The Wrap Institute's blog | Wrap Institute
Become a member today and get access to all videos. Click here to join now.
NEVER STOP LEARNING™

The Wrap Institute's blog

Introducing: The Wrap Monkey

Wrap Monkey Wraps

Last week we featured Mark Bakuwel - aka The Wrap Monkey - as a special guest on The Wrap Institute. You’ll notice The Wrap Monkey popping up on TWI from time to time. As we continue to create videos, we want to source wrap expertise from all over the world to create the most comprehensive, well-rounded wrap knowledge database out there. As a solid wrap industry veteran, The Wrap Monkey is a natural guest host for TWI. 

So what’s his story?

The Wrap Monkey has been installing wraps for more than 30 years and is based out of Weesp in the Netherlands.

An expert on fleet wraps, The Wrap Monkey is a freelance installer who does all the installs for Omnimark, a large sign company in the Netherlands. He is also the creator of Monkey Strips, pre-cut felt buffers for vinyl installations.

Justin worked with The Wrap Monkey as a freelancer when he moved to the Netherlands from New York City in 2007. They worked together on many large fleet jobs. Justin was always impressed by Mark’s problem solving skills in regards to the variety of issues that arise when wrapping. Justin asked Mark to participate in creating two of his wrap DVDs and, when he launched The Wrap Institute, made plans to showcase Mark’s tips on the site.

As of January 2015, The Wrap Monkey has contributed to the following videos:

More videos are planned with Mark in the coming months so be sure to keep an eye out for these.

January TWI Newsletter

January Issue

The Wrap Institute Newsletter

Hello everyone - I hope that the holiday season has treated you well.

First off I want to thank each of you for becoming a member of The Wrap Institute. When we launched the site last year on January 1st there was that big question hanging over our heads – will anyone join?  Well, the first year has exceeded our expectations and makes us super motivated to make TWI bigger and better in 2015. Scroll down to check out an outline of our filming schedule for 2015, which is super exciting.

New videos in December:

-    Prepping a Boat Wrap
-    Color Change Boat Wrap
-    Bridgeline Tip for Headlights
-    How Far to Wrap Under Vehicles
-    String Tools
-    Measuring Tape
-    Trailer Hinge Overlap
-    Window Install Overview
-    Cut Vinyl Window Install
-    Frosted Window Film
-    No Post Heat, No Good
-    Removing Adhesive on a Finished Wrap
-    Food Truck Front Fender
-    Front Fender/Door Upper Corner Cutting
-    Torx Trailer Rivets
-    Peeling Mirror Fix with Mold N' Hold
-    Jet Plane Tail Section
-    iPhone 5c

As you probably saw, we tried to get as many videos up on the site before Christmas and New Year's before shutting down the offices for the year. Starting early this month, you will see new videos being added along with many new, exciting changes.

Cheers
Justin

 

New Year, New Wraps

Upcoming Changes & Events for 2015

Today we celebrate The Wrap Institute's 1st birthday. It's hard to believe that in just one short year, we've grown this much within the wrap community and had the opportunity to share our passion for wrapping with the world. We officially ended the year with 320 videos - posting nearly one video per day. But we aren't stopping there... just hang tight for what's coming in 2015.
 

  • LANGUAGES: Beginning this month, we will be rolling out a language feature which will provide our global audience with the option to view The Wrap Institute in several languages: English, French, German, Russian, Spanish and Portuguese. We'll work hard to make this as seamless as possible - but if you are proficient in one of these languages and notice an error or have a suggested edit, please share! Email media@wrapinstitute.com. We will continue to build on the languages we offer as the year progresses.
     
  • DOWNLOADABLE CONTENT: For all TWI Members, there will be a section where you can download free PDFs that cover a wide range of topics, from pre-inspection forms to checklists for production, design and installs.
     
  • CONVERSATIONS: We are tweaking the video page so that members can comment on videos more easily. Jump in to the conversation with tips from your own experience, ask your fellow TWI members questions about a topic from the video, or give us suggestions. Our goal is to make the best video possible on each topic, so if there's something you wanted to see/learn and didn't, post a comment and let us know. If we get enough feedback, we will redo the video to make it better.
     
  • SHOOTING SCHEDULE FOR 2015: We have solidified partnerships with some of the top names in the industry to provide cutting-edge instructional videos that cover a wide range of topics. Our primary goal for The Wrap Institute is to expand the video library this year, so it's truly a one-stop resource for learning how to wrap. Check out what we have on the calendar already for the months below.

January

- Small Distributor Overview: Leo Maher owner of Sign and Digital; Ireland

- Carwrapping Tips: Mark Bakuwel (aka Wrap Monkey); Netherlands

- Tinting: Ole Solskin Ravn; Denmark

February

- Paint Protection: Steve Burns; Texas

- DI-NOC: Michael Zick and Jeff Wagner at J3 Industries; Dallas, Texas

- Tools/Single Color Full Wrap: Frank Fellers at The Wrap Institute headquarters; Dallas, Texas

- Interview Austin Smith: Paint is Dead at Identity Design; Jacksonville, Florida

March

- Calendar Film Tips: Dimas Brasil from Banana Wraps; Sao Paulo, Brazil

- Advanced Carwrapping: Jim Miller from Miller Decals; Atlanta, Georgia

April

- Highlights: ISA International Sign Expo 2015; Las Vegas, Nevada

- Highlights: 2nd Annual Irish Wrap Contest; Dublin, Ireland

May

- Highlights: FESPA 2015 Sign Show and World Wrap Masters; Cologne, Germany

- Wrapping in Japan: Install tips from Japanese installers; Toyko, Japan

June

- Wrapscon: Live footage and a host of how-to videos including boat, plane, recessed areas and rivets. Visit us in The Wrap Institute section and see Speedwrapping in the Mutoh booth alongside Fellers; Indianapolis, Indiana

July

- Brazil Show: Sign show and wrap contest overview with Alltak Tuning and Cambea #5; Sao Paulo, Brazil

November

- SEMA 2015: Overview of the show and Speedwrapping in the Mutoh booth with Fellers; Las Vegas, Nevada

Mutoh Partners with Avery Dennison for Wrap Training

Mutoh America, Inc. Partners with Avery Dennison
for Another Year of Car Wrap Training Classes
program focuses on in-depth understanding of graphic installation and certification

December, 2014 - Phoenix - Mutoh America, Inc., a leading manufacturer of wide-format inkjet printers and cutters, today announced its partnership with Avery Dennison to offer the Car Wrap Training Program in ten cities across the United States and Canada in 2015. Classes will be hosted by master installer, Justin Pate.

Dates and locations for the 2015 course schedule are as follows (subject to change). Details can be found on the program's website at http://graphics.averydennison.com/en/home/resource-center/wrap-training.... :

  • February 9 - 10 Phoenix, AZ
  • February 12 - 13 Dallas, TX
  • March 13 - 14 Atlanta, GA
  • April 16 - 17 Portland, OR
  • April 20 - 21 Los Angeles, CA
  • June 10 - 11 Appleton, WI
  • June 12 - 13 Wharton, NJ
  • June 15 - 16 Tampa, FL
  • September 14 - 15 Nashville, TN
  • October 9 - 10 Calgary, AB

The Avery Dennison/Mutoh Car Wrap Training Program is designed to provide wrap installers with an in-depth understanding of graphic installation mechanics to gain a competitive advantage in the vehicle wrap industry. The two day workshop will focus on the critical steps needed to improve the quality and speed of car wrap installations.

Class sizes will be limited to allow for more one-on-one teaching. Training starts At $749.

Along with the training, all students will receive a NT Cutter A-551P knife, Avery Dennison installer toolkit (including belt, squeegees, magnets, knife, brush and snitty), 25 yard kit of Avery Dennison® MPI 1005 Supercast Easy Apply RS™ vinyl and 1360 DOL overlaminate or SW 900 Supreme Wrapping Film and Martor safety box. Over a $1,000 value.

"The techniques I've learned have drastically improved our quality, and our business has taken off. We're building an excellent reputation for the best quality wraps in the area. Thank you for your knowledge and expertise in helping us grow our business," shares Edmund Karam of LucentAds.com.

Justin Pate is a globally recognized graphic installer with more than 17 years of experience, wrapping more than 3,000 vehicles in that time. Pate uses his UGIS (Universal Graphic Installation System) teaching method, focusing on quick professional wrapping using resourceful tips, tricks and tools. Mutoh has been hosting wrap classes with Pate since 2010, and is recognized as the leading wide-format printer manufacturer for the wrap community.

For more information on Mutoh America, its events and products visit www.mutoh.com.

About Mutoh
Mutoh Industries, Ltd. founded in 1952 in Tokyo, celebrates over 60 years of business beginning as a manufacturer and distributer of mechanical drafting products. Since then, ISO 9000-certified Mutoh Industries, Ltd. & has become the world's foremost manufacturer of large format piezoelectric printers. In April, 2007, Mutoh Holdings Co, Ltd was established as a holding company of affiliates including Mutoh Industries, Ltd. Mutoh has engineering, manufacturing and distribution centers in Japan, Belgium, Germany, Singapore, Australia, China and Phoenix, Arizona. Please visit the websites:www.mutoh-hd.co.jpfor Mutoh Holdings Co, Ltd and www.mutoh.com for Mutoh America Inc., call 1-800-99-MUTOH (800-996-8864) or e-mail us at sales@mutoh.com.

About Avery Dennison
Avery Dennison (NYSE:AVY) is a global leader in labeling and packaging materials and solutions. The company's applications and technologies are an integral part of products used in every major market and industry. With operations in more than 50 countries and 26,000 employees worldwide, Avery Dennison serves customers with insights and innovations that help make brands more inspiring and the world more intelligent. Headquartered in Glendale, California, the company reported sales from continuing operations of $6.1 billion in 2013.

# # #

2015 Workshop Schedule

2015 WORKSHOP SCHEDULE

We've compiled a list of upcoming wrap workshops and wrap certification programs in early 2015. Check them out, and never stop learning! If you notice a program we missed, please let us know by emailing media@wrapinstitute.com.

 

Avery Dennison

http://graphics.averydennison.com/content/graphics/na/en/home/resource-c...

 

Avery-Mutoh School of Wrap: 2-Day Focus on Full Print
Basic/Intermediate; Commercial Wraps
Cost: $749

 

February 9-10

Mutoh

2602 S 47th Street, Ste. 102

Phoenix, AZ  85034

 

February 12-13

Sign Warehouse

2614 Texoma Drive

Denison, TX 75020

 

March 13-14

Miller Decal

183 Johnson Dupree Court

Acworth, GA 30102

 

April 16-17

Fellers

Portland, OR

 

April 20-21

Image 1 Impact

2992 Avenida De Las

Baneras, Rancho Santa

Margarita, CA 92688

 

June 10-11

Einstein Graphics

W 1925 Industrial Drive

Freedom, WI 54130

 

June 12-13

GRS

105 W. Dewey Ave #318

Wharton, NJ 07885

 

June 15-16

Mac Papers

8610 E. Sligh Ave

Tampa, FL 33610

 

Avery Dennison

http://graphics.averydennison.com/content/graphics/na/en/home/resource-c...

 
SWF Workshop: Intermediate-Advanced 1 Day Supreme
Wrap Workshop
Cost: $389

 

February 16

Identity Designs/Paint is Dead

9744 Florida Mining Blvd West

Jacksonville, FL 32257

 

March 11

Ikon Wraps

4404 North IH 35, Suite 101

San Antonio, TX 78218

 

April 13

Restylers’ Choice

59 Techview Drive

Cincinnati, OH 45215

 

April 14

TBD, NJ

 

June 8

Dream Street Graphics

6011 E Hanna Ave

Indianapolis, IN 46203

 

August 10

Identity Designs/Paint is Dead

9744 Florida Mining Blvd West

Jacksonville, FL 32257

 

August 12

Miller Decal

183 Johnson Dupree Court

Acworth, GA 30102

 

August 14

Image 1 Impact

2992 Avenida De Las

Baneras, Rancho Santa

Margarita, CA 92688

 

Avery Dennison

http://graphics.averydennison.com/content/graphics/na/en/home/resource-c...

 
Avery Certification Exam
Cost: $435

 

February 17

Identity Designs/Paint is Dead

9744 Florida Mining Blvd West

Jacksonville, FL 32257

 

March 12

Ikon Wraps

4404 North IH 35, Suite 101

San Antonio, TX 78218

 

April 15

TBD, NJ

 

June 9

Dream Street Graphics

6011 E Hanna Ave

Indianapolis, IN 46203

 

August 11

Identity Designs/Paint is Dead

9744 Florida Mining Blvd West

Jacksonville, FL 32257

 

August 13

Miller Decal

183 Johnson Dupree Court

Acworth, GA 30102

 

August 15

Image 1 Impact

2992 Avenida De Las

Baneras, Rancho Santa

Margarita, CA 92688

Lowen

http://www.lowencertified.com/training/schedule.asp

 

Lowen Certified/3M Preferred Graphics Installer’s Prep. Training
1121 North Halstead Street, Hutchison, Kansas
Cost: 1 student - $899; 2 - $749; 4 - $699

 

January 5-7

January 12-14

January 19-21

January 26-28

February 2-4

February 9-11

February 16-18

 

Lowen

http://www.lowencertified.com/training/schedule.asp

 
Lowen Certified/3M Preferred 3-Day Prep & 2-Day Wrap Training Combo
1121 North Halstead Street, Hutchison, Kansas
Cost: 1 student - $1,699; 2 - $1,599; 3 - $1,499; 4 - $1,399

 

January 5-9

January 12-16

January 19-23

January 26-30

February 2-6

February 9-13

February 16-20

 

3M

http://geekwrapsu.com/training-programs/

 

Advanced Installation Training
Geek Wraps University: 1109 NE 45th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL
Cost: $1,500

 

January 12-14

January 26-28

February 9-11

February 23-25

March 9-11

March 23-25

April 6-8

April 20-22

May 4-6

May 18-20

June 1-3

June 15-17

 

3M

http://j3industries.net/training/

 

3M Advanced Installer Training
J3 Industries: 3770 Arapaho Road, Addison, TX
Cost: $1,500

 

January 5-7

February 9-11

March 16-18

April 20-22

June 1-3

July 13-15

August 17-19

 

3M

http://j3industries.net/testing/

 
3M Graphics Authorized Testing
J3 Industries: 3770 Arapaho Road, Addison, TX
Cost: $1,000

 

January 8-9

February 12-13

March 19-20

April 23-24

June 4-5

July 16-17

August 20-21

 

SGIA

https://www.sgia.org/events/2015/09/wrap-pro-workshop-fairfax-va

 

Wrap Like a Pro Workshop
SGIA: 10015 Main Street, Fairfax, VA
Cost: $800

 

March 11-12

 

Alltak (Brazil)

http://alltak.com.br/

 
Justin Pate Demo and Workshop Schedule
Brazil

 

April 18-21

FESPA, Alltak Booth

 

April 23-24

Alltak Workshop

 

July 21-24

Serigrafia, Alltak Booth/Cambea Wrap Judge

 

July 27-28

Alltak Workshop

 

Sign and Digital (Ireland)

http://www.signanddigital.com

 

Justin Pate Workshop Schedule
Dublin

 

January 27-28

Basic/Intermediate

 

March 31-April 1

Advanced

 

April 28

Irish Wrap Contest

 

September 1-2

Basic/Intermediate

 

October 21-22

Advanced

December Newsletter

Hello everyone –

The holiday season is upon us with even more things to wrap - like presents for friends and family. November was a busy month on all fronts for TWI.

NEW VIDEOS ADDED:

We created a new tab for the Resources page called Find Installers. This page will expand in the next few months to include other countries outside the United States. If there are any companies you don’t see listed on this page or on any of the Resources pages, please let us know so we can put them on the site. The more information, the better.

December and January are downtimes for Justin in terms of teaching workshops/traveling, so there will be a big push over the next couple of months to create new content. Justin will be filming in Dallas in early December and will also be editing footage from a few recent Car Wrap City installs in Dallas.

Upcoming videos will focus more on cutting, business and windows, as well as tinting (as requested). Always feel free to go to the Forum and request a video in "Video Wish List / Requests". We keep track of these requests and keep a list to be filmed when possible during filming days.

Happy holiday season to everyone!

New Videos: Frank Fellers Talks with TWI about Commercial Wraps

The day after shooting and wrapping Frank Fellers’ gold chrome Ford Raptor, TWI teamed up with Frank to make a series of videos based on full print commercial wraps. Many of the videos are conversations between Frank and Justin that cover a wide variety of topics related to commercial wraps such as design, printing, production and installation tips.

As an industry leader and veteran of commercial wraps, TWI welcomed Frank Fellers and his unique perspective as a distributer. As much as the industry has changed over the years, full print commercial wraps are still the bread and butter for many of his customers. Frank’s passion for commercial wraps is evident, and we hope you enjoy the videos. We'll be rolling out these videos over the next couple of weeks, so keep checking the website for updates.

Here is a list of videos and topics covered: 

  • Intro (available now!)
  • Design (available now!)
  • Cleaning and Adhesive Promoters (available now!)
  • Hardware Removals
  • Properties of the Film
  • Hood 
  • Speed
  • Tools
  • Triangles
  • Compound Curves
  • Backdoor Install Tips
  • Past, Present and Hinges
  • Selling Tips
  • Aftercare 

TWI would like to give a special thanks to Mutoh for providing the ink used to print the van and 3M for supplying the IJ180CV3 and 8518 lamination for the media. Much appreciated. 

New & Improved 3M Envision™ Suite

Back in 2012, 3M released the first non-PVC films (called the 3M Envision Wrap Films). These popular films and overlaminates had just one problem - they weren't compatible with all printers.

3M has solved that problem by announcing this month that the Envision Suite print wrap films are now compatible with solvent printers. They've also added a luster overlaminate. The new suite of 3M Envision Wrap Films (two print wrap films and two overlaminates) works with all printers - UV, Solvent and Latex.

Check out the 3M Press Release below for more info:

 

Welcome to the Revolution: 3M™ Envision™ Wrap Films Suite Now Available, Compatible with all printers
Includes two print wrap films & two overlaminates offering high-performance technology with a sustainable edge

ST. PAUL, Minn - 3M continues to lead the industry with the introduction of a new high-performance, non-PVC wrap film designed for solvent/eco-solvent printing and a luster overlaminate. 3M™ Envision™ Wrap Films - which includes two print wrap films and two overlaminates - offer the only high performing, non-PVC suite of films on the market. The suite is now 100% compatible with all printers - UV, Solvent and Latex.

Meet the 3M Envision Wrap Film Suite that's ready for everyone:

  • NEW! 3M Envision Print Wrap Film Sv480Cv3
    • Designed for solvent/eco-solvent and UV printers
  • 3M Envision Print Wrap Film LX480Cv3
    • Designed for latex and UV printers
  • NEW! 3M Envision Luster Wrap Overlaminate 8549L
    • The ONLY non-PVC luster wrap overlaminate on the market
    • Provides a soft sheen, minimizing glare
    • Highly durable, 2-year horizontal warranty
  • 3M Envision Gloss Wrap Overlaminate 8548G
    • Provides exceptional gloss and clarity
    • Squeegee glides smoothly; resists squeegee scratches
    • Highly durable, 2-year horizontal warranty

“Whether you’re trying to wrap vehicles, trailers, boats, textured buildings or smooth walls, 3M Envision Wrap Films can wrap just about anything,” said Alan Miller, 3M Commercial Solutions, Tech Services. “One of the greatest advantages of these products is the reduced inventory for the customer. No need to carry multiple printable films for specific applications, one of these printable films is all you need.”

3M continues to revolutionize wrap films with a breakthrough boost in attributes such as:

  • Highly conformable: 3M Envision Wrap Films are conformable on demand, stretching up to 150% without lifting - and without primer.
  • Install in extreme temps: When it's warm the films won't get too soft or stretch too easily - for an install that's 16% faster*. In cool weather, they maintain a soft feel and won't tear. Just apply heat to conform on demand.
  • Faster removal: Unlike cast vinyl - which can be more brittle and prone to tearing - these films feature greater tensile strength, so they resist tearing for faster, cleaner removal.
  • Extremely durable: 3M Envision Wrap Films guard against UV rays, high temperatures, moisture and even acid dew - especially in horizontal and non-vertical applications.

“We like Envision Wrap Films because they make the install much easier. They simply outperform all other materials and the printed colors are more vibrant,” says Shawn Donovan, sales representative, Grafix Shoppe. “It’s our go-to product.”

3M EnvisionWrap Films allow you to go greener without sacrificing performance or good looks. They are:

  • Non-PVC
  • Phthalate-free
  • Made in part with bio-based materials**
  • Manufactured using 58% less solvent
  • Made with chlorine or other halogens added

"We are proud that 3M Envision Wrap Films are able to offer all graphic printers and installers best-in-class technology with a sustainable edge," states Tim Boxeth, Business Manager, 3M. “With evolving customer needs, expanding the 3M Envision Wrap Film portfolio gives graphic manufacturers the power to align their business with their customers’ sustainability initiatives and offer an eco-friendlier graphic solution.”

3M Envision Wrap Films are backed by the same 3M™ MCS™ Warranty and Performance Guarantee that users trust. Graphic manufacturers and installers who are ready to explore the use of films that offer high performance and a sustainability edge should visit 3Mgraphics.com/EnvisionWrap or call 1-800-328-3908 to learn more about 3M Envision Wrap Films. For additional information on 3M’s sustainability efforts and the benefits of these films, please visit www.3Mgraphics.com/Sustainability. 

3M Commercial Graphics is proud to be a Platinum Sponsor of the Sustainable Green Printing Partnership (SGP).

*Scientific study determined a 40-minute savings on trailer wraps vs. a competitive cast vinyl. See 3Mgraphics.com/EnvisionWrap for details.
**Applicable to 3M Envision Wrap Films LX480Cv3, 8548G and 8549L

 

This blog post is for news purposes only and is in no way an endorsement for the entities or products mentioned.

3M Releases 18 New Color Options

If you haven't heard, 3M released 18 new colors at the beginning of October. The 3M Wrap Film Series 1080 line now includes 75 vinyl colors to choose from and has incorporated some bold, bright hues that we can't wait to work with.

Here's what 3M had to say about the new lineup:

“3M is committed to listening to our customers, and when they asked for more unique options, the 3M team worked hard to create these new colors,” said Doug Blackwell, Business Development Manager, 3M. “These new, dynamic colors – like my personal favorite, Gloss Black Rose – will help expand graphics installers’ imaginations and allow them to offer even more design options for their clients.”

The new additions to the Film series 1080 include the same air release channels and pressure-activated adhesive as previous series. The rolls are 60" wide and are backed by 3M's MCS Warranty.

Request samples of the new vinyls here: http://solutions.3m.com/wps/portal/3M/en_US/Graphics/3Mgraphics/ToolsAnd....

 

Information sourced from 3M's Press Release. This blog post is for news purposes only and is in no way an endorsement for the entities or products mentioned.

September Newsletter from Justin

Hello everyone – September had a ton of new videos added on the site so let’s get right to it. New Videos: - Tools: Adhesive Promoter - Tools: Basic Tool Set - Plane Overview - Promotional Tips for Installers - Rivet Tools - Tools: Masking Tape - Perfect Partial Wrap - Brushed Metallic Refrigerator - Inset Window Install with Laminated Perforation - Jim Miller’s Quick Door Handle Tips - Wrapping Inside the Car the Jim Miller - Jim Miller’s Front Bumper Tips - Aviator Helmet - Detachable Jet Wings - Leech to Hold, Short to Go - How to Wrap Plastic Safely There are also now 15 new videos on the site covering Frank Feller’s gold chrome Ford Raptor wrap. Watch your inbox - TWI will be sending out a separate e-blast just on this shoot. Great stuff to be learned from this! As you may have noticed, we changed up the video page format. The videos are now centered toward the top of the screen with the description and tool images directly below. Feel free to click on these images if you'd like to view the instructional video for that tool. We started a forum this month so that you all can request videos or ask questions and interact with the TWI community. Check it out here: http://wrapinstitute.com/forum. We are in talks with two highly respected experts in the industry who we hope will provide a consistent voice in the forum to answer your questions right away with the best possible information available. October looks to be another big month of videos so stay tuned and thanks as always for being part of The Wrap Institute. Justin

Website Updates:

In order to keep The Wrap Institute an accurate and reliable source of knowledge, and not just another stale out of date website, The Resources pages are being updated, they will be back up ASAP.... Remember that the TWI forum is up and ready to chat on. Please take part and help build something special!

Pages