TWI Admin's blog

January 1, 2018 Issue
The Wrap Institute Newsletter

Happy 2018 to all – I hope this year brings lots of new techniques, tips and tools that bring in higher profits and more time. Here are the videos released in December:

• 8-MINUTES WITH TIM EVANS - WRAPPER MAPPER
• STEAMIN' THE SCRATCHES AWAY
• 4-PIECE CHROME DOOR HANDLE
• OFFICIAL PRODUCT VIDEO: TECKWRAP MIRROR CHROME SERIES
• REALTIME DEMO #4 - 2017 SEMA SHOW: SUPER DESIGN
• SEMA 2017 DEMO #4 DETAILS - SUPER DUPER COLORCHANGE/FULL PRINT COMBO
• REALTIME DEMO #5 - 2017 SEMA SHOW: TRICK C10 FRONT FENDER
• SEMA 2017 DEMO #5 DETAILS - COMPLICATED C10 HOOD REALTIME
• REALTIME DEMO #6 - 2017 SEMA SHOW: MAKING A TRON C10 WOODIE
• SEMA 2017 DEMO #6 DETAILS - TRON WOODIE PREP AND WRAP
• 14-MINUTES WITH KEVIN KEMPF - PG NOLA
• REALTIME DEMO #7 - 2017 SEMA SHOW: PRINTED CHROME OVERLAY
• CUSTOM DESIGN INSIGHT WITH JOFFREY VAN DER JAGT FROM PRO WRAPS
• FREELANCE INSTALLER TIPS WITH CHAD PARRISH - GRAPHITI WRAPS
• TWI PDFS
• THE WRAP POD: EPISODE 1 - JUSTIN PATE
• 2017 OVERVIEW

For January, we are trying out a new way of releasing videos. We are launching an entire series at once, in sequential order, instead of daily. The first series of 2018 is called "Rejuvenation", which is 17 videos about a color change car wrap on a budget - ideal for high profits, and involves very little hardware removal. Great combination of install techniques with something in each video for all levels of installers.

We have a new video category called The Wrap Pod. This is a podcast created by TWI member, Simon Polakof. An interview-based podcast, it offers an in-depth look into the industry through the eyes of the guest installer featured on each episode. I was honored to be the first person interviewed (check it out here). Each newly released Wrap Pod episode will be available to TWI members and posted in the Videos section.

In February, I will be in Dallas with four full shooting days so if you have any requests please put them in the Forum. The sooner you submit your request the more time we have to prepare what might be needed to make it happen.

Also, look for more links on our Resource section. We are also working on creating a more dynamic sorting/searching system for our database to make it easier for you to find a tool or workshop when you need it quick. If there is a company that you don’t see on the Resource section please let us know so we can make sure to include it (there is a link on the Resources page to submit). The quicker a question can be answered, the faster one can build and expand.

Best of luck wrapping in the first month of January 2018 as this looks to be a very exciting year for the wrap industry worldwide!

Cheers
Justin

December 1, 2017 Issue
The Wrap Institute Newsletter

Hello everyone – what a good, busy month of November. Lots of videos filmed at SEMA and in Dallas – total of 95 videos in the can ready to edit. Exciting stuff. Here are the videos released in November:

• MOUSE ANTENNA - ONE PIECE
• TUCK AND CUT #1 AND #2: UGIS BASICS
• EMPTY/SOLID CUT OVERVIEW: UGIS BASICS FOR FULL PRINT/COLOR CHANGE
• DOOR HANDLE 2.0 - PART 1: INLAY
• DOOR HANDLE 2.0 - PART 2: BODY
• DOOR HANDLE 2.0: PART 3: DOOR HANDLE
• VISUALIZING UGIS 2.0: FULL PRINT AND COLOR CHANGE
• SEEING THE SYSTEM - REALTIME DOOR INSTALL
• SEMA 2017 OVERVIEW: PART 1 - THE BOOTHS
• 2017 SEMA OVERVIEW: PART 2 - SHOW WRAPS
• 10-MINUTES WITH NICK CAMINITI - EXOTIC GRAPHIX
• 12-MINUTES WITH PHIL AQUIN - KNIFELESS TAPE
• MONTHLY WRAP SPA
• BACKING PAPER TEMPLATE FOR COLOR CHANGE WRAPS
• REALTIME DEMO #1 - 2017 SEMA SHOW: FULL PRINT C10 TRUCK
• SEMA 2017 DEMO #1 DETAILS - C10 FULL PRINT WORKFLOW
• REALTIME DEMO #2 - 2017 SEMA SHOW: RADIOACTIVE COLOR CHANGE C10 TRUCK
• SEMA 2017 DEMO #2 DETAILS: COLOR CHANGE LOGIC
• REALTIME DEMO #3 - 2017 SEMA SHOW: CREATIVE OVERLAYS - C10 TRUCK
• SEMA 2017 DEMO #3 DETAILS - CREATIVE OVERLAYS

For December, expect to see the rest of the SEMA demo videos play out. I especially like the break down videos on how each different wrap was installed – great insight into workflow and installers can make a designer’s vision come to life. Several videos on installing chrome on cars and more interviews from SEMA – Kevin Kempf, Chad Parrish and Joffrey van der Jagt. We will end the year with an overview of 2017 and plan to take the last week of December off from releasing a new daily video to focus on family and celebrating the new year.

Speaking of 2018, I’m really excited about the lineup off videos for January and February. Especially a series on refurbishing an oldish car with worn out paint and hardware with the same color wrap film as the paint. Great insight into wrapping without taking hardware off, repairing hardware with wrap film and avoiding overwrapping. A whole series will begin about breaking down 4-5 different ways on how to wrap something on a vehicle (mirrors, molding, antennas, etc…). It will show the positives and negatives for each approach so installers and owners get a good sense of which option is best for each type of install in terms of quality, time and money. Always a balance to find the right formula.

Also, look for more videos on tools, either overview or product videos, as well as more focus on wrap films. The goal as always is to expand the library so I hope to get a whole series on design and window tint rolling by spring.

TWI is booked for Wrapscon in Long Beach again which is always exciting and, with my travel locked and loaded for 2018, look for more videos from Japan, Brazil, Australia, Europe and the U.S. Such an exciting industry to be in and, as always, thanks for your support. 

Wrappy holiday wishes to you and your family and best of wishes for 2018.

Cheers,
Justin

November 1, 2017 Issue
The Wrap Institute Newsletter

Hello everyone – I hope you had a solid October and got lots of candy from Halloween. In a way, wraps are kind of like costumes for cars, walls, floors and windows. Here are the videos released this month:

• QUICK TIP: WHITE TOWEL CHECK
• 14-MINUTES WITH MOLLY WATERS - TECH REP FOR AVERY DENNISON
• 3 TYPES OF RELIEF CUTS
• OFFICIAL PRODUCT VIDEO: AVERY DENNISON MPI 1902
• VIDEO EVERYDAY
• LEFTOVERS - CUSTOM CABINETS, PART 1: COLOR CHANGE SIDES
• LEFTOVERS - CUSTOM CABINETS, PART 2: FULL PRINT FRONTS
• POST INSTALL QC - NO SKIN IN THE GAME
• MAKING A BED LOGIC
• AVOID DOTS / ADHESIVE LINES: QUALITY TECHNIQUE FOR COLOR CHANGE WRAPS
• 2 STYLES OF ROOF BREAK CUTS
• ROOF 2.0
• THE VELVET TOUCH
• NO OVERLAP TRAILERS
• BOAT BACK TEMPLATE
• CUT AND DROP FOR RECESSED AREAS
• "PREP GUY" FOR VOLUME
• OFFICIAL PRODUCT VIDEO: AVERY DENNISON SW900 - GOLD METALLIC

I want to give a special thanks to Casey Folk from PDX Wraps for sharing some valuable tips and tricks that he shared during the October video run.  Great biz logic.

The new PDFs are on TWI so be sure to click on the Shop page and download them to your Dashboard. Free for all subscribing TWI members. I plan on giving an overview of “The Golden Rules of Car wrap Design” (one of the new PDFs) while shooting at TWI in November. Lots of videos planned for those shooting days with a big focus on making smart choices to avoid overwrapping as well as more product videos.

From Oct 31-Nov 3, the film crew for TWI will be getting a ton of footage from SEMA so look for 8 detailed vids on the wraps done in the Avery Dennison booth with Joffrey van der Jagt, Jim Miller, Chad Parrish and myself. Very cool wraps planned so worth watching when they are released. Also, the annual SEMA overview and lots of interviews with key people in the industry. Look for more of those exclusive interviews in 2018 as I think they offer great insight into how people wrap and run a business. A fresh perspective is always a good thing especially if it creates more time and money.

Thanks as always for being a member of TWI. Learning and earning, that’s the ticket.     

Cheers
Justin

October 1, 2017 Issue
The Wrap Institute Newsletter

Hello TWI Members – I hope you had a super solid month of wrapping with high profits and happy clients. Here are the videos released this month:

• PLANE WING TABLE (WITH LOTS OF RIVETS)
• MEET THE MASTERS EVENT - WRAPSCON 2017
• WRAPSCON 2017: OVERVIEW
• MATTE PPF ROOF WITH ANTENNA
• MATTE PPF BACK BUMPER: DODGE CHALLENGER
• PPF ROOF: CORVETTE
• OFFICIAL PRODUCT VIDEO: EAGLE ENTERPRISES CUSTOM STRIPING KITS
• 10-MINUTES WITH DAVID WRIGHT
• WRAPSCON 2017: AVOIDING THE WET PERFORATION LOOK
• QUICK TIP: AC SLIDE
• WINDOW MOLDING CUTBACK OVERLAY FOR DIGITAL WRAPS
• BOTTOM WINDOW MOLDING CUTBACK FOR FULL PRINT AND COLOR CHANGE
• TINT SHAVE
• VOLUME STRIPING WORKFLOW
• SOLO ROOF INSTALL PT. 1: ANTENNA
• SOLO ROOF INSTALL PT. 2: FLAT SECTION AND ANTENNA WORK AROUND
• 3M KNIFELESS TAPE: INLAYS
• DOUBLE THUMB FOR DOOR HANDLE CUPS

I just finished filming at The Wrap Institute Headquarters in Dallas. There are 38 videos in the can which will start airing this month. Several product videos were filmed for Avery Dennison, Teckwrap, Pro Tools Now and Pro Series from PID. There is a very cool interview with Molly Waters, tech rep from Avery Dennison, that is really informative and insightful so be sure to check that out.

As mentioned in the September newsletter, lots of videos on UGIS: Universal Graphic Installation System. It is all about seeing a system and using it on a daily basis in order to make wrapping anything efficient and ensure profits.

SEMA, in Las Vegas, begins at the end of October. I’m always honored to be doing demos in the Avery Dennison booth. This year I will be working with Joffrey van der Jagt from Pro Wraps, Jim Miller from Miller Decals and Chad Parrish from Graphiti Wraps. Joffrey has come up with some really cool designs that will be produced by John Duever’s company, Vinyl Images. All the demonstrations will be filmed from start to finish so look for those to be on The Wrap Institute in November. The wraps will be really pushing the boundaries so definitely keep an eye out for them.  

There are two more rounds of video shoots planned for 2017 so please be sure to make a suggestion on the Forum.

Best of luck in October and an early Happy Halloween!

Cheers,
Justin

September 1, 2017 Issue
The Wrap Institute Newsletter

Hello everyone – I hope August treated you well and the wraps went on easy and smooth. Here are the videos released in August:

• WRAPSCON 2017: CWT WORKTOOLS
• WRAPSCON 2017 - PROTECTING WRAPS WITH CERAMIC PRO
• WRAPSCON 2017 - COLORFLOW CHAIRS PLUS COOL SCRAPS
• OFFICIAL PRODUCT VIDEO: TECKWRAP GLOSS METALLIC
• WRAPSCON 2017 - WINDOW PROTECTION WITH MADICO
• WRAPSCON 2017 INTERVIEW WITH CHRISTINA BURTON
• WRAPSCON 2017: DEEP RECESSED AREAS
• WRAPSCON 2017: FULL PRINT DEEP RECESSED OVERLAY WITH KNIFELESS
• OFFICIAL PRODUCT VIDEO: CERAMIC PRO FOR VINYL/PPF
• WRAPSCON 2017: AVERY DENNISON COLORFLOW FLOOR
• WRAPSCON 2017: AVERY DENNISON BEACH FLOOR
• WRAPSCON 2017 - OVERLAYS TO SAVE THE DAY
• WRAPSCON 2017 - LEAF SURFBOARD
• WRAPSCON 2017: SKATEBOARD
• WRAPSCON 2017 - PRICING AND BIG PICTURE COSTS
• WRAPSCON 2017 - PPF WITH MADICO
• OFFICIAL 3M VIDEO: NEW DIRECTIONAL LINER
• OFFICIAL 3M VIDEO: PROPER SQUEEGEE TECHNIQUE
• OFFICIAL 3M VIDEO: DEEP RECESSES
• OFFICIAL 3M™ VIDEO: REMOVING ADHESIVE RESIDUE
• PHIL AQUIN TRIPLE FLIP
• WRAPSCON 2017: UP-SELLING WITH CERAMIC PRO
• OFFICIAL PRODUCT VIDEO: TECKWRAP MATTE METALLIC SERIES

In September, look for more downloadable PDFs added to the (brand new) SHOP section. Remember, these PDFs are free for subscribing members.

I have updated UGIS (Universal Graphic Installation System) to UGIS 2.0 and divided it into 2.0: Digital Full Print and 2.0: Color Change Wraps – these will be available to download soon. Also, a Golden Rules for Vehicle Designs PDF will be added, which is great to help designers understand the installation process. Included in the Golden Rules PDF is a checklist that can be used in conjunction with the other PDFs in The Wrap Institute library – install checklist, pre-inspection and wrap removal checklist. Keeping a paper trail of the jobs start to finish is key to being a professional installer/sign shop.

September 24-30, I will have shooting days in Dallas at TWI HQ. The goal is to get back to basics and remake a lot of the first videos on TWI that covered properties of the material and strong fundamentals. This industry is changing so fast that even after just 3 ½ years it’s time to update even the basics. It’s one of the things that makes this industry so exciting. These videos will be essential for beginners and for training new employees in less time.

Look for new official 3M Knifeless videos to be added along with other product videos. The Wrap Institute is proud to make these videos about tools and material that help better explain how they are used so installers can get up to speed in terms of knowledge and skill quickly.

Best of luck in September.

Cheers,
Justin

LEFT SCREENSHOT:
"Shop" has replaced "Downloads" in the header bar. It's highlighted in red in the image above.

Click one of these images to see more details about the item, image previews and to purchase and/or download. Members with a subscription get access to these PDF files for free and will only need to click the "Get File" button to download. Pay-Per-Video Members (any member without a subscription) will see pricing and must go through the checkout process before downloading.

RIGHT SCREENSHOT:
PDFs that you download and/or purchase are quickly accessible through your Dashboard. Go to "My Files" in the navigation panel to see the files you have previously downloaded or purchased.

August 1, 2017 Issue
The Wrap Institute Newsletter

Hello everyone – I hope July was a busy one as it certainly was for The Wrap Institute. Some extra good videos released this month. Here they are:

• ART FLOOR INSTALL: PART 1 - FLAT PINK
• ART FLOOR INSTALL: PART 2 - PUZZLE PIECES
• ART FLOOR INSTALL: PART 3 - FLOOR MOLDING
• ART FLOOR INSTALL: PART 4 - FULL PRINT PANELS
• REVENUE INFLUX
• KILL FEES FOR WRAPPING
• BUSINESS PARTNERS
• MINIMUM ORDER FEES
• HIRING SALESPEOPLE FOR WRAP SHOPS
• TRIPLE STYLE WINDOW MOLDING
• OFFICIAL PRODUCT VIDEO: AVERY DENNISON PVC-FREE MPI 1405 WITH EASY APPLY RS
• COLOR CHANGE BACKING PAPER
• PIVOT VICE CHROME GAS TANK COVER
• WRAP LIKE IKEA
• 3M KNIFELESS TAPE: INSIDE/OUTSIDE POINT TECHNIQUE FOR HARDWARE
• 3M KNIFELESS TAPE: INSIDE/OUTSIDE POINT FOR DESIGNS
• 3M KNIFELESS TAPE TRI LINE DESIGN
• FUNKY SHAPED DOOR CUP INLAY
• WRAPSCON 2017 - BOOTH PREVIEW

Wrapscon is finished and it was a big success. It was great to see all the designs come to life on all the elements in the booth, especially on the Nissan NV1500 and Basecamp Airstream.

The booth could not have happened without the support from our sponsors this year: Avery Dennison, Madico, Mutoh, Fellers, Yellotools, Ceramic Pro and Wrapify. Thanks to Nissan and Airstream OC for providing the vehicles. The team at Car Wrap City for the design and production. Christina Burton from Curvaceous Wraps for the designs on Day 1. The support from NBM and their fabulous crew. Lastly, to Cassandra Pate (no relation) for all the hard work she did before and during the show which pulled it all together. We are already coming up with cool ideas for next year so mark your calendars now. 

This month look for videos to be released that were filmed at Wrapscon which cover a wide variety of topics: recessed areas, surfboards, floors, trailers, window perforation, PPF and much more.  

As usual, if you have suggestions for videos please put them on the Forum page. I will be filming lots of new videos in the fall so can plan them then.

Best of luck wrapping!

Cheers,
Justin Pate

July 1, 2017 Issue
The Wrap Institute Newsletter

Hello everyone - I hope the cuts were precise this month and the wraps went on quick and easy. Here are the videos released in June:

• PPF FORD F150 INSTALL REALTIME
• PPF HEADLIGHTS: PLOTTED AND HANDCUT
• PPF FRONT BUMPER PT. 1: PREP - FERRARI F12 TDF
• PPF FRONT BUMPER PART 2: INSTALL - FERRARI F12 TDF
• QUICK TIP: HARDEST BUTTON TO BUTTON
• DRY FRONT WINDSHIELD PREP: TINT
• FRONT WINDSHIELD: TINT
• PPF CARBON VENTS
• SCRATCH-FREE GLOSS BLACK HOOD
• COLOR CHANGE / PPF HOOD DESIGN
• PPF HOOD - PORSCHE 911
• QUICK TIP: DIRT PIC TOOL
• PPF FENDER - PORSCHE
• PPF FRONT BUMPER: PORSCHE
• PPF ROCKER AND BACK FENDER: PORSCHE
• PPF MIRROR - PORSCHE 911
• OFFICIAL PRODUCT VIDEO: ULTRA FROM ALLTAK TUNING
• BENEFITS FOR WRAPPERS
• MARKETING FOR WRAP SHOPS
• BIG PICTURE COSTS FOR WRAP SHOPS
• FEED THE LICENSE PLATE

The video line up in July is an exciting one - a four-part series on an art floor install for Mark Dean Veca, more biz videos with John Duever, product videos and tests, then the last group of advanced 3M Knifeless Tape videos with Phil Aquin.
 
From July 20-22, I, along with The Wrap Institute team, will be running our booth at Wrapscon in Long Beach, California. Everything in the booth will be wrapped once each day - a van, Airstream camper, floor, wall, cooler, table, chairs, helmets, instruments, surfboards, skateboards, and more. Super exciting designs and demos. All demos will be videotaped and put in The Wrap Institute library so look for these in August. If you can make the show, come by the booth for a free koozie or to buy a new TWI tee.
 
Have a great July everyone and keep on wrappin' on.

Cheers
Justin

Are you brand new to wrapping vehicles? If so, you may be getting lost or overwhelmed in our video database, which contains tips and techniques for all installer levels.

Justin put together Wrap Institute playlists, as well as a list of videos, for beginners who are just starting out. So if you're looking for the basic techniques to learn to wrap, start here:

1. Understand Your Material

First, learn about the properties of film (vinyl) by watching our "Essential Foundation: Film Properties" playlist. We recommend that you watch all of these videos, as well as:

• Recessed Area Overview
• Proper Vinyl Bonding & Adhesion
• Post-Heating Demo
• Stretch vs Overstretch

2. Learn Install Techniques

After you've finished learning about the film, it's time to learn about the basic techniques. We recommend watching our "Essential Foundation: Basic Techniques" playlist. In addition, we recommend watching these videos as supplementary material:

• Hardware Removal Overview
• Cleaning Overview
• Aftercare Product Overview
• Workspace
• Efficient Installs via Print, Production and Design
• Post-Install Tips
• Solid Corners on Vehicles
• Cold Pre-Stretch Door Handle
• Making a Car Flat Demo
• Making Glass (AKA Speaking Wrinkle)

3. Get Familiar with Tools

All the TWI Tool and Official Product Video videos are free and are a great resource for new installers.

4. Get Set Up to Practice

You don't need much to learn to wrap. You'll need a squeegee and a knife to get started. If you don't have access to vinyl scraps for practice, you can order small amounts on Amazon (like 5 square-feet of this 3M Matte Black vinyl, or this Avery Dennison Gloss Black Metallic vinyl). Or, some distributors sell various-sized rolls that you can get to practice with - check out our Directory section for distributors near you.

Check out our tool videos on squeegees and knives to get a quick overview and links to purchase. If you want a quick answer - start with the 3M Gold Squeegee, grab a pack of Monkey Strips and an NT Cutter.

5. Use The Wrap Institute as Your Resource for Learning

While you're watching videos on The Wrap Institute, you'll notice four features: Playlist, Related Videos, Tools and Tags. Our Playlist feature is at the top, and will show you if the video you're watching is part of a playlist. If it is, it will allow you to watch all the videos in order, to encourage ease of learning. Related Videos are videos that may show the same technique, vinyl, or vehicle part. The Tool images below our related videos are clickable and will link you to the tool listing so you can learn more about the tool or find out where to buy it. Tags are below this, and are some of the searchable terms you can use to find this video again.

6. Get Certified

Thinking about getting certified? Justin talks about certification - benefits, the process, etc - in this video.

Happy wrapping!

April 1, 2017 Issue
The Wrap Institute Newsletter

Hello everyone – I hope that March was a good one and that the year is shaping up to be a busy one. Here are the videos released in March:

• TOOL: WRAPPING POLES
• TOOL: USED BLADE CONTAINERS
• PRODUCT VIDEO: AVERY DENNISON MPI 1105 EASY APPLY RS
• CERAMIC COATING COLOR EFFECTS
• BABY HELMET
• DEEP RECESSED AREA TIP FROM JIM MILLER
• OFFICIAL PRODUCT VIDEO: AVERY DENNISON SW 900 SATIN COLORFLOW
• TORX RIVETS
• CLEANING SEQUENCES FOR COLOR CHANGE WRAPS
• NO SQUEEGEE, NO MAGNETS, NO PROBLEM
• TOOL: RAMPS AND LIFTS
• WOODIE STOVE VENT
• TOOL: HEAT GUN HOLDER
• TOOL: TACKCLOTHS
• OFFICE DOOR
• RED LEATHER DESKTOP WITH 3M DI-NOC
• STICKY MISSED STEPS: UNDERSTANDING DI-NOC
• FESPA / CAMBEA #7 BRAZIL SIGN SHOW 2017
• TOOL: IR HEATER
• 9-MINUTES WITH MARCELO SOUSS
• WOOD PANELED STAIRWAY WITH DI-NOC
• 3M DI-NOC LIVING ROOM WALL PART 1: PREP
• 3M DI-NOC LIVING ROOM WALL PART 2: INSTALL

In the second week of April, a series comparing full print and a color change install on vans will launch. Really key to see the difference between the two styles for reaching solid profit points. At the end of the month, the advanced Knifeless Tape videos will air with Phil Aquin. Super amazing techniques that are game changers.  

I will be doing demos for Avery Dennison at the ISA show in Las Vegas so look for an overview of that show. The PPF videos at XPEL are confirmed so I will be filming these at their training facility in San Antonio mid-April. Look for them to be launched in May or June.

As you may have seen, the FESPA / Cambea #7 show in Brazil was the best ever. Great to see install skills worldwide just get higher and higher including the passion for the wrap industry.  

Exciting times ahead for 2017.

Cheers
Justin