How do you put wrapping on your car in winter?

Our top tips for installing wrapping in winter

With winter temperatures, installing a wrapping film in winter can seem complicated and impossible. But think again! It's perfectly possible to install a wrapping in winter, provided you follow our advice 👇

Step 1: Prepare a suitable workspace

Ideal temperature: Make sure the area where you are going to work is heated to between 20 and 25°C. wrapping is more difficult to apply and handle at low temperatures, as the adhesive becomes less flexible;
Draught-free: Avoid draughts that could rapidly cool the car's surface or introduce dust;
Sufficient lighting: Good lighting is crucial for spotting bubbles or creases during installation.

Step 2: Preparing the car

Deep cleaning: Thoroughly wash the car with an isopropyl isopropyl solution to remove all traces of dirt, wax and grease. Don't forget to dry the surface completely to avoid condensation, using a microfiber cloth microfiber cloth;
Body temperature: If the car has been left outside, allow it to warm up in a temperate area for several hours before applying the film wrapping.

To prepare your car properly, make sure you have the right equipment:

Auxiliary heating: A heat gun or a heat gun is indispensable in winter to soften the film. Keep it handy to heat the film slightly before stretching;
Gentle squeegees: Opt for squeegees to avoid scratching the vinyl surface;
Cotton gloves Use gloves to avoid leaving fingerprints or transferring moisture.

Step 3: Install the wrapping

Pre-cut your wrapping film into the shapes you want. Be sure to leave several centimetres of margin;
Remove the protective liner, ¼ of the way through wrapping ;
Apply the adhesive part of the protective liner directly to the surface in question. This surface can be your complete bodywork, mirrors , hood, bumper or rear-end;
Gently unroll the rest of the protective liner so that all the wrapping film is in place.

💡Tip : During this fourth step, it's important to pull the film tightly as you lay it to avoid creases and bubbles.

It's important to adapt the installation technique to the winter season. To do this, you must :

Heat gradually: Before applying the film, heat wrapping to a temperature where it becomes soft, but not too hot (to avoid warping or deterioration of the adhesive);
Work in small sections: Work in small sections to keep the film wrapping at optimum temperature.
Warm up after application: Once the wrapping film has been applied, gently warm up each area to help the adhesive bond better, especially on the curves and edges of the car.

What to do if bubbles appear on your wrapping ? 🤔

Don't worry, it can happen to anyone, even the most experienced! Here's a simple solution to eliminate them:

Use a bubble-piercing pen to gently pierce the bubble and let the air escape;
Once the air has been evacuated, smooth the area with a squeegee and carefully hammer down to a perfectly uniform surface.

There you go, problem solved! ✨

Step 5: Check the finish

Edges and corners: Press firmly on edges and corners to prevent them from coming unstuck. In winter, these areas are particularly vulnerable;
Resting time: Leave the car in your tempered space for at least 24 hours after installation to allow the adhesive to set properly.

Our other practical tips

Humidity and condensation: Do not install if the ambient air is too humid, as this can lead to condensation under the film..;
Patience: Don't rush, as the cold can make installation more delicate;
Quality products: Use a wrapping designed to withstand low temperatures and a good quality wrapping ;
Check out our tutorial videos on our Instagram, Facebook, TikTok or YouTube channel for all the film application tips from wrapping ;
Involve your friends or chat with our community on our social networks for advice and support during installation.

At Variance Autowe offer you a 2D or or 3D range. The 3D range is thermoformed, which means that the wrapping films react to heat. We also offer a wide range of colors and textures. These are as follows:

Whichever wrapping film you choose, following these tips will increase your chances of successfully installing your wrapping even in winter.

Need help? Our experts are on hand to answer all your questions. Don't hesitate to contact us for personalized assistance!

Good luck with your project! 🚗✨

How do you put wrapping on your car in winter?