How to apply your BunnyHop bike wrap.

Installing is easy due to the air channels.

Broadly

1. Start from the middle - keep it stretched - line it up

2. Squeegee to crush down the air channels

3. Admire!

 

More details on the process (if needed)

We use a Pressure-activated Adhesive, this means

smooth sliding into position

fast finger tacking to check position; and

easy snap-up and repositioning when you need it.

 

The snap-up and reposition feature is lost:

when firm pressure with a squeegee or other application tool is applied.

at application temperatures above 100° F (38° C) even if only light finger pressure was used for tacking.

if any part of the film is removed from the original liner and reapplied to the same or another liner.

The key is to get everything nice and lined up before snapping down! 

Working with Non-Visible Air Release Channels

Air release channels are a characteristic of films with Comply™ adhesive that allow trapped air to exit through the edges of the graphic.

The channels will be damaged and effective air removal affected if the user removes and attempts to change liners or reapply the same liner.

For the best results, always work from the center out to the edges of the graphic to allow trapped air to exit through the air release channels. If the channels are closed off by firm pressure and air is trapped, use an air release tool to aid in removing air bubbles.

 

Here is a Oscars install video, thanks heaps to Oscar for letting us use his video of him installing the DIY Bunnyhop Cycology Wheel Wisdom DIY Full Bike Wrap

 

 Before:

 

After:

 

Installation techniques. Improper installation techniques result in edge curling, lifting and/or poor adhesion.

 

 

Application Techniques

1. Use firm, even application pressure.

2. Use overlapping squeegee strokes to be sure you don’t miss any areas. Firm, consistent pressure with an applicator tool must be applied over all parts of the graphic to bond the adhesive to the substrate. A missed area leaves wrinkles and bubbles in the applied film. These are areas where premature film failures may occur.

3. Strive for a bubble-free application. Although puncturing air bubbles improves the appearance of the graphic, it can contribute to premature graphic failure if the film is torn or cut rather than neatly punctured.

4. Re-squeegee all edges and overlaps to ensure good adhesion.

 

Graphics Printed are Heat Sensitive

UV cured inkjet inks and UV cured clears may crack if too much heat is used during graphic application to complex curves and deep contours as well as around rivets. When using heat during application, make sure the film surface temperature does not exceed 212°F (100°C). For best results, always do a test application of a printed graphic to determine how much heat can be used without damaging the image.

3M recommends using additional heat in the post-application process for wraps. During this process, 3M only recommends using a heat gun to make sure the film surface temperature does not exceed 212°F (100°C).

 

How to Use Heat Soften Film

Use heat to soften the film when stretching it around and into complex curves.

a. Use as much heat as possible to soften the film without burning it. Typically, heat the film to about 150-180°F (65-82°C) for convex and concave areas including bumpers and channels.

b. Film cools within seconds so gently stretch the film immediately after the heat source is removed. The film should be too hot to touch with unprotected hands; be sure to wear cotton gloves.

c. To apply film into concave channels, use cotton gloves or use a squeegee with a low friction sleeve or Scotchmate loop material applied to the edge. Press the heated and softened film into the middle of the channel first so that the film is stretched evenly across the channel.

 

Use Heat in Post-Application

After the film has been applied, apply heat to the graphic to reduce the internal stress in the vinyl film.

a. Adjust the heat source so that the film temperature reaches 200 (93°C) to 212°F (100°C).

b. Move the heat source slowly across the stretched film surface.

c. For best performance, press the stretched areas of film while the vinyl is still hot. This helps fully wet-out the adhesive onto the substrate and reduces the risk of lifting.

 

Maintenance and Cleaning

Use a cleaner designed for high-quality painted surfaces. The cleaner must be wet, non-abrasive, without solvents, and have a pH value between 3 and 11 (neither strongly acidic nor strongly alkaline).

 

Graphic Removal

Removable with heat from most substrates within the Warranty Period at 50 °F (10 °C) minimum (air and substrate)