TWI News

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

June 1, 2017 Issue
The Wrap Institute Newsletter

Hello fellow wrappers – I hope May was a good one. Here are the videos released in May:

• 3M KNIFELESS TAPE BUTT JOINT TECHNIQUE
• 3M KNIFELESS TAPE: TIGHT RADIUS CURVES
• 16-MINUTES WITH ANDY SOLEIMANI
• DON'T TAKE OFF BUMPERS
• HOOD FRONT TRI LINE CUT
• SAVING THE STRIPES: TIME SAVING TIPS
• FULL PRINT TABLE WRAP
• HIGH QUALITY BUDGET MIRROR
• FESPA 2017 HAMBURG OVERVIEW
• FESPA 2017 NOON DEMO: THE GLASS GAME
• FESPA 2017 NOON DEMO: CUTTING DOWN ON CUTTING
• PERSPECTIVE OF A WRAP JUDGE WITH JIM MILLER
• QUICK KISS
• TECKWRAP CANDY METALLIC
• WORKSPACE AND TOOL SETUP FOR PPF
• HOW TO SELL PPF FILM
• QUICK TIP: PPF EMBLEM REMOVAL
• PPF WEAR AND TEAR PACKAGE
• DIY INTERIOR WINDOW TINT
• COLD PRE-STRETCH FULL PRINT FRONT BUMPER
• TRICKY DI-NOC DOOR

For June, expect more videos on PPF and tint. With all the upcoming PPF videos + those already in the video library, anyone who is new to PPF installs should be able to get up to speed quickly as there are videos on a wide variety of vehicles and techniques.
 
In May, I had a chance to visit Ceramic Pro in San Diego and shot a day’s worth of footage. Look for two product videos and TWI videos to be release in June. Ceramic coatings are worth considering in terms of protecting a wrap (especially carbon and white matte) and as an upsell for rims.
 
As you may have noticed, you can click the tool images below each video to see more info on that tool and where to buy it. Members were asking about this so we built the links on the back end. We plan on expanding this throughout the summer so all users in every country can enjoy this feature.
 
The traffic on the Forum has picked up the last few months which is great. Always feel free to reach out with a question or comment. I try to answer questions as much as time allows and it’s great to see others pitching in as well. Don’t forget that you have direct access to tech reps at companies like Avery Dennison. Great way to get an important tech question answered right away.
 
In about a week we will be sending out the overview of our booth at Wrapscon. It will be super exciting so hope to see you there.

Cheers
Justin

Hello wrappers – I hope the quotes came in and the wraps went out this month.  Here are the videos released on TWI for April.

The advanced 3M Knifeless videos will continue at the beginning of May with Phil Aquin.  Lots of great techniques in these which can help up your Knifeless game so enjoy. 

I shot a ton of new videos while at XPEL headquarters mid-April so look for these to come out end of May, early June.  Big focus on PPF bumpers (Porsche and Ferrari), PPF hoods, tint and much more. 

I will be doing lunchtime demos at FESPA Hamburg from May 8-12 so look for these in May/June as well.  Topics will be: cutting down on cutting, making a bed, the glass game and relief cut logic.

From June 9-13 I will be in Dallas at The Wrap Institute headquarters filming.  This is a bigger than normal window to shoot which is very exciting.  We just upgraded our camera and audio set up so the quality and detail will get even better.  Lots of videos already planned but if you have any requests please go to the forum page type it in. 

Wrapscon in Long Beach from July 20-22 is just around the corner and we are in full gear getting ready for it.  Lots of cool demos so if you are going to be in SoCal in July, come by our booth to check out the action.

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

March 1, 2017 Issue
The Wrap Institute Newsletter

Hello everyone – I hope the vinyl went down smooth in February. Here are the videos that were released:

• TOOL: APPLICATION TAPE (PRE-MASK)
• TOOL: AUTO SKINS VINYL STORAGE RACKS
• TOOL: HOT SHOT IR HEATER
• DINING TABLE RESTORATION WITH 3M DI-NOC
• COFFEE TABLE RESTORATION WITH DI-NOC
• METALLIC GOLD COFFEE TABLE
• 3M DI-NOC BOOKSHELF PART 1: PREP
• 3M DI-NOC BOOKSHELF PART 2: INSTALL
• TOOL: HARDWARE RETRIEVAL TOOLS
• TOOL: SEAM CUTTERS
• TOOL: LEVELS
• TOOL: PORTABLE LIGHTS
• TOOL: BACKING PAPER CUTTERS
• 3M DI-NOC KITCHEN - PART 1: ASSEMBLY REQUIRED
• 3M DI-NOC KITCHEN PART 2: CABINET REALTIME
• 3M DI-NOC KITCHEN - PART 3: CABINETS
• 3M DI-NOC KITCHEN: PART 4 - COUNTERTOP WALLS
• 3M DI-NOC KITCHEN: PART 5 - WALL CORNERS
• MARKERS
• HORIZONTAL AND VERTICAL STORAGE RACKS

Lots of exciting projects in the works at TWI. For March, videos scheduled to be released will be about tools, cars, Di-Noc and Product Videos.

I just got done shooting a very cool series with Phil Aquin, 3M Knifeless trainer. Look for these videos to come out in April. Really in-depth techniques that can create super solid profits. 

In April, I will be shooting production videos in LA with Adam Sumner, owner of Wrapix, as well as an X-Minutes video with Andy Soleimani, owner of Sticker City. After LA, I will be making a few videos with Casey Folk, owner of PDX Wraps in Portland. April also has plans to do in-depth PPF videos with Xpel so once the plans are solidified I will announce this. John Duever is making new business-oriented videos in March so look for these in April as well. Always critical to know how to price and wrap.

As you may have noticed, there have been some changes to the website - the main one being the Tools section revamp with added links to tools/products shown in the videos. Super exciting to now offer this to TWI users.

Here's how it works: if you like/want to know more about a tool used in a video, click the tool image thumbnail in the video description, or go to the Tool section and find it in the list.

As this function gets built out, it will also offer country-specific linking to help you quickly access the providers closest to you geographically. Keep in mind, The Wrap Institute is neutral, so we are not pushing one brand over another. We are simply trying to provide the links to distributors/manufacturers to help our users wrap better and smarter.

Best of success in March and keep on laying it down!

Cheers
Justin

February 1, 2017 Issue
The Wrap Institute Newsletter

Hello everyone - I hope the first month of 2017 treated you all well. Here are the videos released in January:

• HOW SQUEEGEES ARE MADE
• AVERY DENNISON TEXTURED WALL FILM
• WALL INSTALL WITH TEXTURED FILM
• 3M 1080 SP-10 SATIN PEARL
• FRONT DOORS - WINDOW PERF
• CURVED BACK WINDOW - 1/4 INCH CUTBACK
• FULL PRINT REFLECTIVE FILM - INSTALLED OUTSIDE ON A WINDY DAY
• TRUCK BACK FENDER - UPPER CORNER
• DEEP COLOR CHANGE TRUCK - BACK BUMPER
• DEEP COLOR CHANGE TRUCK - MIRROR PT. 1
• DEEP COLOR CHANGE TRUCK - MIRROR PT. 2
• DEEP COLOR CHANGE TRUCK - ENGINE COVER
• DEEP COLOR CHANGE TRUCK - DRIVER DOOR
• PIVOT VICE MIRROR - MULTI-LAYERED CALENDAR FILM
• REFLECTIVE REFRIGERATOR
• FULL PRINT REFLECTIVE HOOD
• TRUCK HOOD/TAILGATE STRIPES - NO REMOVALS
• WET WIND INSTALL
• BRUSHED METALLIC REMOVAL
• ISOPROPYL ALCOHOL
• OLFA TOP SHEET CUTTER

The 3M Di-Noc series is almost complete and the videos will start being released on the site on February 6th. Lots of great videos on wrapping with Di-Noc, including: kitchen cabinets, bookshelves, an office desk, a living room wall, bathrooms, hallways, three different types of tables and more. Exciting stuff. A special thanks to 3M for their support of this project.

More product videos are in the pipeline for Avery Dennison, Teckwrap, Orafol, 3M and SOTT.

Also, from February 8-12 I will be in Dallas at TWI HQ shooting videos so if there are any requests please put them in the Forum.

Cheers
Justin

January 1, 2017 Issue
The Wrap Institute Newsletter

Happy 2017 everyone! I hope the holidays treated you well and that you are ready for another year of learning and earning. As always, let’s begin with the videos released the previous month:

• MINI COOPER HARDWARE REMOVAL XL
• LETTING THE AIR OUT: AIR RELEASE TIPS FOR ENCLOSED RECESSED AREAS
• AFTERCARE PRODUCTS: OVERVIEW
• MINI COOPER HOOD: FULL PRINT
• MINI COOPER MIRROR: PRE-STRETCH COLOR CHANGE
• IS ALL THE WAY THE BEST WAY? THOUGHTS ON VEHICLE WRAPS
• BY THE HOUR OR JOB? PAYING INSTALLERS FOR CAR WRAPS
• VERTICAL AND HORIZONTAL WARRANTY: FULL PRINT AND COLORCHANGE CAR WRAPS
• CLOTHES FOR CARS: AVOID OVER WRAPPING ON VEHICLES
• FORMULAS FOR PARTIAL WRAPS
• POLISHING A TURD - SEEING EQUAL
• DEEP COLOR CHANGE TRUCK - HOOD OFF THE BODY
• QUICK TIP: PIVOT VICE FOR DOOR HANDLES
• COLOR CHANGE DOOR HANDLE ON A PIVOT VICE - PART 1
• COLOR CHANGE DOOR HANDLE ON A PIVOT VICE - PART 2
• TRI-COLOR TRANSLUCENT DOOR - WET INSTALL
• 27-MINUTES WITH MICHAEL ALTHOFF - OWNER OF YELLOTOOLS

As the wrap industry and The Wrap Institute continue to grow and change, the beginning of the year is a great chance to see what is in store.  

The beginning of the year will focus on interior wraps as well as the launch of Product Videos. These are more straightforward, fact-based videos on specific materials and tools, but we feel that this type of information is critical to understand. Every product/manufacturer makes their materials differently. Understanding these differences - like the right post-heating temperatures or lamination combos for instance - can mean the difference between profiting and taking a loss on a job.

The Wrap Institute will have a booth again at Wrapscon. This year it’s in Long Beach and we have a great game plan. All demos will be videotaped so if you can’t make it to the show, you'll be able to check them out on the site.

I have lots of trips planned this year – America, Australia, Japan, Thailand, Canada, Brazil, South Africa, Ireland and Denmark. One of the main things I love about these trips is the great unknown. What new techniques, tips and tools can I learn and share right away on TWI. So, what will be the new technique or material or wrap that changes the industry? Let’s find out.

Cheers
Justin

December 1, 2016 Issue
The Wrap Institute Newsletter

Hello everyone – I hope everyone had a great November. Here are the videos that were released in last month:

• TIPS ON SETTING UP A WRAP SHOP
• TIPS FOR PURCHASING FROM VENDORS
• TIPS ON SPONSORSHIP FOR WRAP SHOPS
• TENSION AND LOADING TIPS FOR LAMINATORS
• STREAMLINING FULL PRINT INVENTORY
• MOUNTING FLAT SUBSTRATES - TIPS AND TRICKS
• PDFS FOR VEHICLE WRAPS
• COLOR CHANGE CUTTING PDF - OVERVIEW
• SEMA 2016 - OVERVIEW
• IN THE FLOW: JOFFREY VAN DER JAGT AT SEMA 2016
• 11-MINUTES WITH CASEY FOLK
• THE PALM TECHNIQUE: NO ADHESIVE LINES
• GMC FRONT BUMPER PART 1
• GMC FRONT BUMPER PART 2
• GARAGE KEEPERS INSURANCE
• SOLO HOOD WITH AGGRESSIVE FILM
• WRAPPING A TRUNK SOLO WITH A BUMPER POLE
• VEHICLE WRAP REMOVAL CHECKLIST - OVERVIEW
• SEAMING THE CUSTOMER: MANAGING EXPECTATIONS FOR COLOR CHANGE
• BACK FENDER COLOR CHANGE - STEP BY STEP
• CERAMIC COATINGS FOR CAR WRAPS: OVERVIEW

We had a very thorough 4-day video shoot at our headquarters in Dallas this month that resulted in 45 new videos. Several of the videos represent a new direction for The Wrap Institute. They are videos reviewing specific films - material notes, application difficulty, installation guidelines, warranty information, etc. Super clean, simple and informative. Look out for those videos in late December or early January. We would love to hear your feedback, positive or negative, as we think they will fill a huge niche in the wrap industry.

We already have big shoots planned for 2017 and our booth at Wrapscon is confirmed for the show in Long Beach in July so very exciting.

From December 24 – January 2 we are taking a break from launching a video every weekday so look for new videos with the new year. Time to relax with our families and put fresh buffers on our squeegees for all the wrapping in 2017.

Best wishes for the holiday season!

Cheers
Justin