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G R A P H I C S - P R O. C O M F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 3 • G R A P H I C S P R O 2 3 Prepping a Wall for a Wrap " Once the entire wall is wiped down, take an extra piece of scrap vinyl and see how it adheres to the wall when applied. This adhesion test will show you how intensely you need to clean the wall. If the surface has been cleaned, but adhesion is poor, you may need to spray the wall to soak, dry and spray again, this time wiping the wall thoroughly. This sweating process helps remove toxins and inconsisten- cies in the wall that may cause failures." — Joe Walton, 3M Commercial Solutions Division to dry fit the first two or three panels by taping them up on the wall, making sure they are plumb, and make the necessary adjustments before proceeding with the application. Always evenly split the differ- ence of the top and bottom bleed to make sure the graphic is vertically centered." "For someone just starting out in the industry, walls, windows and floors would be the most simple installs," says Walton. "at being said, the introduction of low VOC paints has created some challenges with adhesion, so testing the walls and using an adhesion test kit is crucial for a successful installation, especially when you start getting into complex contours and deep recesses. It's a great idea to get some training on how vinyl needs to be worked and what we call 'reading the vinyl,' as well as when to use heat and when not to." Calma adds that once smooth walls are mastered, textured walls are next. "The same approach applies when it comes to alignment and setup," he says. "However, on a textured wall it will be easier to remove larger portions of the liner due to the minimal points of con- tact. Instead of squeegeeing down with pressure, you'll heat the film to zero ten- sion and roll over with a foam roller to apply the film." Valade points out that interior wall wrap jobs are typically easier than exterior wall wrap assignments because the interior jobs rarely require lamination and are usually smaller and less labor intensive. "Interior wall wrap jobs also take place within indoor, controlled environments, so you won't have worry as much the effects of the elements." GP KERNLASERS.COM KERN MEANS PRECISION • Large Format CO2 Laser • Cut|Engrave|Mark • Metals & Non-Metals