Keeping the bottom edge of a brand new vinyl wrap from lifting
06-24-2013 | 08:55 AM
#1
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From: Detroit, MI
Keeping the bottom edge of a brand new vinyl wrap from lifting
I just wrapped my boat and want to make sure that I take care of the bottom edge as best as I can. I have never done this before, and don't know anybody else who has so I figured I may have better luck here.
I used a 3M 1080 vinyl material and the bottom edge is out of the waterline. The back is just slightly above the water line.
I noticed they have a product called 3M Edge sealer, and it looks like a clear lacquer/nail polish type product.
I also see a thin strip about 3/4" wide that's clear that would go on top of it as well as an added protection.
Any thoughts or ideas on this? I spent a lot of time getting this wrap perfect and I don't want to screw it up by not properly prepping it!
I used a 3M 1080 vinyl material and the bottom edge is out of the waterline. The back is just slightly above the water line.
I noticed they have a product called 3M Edge sealer, and it looks like a clear lacquer/nail polish type product.
I also see a thin strip about 3/4" wide that's clear that would go on top of it as well as an added protection.
Any thoughts or ideas on this? I spent a lot of time getting this wrap perfect and I don't want to screw it up by not properly prepping it!
06-24-2013 | 10:24 AM
#2
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From: North Carolina
Ask the guys that wrapped it if they edge sealed it first. 
If not, you can get the stuff in a pen form- much easier than using a brush. Look in the yelo pgs for a sign supply house to find it.
Or you can use clear acrylic nail polish. I always hit the sharp points and corners of lettering with a drop to protect them- they can take a beating from all the washing a boat can receive.
Be careful with the pressure washer as well, if you use one.
If not, you can get the stuff in a pen form- much easier than using a brush. Look in the yelo pgs for a sign supply house to find it.
Or you can use clear acrylic nail polish. I always hit the sharp points and corners of lettering with a drop to protect them- they can take a beating from all the washing a boat can receive.
Be careful with the pressure washer as well, if you use one.
06-24-2013 | 10:36 AM
#3
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From: Detroit, MI
Ask the guys that wrapped it if they edge sealed it first.
If not, you can get the stuff in a pen form- much easier than using a brush. Look in the yelo pgs for a sign supply house to find it.
Or you can use clear acrylic nail polish. I always hit the sharp points and corners of lettering with a drop to protect them- they can take a beating from all the washing a boat can receive.
Be careful with the pressure washer as well, if you use one.
If not, you can get the stuff in a pen form- much easier than using a brush. Look in the yelo pgs for a sign supply house to find it.
Or you can use clear acrylic nail polish. I always hit the sharp points and corners of lettering with a drop to protect them- they can take a beating from all the washing a boat can receive.
Be careful with the pressure washer as well, if you use one.
I guess I'm torn between using the liquid edge sealer or the style that looks like tape.
I think it turned out well so far!
Last edited by darkostoj; 06-24-2013 at 11:39 AM.
06-24-2013 | 04:01 PM
#5
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From: North Carolina
Looks good!
About the tape vs. sealer- fwiw 3M has a 6-ft rule. If you can't see it from 6-ft away... all good.
About the tape vs. sealer- fwiw 3M has a 6-ft rule. If you can't see it from 6-ft away... all good.
06-25-2013 | 11:04 AM
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From: Detroit, MI
I got it done and am really happy with the results. Definitely not as hard as people think. $500 in material and a couple days later gave me what looks like a new boat!
I decided to go with the edge wrap. I don't like the idea of brushing a clear thick paint like substance along the bottom of the whole boat. The tape is 100% removable where the liquid is not. The wrap is completely out of the water line, so I think I would have been fine without doing anything, but I like to do things once and do them right.
I decided to go with the edge wrap. I don't like the idea of brushing a clear thick paint like substance along the bottom of the whole boat. The tape is 100% removable where the liquid is not. The wrap is completely out of the water line, so I think I would have been fine without doing anything, but I like to do things once and do them right.
