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Post heating is a crucial step in ensuring the longevity of your vinyl wrap installations. Without it, even the best wraps can fail over time as the film tries to return to its original shape due to PVC's elastic memory. This week, we’ll explore why post heating is essential, the science behind it, and how to do it right to prevent wrap failure and ensure a professional finish every time.

The Origin of Post Heating
Did you know that the concept of post heating was developed in 2002? Daniel Perotti, who now leads Fedrigoni marketing, discovered this while working for Mactac Europe. In the 90s, car wraps were growing in popularity, but many wraps would fail despite proper cleaning and installation. Perotti’s breakthrough came when he experimented with heating the vinyl beyond a certain temperature, which significantly reduced the PVC film’s memory, preventing it from shrinking back. This innovation was a game changer in the wrap industry.

Post Heating: One Step in a 4-Part Process
While post heating is important, it can’t fix poor installation practices, the wrong material choice, or improper cleaning. It should be seen as one piece of the puzzle in a four-part process for a successful wrap:

1. Choose the right material for the job

2. Clean the surface thoroughly

3. Use installation techniques that limit stretch to 10% or less

Post heat using a thermometer to ensure you’re hitting the right temperature
By following all these steps, you ensure a durable, professional-quality wrap.

Are You Heating Enough?
It’s possible that you’re not post heating hot enough. Manufacturers often provide a post heating temperature range, but hitting the lower end or even the recommended high end might not be enough to fully break the film’s memory. In fact, through extensive testing, TWI’s Rainer Lorz has found that even reaching the highest recommended temperature may not always suffice with certain brands. We recommend always post heating slightly hotter than the manufacturer’s top range to guarantee the best results. Check out our videos where Rainer explains this in detail.

Want to Learn More?
Here are 5 videos from The Wrap Institute to help you master post heating:

TWI Fundamentals: Post Heating Demo
TWI Fundamentals: Post Heat Visual: Setting The Right Temperature
TWI Color Change: Inozetek Training Video - Post Heating: Why, How and What Special Steps To Consider

TWI Fundamentals: Pre-Post Heating Tips for Recessed Areas
TWI Fundamentals: Edge Seal Tape Experiment

Perfecting your post heating technique is essential to long-lasting wraps. Keep honing your skills, learn from each install, and remember that every detail counts when aiming for professional results. Stay curious, stay determined, and always push your limits. Never Stop Learning!

Marcos Schott - Certified Car Wrapper and TWI CCO