to say no liquids. Also sometimes a small amount of water will get trapped in the air release pattern which will create small bubbles, this will go away after a day in the sun but won't look too good at first (we have only seen this with 3M vinyl). You can install the stripes dry, but the chances of having a problem are a lot greater. A mist of water will make it a lot easier to reposition the stripes, but never use soap or other chemicals in the water. All of the vinyl is pressure sensitive, so it won't stick all the way until you press on it which also helps.

All of our products include instructions with information that applies to that product, cleaning is actually the same of all of the products thou. Also if you ever have any questions you can email, pm or call us. I normally check the forum first thing in the morning almost every day, but email will get the quickest response (sometimes within minutes).

awesome, thanks!!! cant wait for my film to arrive.

 

[Fatty]

We have been using Hexis vinyl for the past 5 years and have been very happy with the quality, ease of install and durability. Unfortunately one problem is they will run out of popular colors and won't get more for months. In our testing the KPMF is equal to or better than the Hexis vinyl, so when Hexis runs out of gloss black, matte black, gloss white or matte red we use the KPMF. Burnt Orange and Matte Purple are 3M 1080 vinyl because that is the only manufacture. All four brands (3M, Avery, KPMF and Hexis) make some of the highest quality vinyl on the market. One manufacture will do a better job at a certain color compared to another which is why we use multiple brands.

For surface prep, watered down alcohol or Windex (has alcohol in it) work well for removing wax. You can also get a wax/grease remover at most auto parts stores in the auto body section. Since paint requires the same thing, no wax. Just rinse off with water afterwards, dry off and then use masking tape to test the surface. If the masking tape will stick without the edges curling up after 5 min or so then the vinyl will stick well.

We have checked with the vinyl manufacturers about the water, their response was they tell people dry install for two reasons. If you tell people you can use water, then they will add soap, Windex, alcohol or other chemicals to the water which can damage the adhesive so better to say no liquids. Also sometimes a small amount of water will get trapped in the air release pattern which will create small bubbles, this will go away after a day in the sun but won't look too good at first (we have only seen this with 3M vinyl). You can install the stripes dry, but the chances of having a problem are a lot greater. A mist of water will make it a lot easier to reposition the stripes, but never use soap or other chemicals in the water. All of the vinyl is pressure sensitive, so it won't stick all the way until you press on it which also helps.

All of our products include instructions with information that applies to that product, cleaning is actually the same of all of the products thou. Also if you ever have any questions you can email, pm or call us. I normally check the forum first thing in the morning almost every day, but email will get the quickest response (sometimes within minutes).

After this clarification by David, I will go with the wet method and post some pics hopefully this weekend.

 

[shockme66]

Got my kit; it was KPMF vinyl.

I tried the install my self, but failed. Did the hood piece and all went well until i got to the bottom and it was so wrinkled i cold not get it to sit right. I'm sure it was user error, but sucks, not I need to order a new hood piece and look for a installer.

The first 3/4 of it installed perfect so I am so shocked it fell apart at the bottom. Ohh well.

 

[shockme66]

FYI - Big Worm customer service is great; I messed up my hood like I said, but they responded to me in minutes and are sending me a second piece at a smaller cost.

Looking for a local installer now... Just wanted to post that Big Worm is top notch with service and it is greatly appreciated.

 

[Fatty]

FYI - Big Worm customer service is great; I messed up my hood like I said, but they responded to me in minutes and are sending me a second piece at a smaller cost.

Looking for a local installer now... Just wanted to post that Big Worm is top notch with service and it is greatly appreciated.

Sorry to hear it, doesn't make me feel any better about doing it tomorrow. Did you do the wet method and heat gun? +1 on Bigwormgraphix.

 

[shockme66]

Sorry to hear it, doesn't make me feel any better about doing it tomorrow. Did you do the wet method and heat gun? +1 on Bigwormgraphix.

Yes; did the wet method with water only. No way you can do it dry.

This film didnt seem to be as forgiving as Hexis or 3M just from what I have seen on youtube. I think you may be ok with the duel stripes, my larger pieces for the Mohawk design I think make it a bit tougher. Good luck, I hope you are successful.

 

[Fatty]

Finally done. 6.5 hours including pin stripe. Looks great, not perfect, some minor f'ups. First time attempting this. You do have to take your time. Otherwise, I'm very happy with it.

 

[Fatty]

2

 

[shockme66]

Finally done. 6.5 hours including pin stripe. Looks great, not perfect, some minor f'ups. First time attempting this. You do have to take your time. Otherwise, I'm very happy with it.

Great job; glad yours worked out well.

 

[BigWormGraphix]

Great job on your first install!

 

[Chameleon]

Looks great [MENTION=22848]Fatty[/MENTION].

 

[John577]

Great job, looks good

 

[shockme66]

In looking for a installer, most installers won't touch anything that is not 3M material. If you are looking to have it professionally installed, I would check with your installer first prior to buying a non-3M material.

Most have said the KPMF material looks ok, but they felt it was not tacky enough and wouldn't want to be responsible for the install.

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