does anyone have experience working with vinyl and have some helpful tips for a first-timer...?
Replies (4)
cplkittle on 12/15/2003 19:46:37
dry fit it first, and use a high quality spray adhesive such as 3M super 77. if you have trouble with inside corners, you can cut a strip about 3/4" wide and roll it into a tube and glue it in the corners, or buy cording, which is basically the same thing from the local upholstery shop. If it is thin vinyl, I would not recommend any overlapping as it will show through.
while you are at the upholstery shop, but a wheel shaped razor blade. These are invaluable for upholstery jobs.
Tray on 12/16/2003 10:50:09
Be patient. Taking your time is extremely important. Work in a well lit, warm environment. The vinyl will stretch more if it is warm, and will not sag when moved into a colder environment. Also - the better the lighting, the better you can see the details of the work.
Sanding is super important. When you think everything is as smooth as you can get it, keep sanding. It's amazing how much shows up when using vinyl that you never would have even thought about when using carpet.
Make sure you buy high quality vinyl that will stretch as much as possible. You want to get it tight, and stretch it to fit perfectly, as any minor flaws that would be hidden by carpet will be highlighted by the vinyl.
I prefer the Elmers spray adhesive, as it seems to hold better for me, but have used the 3M 77 and 99 before as well.
Just a suggestion, but you may want to invest in double the vinyl, so you would have extra in case you aren't happy with the first turnout.
ttocs on 12/16/2003 16:23:17
"Sanding is super important. When you think everything is as smooth as you can get it, keep sanding. It's amazing how much shows up when using vinyl that you never would have even thought about when using carpet."
Could not agree more. Also be sure that the back of the vinyl is clean. Spray glue on the back of the vinyl, as well as on the box/rack/whatever...
Relax_The_Mind on 12/16/2003 20:23:18
Another suggestion is to use marine vinyl. I use it every time i do vinyl. It may be twice as thick and doesnt stretch as much but it is much much more durable compared to regular vinyl. Stands up better to the sun, moisture, and age.
Also if you live in a hot area or your trunk happens to get hot the 3M spray adhesive doesnt work as well. 3M contact cement works much better as it doesnt "give" in higher heat conditions. I actually use both where I would use spray adhesive on large areas and contact cement on the edges and corners.
The fact that every little bump shows through vinyl can be a good thing if you happen to have an emblem. The possibilites are endless.
RTM
Replies (4)
cplkittle on 12/15/2003 19:46:37
dry fit it first, and use a high quality spray adhesive such as 3M super 77. if you have trouble with inside corners, you can cut a strip about 3/4" wide and roll it into a tube and glue it in the corners, or buy cording, which is basically the same thing from the local upholstery shop. If it is thin vinyl, I would not recommend any overlapping as it will show through.
while you are at the upholstery shop, but a wheel shaped razor blade. These are invaluable for upholstery jobs.
Tray on 12/16/2003 10:50:09
Be patient. Taking your time is extremely important. Work in a well lit, warm environment. The vinyl will stretch more if it is warm, and will not sag when moved into a colder environment. Also - the better the lighting, the better you can see the details of the work.
Sanding is super important. When you think everything is as smooth as you can get it, keep sanding. It's amazing how much shows up when using vinyl that you never would have even thought about when using carpet.
Make sure you buy high quality vinyl that will stretch as much as possible. You want to get it tight, and stretch it to fit perfectly, as any minor flaws that would be hidden by carpet will be highlighted by the vinyl.
I prefer the Elmers spray adhesive, as it seems to hold better for me, but have used the 3M 77 and 99 before as well.
Just a suggestion, but you may want to invest in double the vinyl, so you would have extra in case you aren't happy with the first turnout.
ttocs on 12/16/2003 16:23:17
"Sanding is super important. When you think everything is as smooth as you can get it, keep sanding. It's amazing how much shows up when using vinyl that you never would have even thought about when using carpet."
Could not agree more. Also be sure that the back of the vinyl is clean. Spray glue on the back of the vinyl, as well as on the box/rack/whatever...
Relax_The_Mind on 12/16/2003 20:23:18
Another suggestion is to use marine vinyl. I use it every time i do vinyl. It may be twice as thick and doesnt stretch as much but it is much much more durable compared to regular vinyl. Stands up better to the sun, moisture, and age.
Also if you live in a hot area or your trunk happens to get hot the 3M spray adhesive doesnt work as well. 3M contact cement works much better as it doesnt "give" in higher heat conditions. I actually use both where I would use spray adhesive on large areas and contact cement on the edges and corners.
The fact that every little bump shows through vinyl can be a good thing if you happen to have an emblem. The possibilites are endless.
RTM
Copyright ClubKnowledge 2009 * All Rights Reserved
