INSTALLATION GUIDE

SLX®+ With FLITE Technology

Technical Services
August 2020
EMEA
 SLX®+ With FLITE Technology
INSTALLATION GUIDE

Reading and following this Installation Guide will ensure you as the applicator are equipped with best
practices when applying SLX+.

APPLICATION TOOLS
• Heat Source(s): • BodyGuard Knife
• Heat gun • Knifeless Tape
• IR heater • 9mm snap-off blades
• Propane torch • IR Thermometer
• Squeegees • Magnets
• Lint-free application gloves • Masking Tape

PREPARATION

BEST PRACTICES BENEFITS

1. V
 ehicle should to be delivered “street clean”
A “street clean” vehicle helps maintain a clean zone in the shop
First, the vehicle needs a basic wash before shop drop-off and
and prepares it for a more detailed cleaning prior to wrapping.
then, the shop will clean the vehicle in detail.

Climate control creates optimal conditions for an efficient

2. Install in a clean and controlled environment application.
Surface temperature: 10°C – 38°C optimum
Relative humidity: <85% Regulating humidity will prevents moisture build-up on the
surface that may hinder adhesion.

Removing hardware allows for a thorough cleaning of the

3. Tape off or remove hardware
edges and gaps.
Side mirrors, door handles, auxiliary turn signal lights, third
brake lamp, vent trims, badge and emblems, roof molding and
Eliminating or taping off protruding components increases
railings, antenna, etc.
efficiency and minimizes the risk of overstretching.

4. Always check if all panels and artwork are included in the kit
Double checking the kit’s contents guarantees a smooth
Dry fit all the panels to ensure proper graphic placement and
application process and on-time delivery.
alignment.

PRECAUTIONS BENEFITS

Arlon does not warrant applications on aftermarket paint or Aftermarket or damaged paint will hinder adhesion and may
damaged paint. peel off during installation or upon removal.

Avoid wrapping a freshly painted car. Only apply graphics If the surface is wrapped before the paint fully cures, bubbles
after paint is fully cure according to the paint manufacturer’s will form as the paint outgasses and may also lead to adhesion
specifications. failure.

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 SLX®+ With FLITE Technology
INSTALLATION GUIDE

INSTALLATION

BEST PRACTICES BENEFITS

1. A
 pply with a buffered squeegee
Use the unbuffered side to work out sharp wrinkles. Different A buffer prevents squeegee scratches on the film.
squeegee shapes and hardness also depends on the installer’s See WrapItRight® Video: Basic Squeegee Skills
preferences.

2. Squeegee with firm pressure and overlap strokes

Good squeegee technique ensures maximum surface coverage
Harder squeegees allow for a more direct transfer of force.
and adhesive contact.
Overlap strokes by about 50% of the squeegee’s width.

3. Place the seams properly with at least 1/2” (12mm) overlap

The seam edges will be less likely fail or get damaged because
• For vertical overlaps, start with the rear panel
they will be facing away from the elements.
• For horizontal overlaps, start with the bottom panel

Heat softens the film and allows it to stretch and conform to

curves and channels.
4. Use heat to stretch the film
Heat Range: 38°C - 49°C. The upper temperature limit prevents the film from being too
soft which may lead to image distortion, color shift, and edge
curl.

Spreading the stretch over a larger area lowers the stress on

5. Distribute the stress on curves and channels
small areas, thus reducing the risk of popping or edge curling.
Heat a larger area and gently stretch in multiple directions.
See TIP 38: Installation Technique for Channels

This method takes full advantage of the “memory effect” and

6. U
 se the Pre-stretch and Shrink Method in compound curves
prevents the edges from curling or bottle-capping.
Bumpers, side view mirrors, fender arches, etc.
See WrapItRight® video: The Pre-Stretch and Shrink Method

Pre-paneling allows the overlapping edges to stretch in unison

7. P
 re-panel or use Channel Extensions while channel extensions will smooths out any edge distortion
Use the second panel or a scrap vinyl to manage the upon stretching.
distortion on stretched edges. See WrapItRight® video: Eliminating Edge Distortion with a
Channel Extension

8. Clean the edges of the applied panel with diluted alcohol A quick wipe on the edges will remove some skin oils or other
A 70% dilution of alcohol in water is recommended. contaminants and maximize the adhesion at the overlap.

9. Use the Expanded Pocket Technique where inlays are not

applicable The Expanded Pocket shifts most of the stress away from the
The Expanded Pocket allows for continuity in the printed deepest parts of stretched vinyl.
graphic, but inlays can accomplish the same if strategically See WrapItRight® video: Managing Heat and Tension
placed.

PRECAUTIONS BENEFITS
Convex curves such as bumpers and mirrors will require Pre-
When considering the amount of stretch necessary, avoid
stretch and Shrink Method. Concave curves such as channels
installing both concave and convex curve profiles with the
require shifting tension to the flat areas or use the Deep
same approach.
Channel Hack

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 SLX®+ With FLITE Technology
INSTALLATION GUIDE

FINISHING

BEST PRACTICES BENEFITS

Use a technique that will minimize stretching the film where
1. Avoid stretching on areas that will be cut
it will be cut to avoid premature failure such as edge curling,
Edges, wheel wells, seams, overlaps & channels.
lifting, or bottle-capping.

2. P
 ost-heat before trimming
Always follow the specified temperatures:
• Add +15°C to the ambient temperature when Post-heating softens the adhesive to increase flow; expose
heating flat surfaces trapped air and unapplied areas; anticipate the hottest
• 95°C and 105°C for edges, seams, and temperature in can be exposed; and relieve some stresses in the
other stretched areas film.
Post-heating is a time consuming yet vital step of the wrap
process. Work in small sections and reapply pressure.

3. B
 e proficient in using Knifeless Tape Knifeless or FineLine Tape provides a preview of cut lines and
If cutting by hand is absolutely necessary, frequently snap a prevent cutting the vehicle’s paint.
new blade and apply FineLine Tape to provide a safe cutting Snap a new blade frequently for high quality edge cuts and
surface. prevent the need for double-cutting.

4. W
 ait for 15 minutes before trimming
Allowing the film to cool and stabilize before cutting ensures
Let the film cool and stabilize before trimming and leave 3
better adhesion on the edges.
mm of overhang to properly tuck the film.

5. U
 se the proper technique on corners
Corners may be small, but the impact is enormous in terms of
Techniques such as Painted-edge Corner, Cut & Overlap, and
quality.
Cold Pre-stretch can be used on corners.

Letting the vehicle dwell in the shop allows the adhesive to

6. O
 vernight dwell time build before being exposed to the elements.
If possible, let the vehicle dwell overnight in the shop prior to In case of a missed area or edges were improperly installed,
delivery to customer. it can be easily fixed without being contaminated by outside
elements.

PRECAUTIONS BENEFITS

Warm film is too soft to make a clean cut and yield jagged
Avoid trimming while the film is warm.
cuts.

When post heating with high temperatures, do not just heat the Reapplying pressure ensures maximum adhesive contact by
film without reapplying pressure. increasing the adhesive flow and closing air egress channels.

Deep cuts on paint are vulnerable to peel off paint when the
Avoid cutting directly on paint.
graphic is removed.

Corners converge at a small area and does not have enough

Avoid overstretching on the corners.
adhesive to hold a high stress area in place.

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 SLX®+ With FLITE Technology
INSTALLATION GUIDE

MAINTENANCE

BEST PRACTICES BENEFITS

Wash a wrapped vehicle regularly to ensure its longevity.

1. R
 egularly wash a wrapped vehicle
Touchless car wash minimizes the risk of scratches, chips,
Hand washing is preferred but if using an automated carwash,
swirls, and edge lift compared to the brush-type cleaning
use the touchless option.
method.

2. U
 se precautions for power washing
The nozzle pressure should not exceed 1,300 PSI (90 Bar).
See TIP 46: Fleet Graphics Post-Care & Cleaning Instructions
Keep the tip at least 5’ away from the vehicle and the spray
angle of no shallower than 60° from perpendicular.

PRECAUTIONS BENEFITS

Allow one week to pass from the installation date before Waiting a week before washing prevent the film from being
washing the vehicle. disturbed as it approaches its maximum adhesion.

Always follow the manufacturer’s recommended dilution ratio An overly concentrated solution can damage both the adhesive
of detergent and water. and the vinyl.

REMOVAL

BEST PRACTICES BENEFITS

Removal becomes easier because heat softens the film to tem-

1. U
 se heat when removing the wrap
porarily lowers the adhesive’s shear holding force and at the
Heat the film to 30°C - 65°C before peeling it off the vehicle.
same time, reduce the risk of tearing.

There is personal safety risk and potential damage to the

vehicle when peeling off a wrap. If the film suddenly tears, the
2. Peel the film with safety in mind installer can fall off a platform and/or damage the vehicle.
Remove the film at a slow and steady pace at an angle no
greater than 90°. A slow and steady pace is required as a sudden change in
peeling force may cause layer separation, delamination and/or
film tearing.

See TIP 44: Fleet & Vehicle Wrap Removal

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