With winter approaching, it's time to start considering the effect cold weather has on parts of our daily lives and even the businesses we run. Everything from the clothes we wear to the temperature on the thermostat to the products we promote can change with the season. Companies that work with temperature-sensitive chemicals or materials need to be aware of the coming cold weather. This is especially true for products used outdoors. These tried and true tips on applying vinyl in the cold will help keep your vehicle wrap looking good.

Food trucks are always out in the elements, no matter what time of year. Ensuring the initial application is done correctly will keep it lasting throughout the changing seasons.

One such material that reacts to temperature is vinyl. Now, you may not be in the business of recording music onto vinyl discs (Who is anymore?), but there's a lot more to vinyl than records. If you're planning to get a custom advertising wrap on your company vehicle, you might have paused your consideration due to the weather. But there is no need! You can apply vinyl car wraps year-round if you follow these tips on applying vinyl in cold weather. 

Respect the Cold

Remember that vinyl will become brittle and non-pliable in colder temps, so wrapping a car outdoors in the winter is pretty much a no-go. Even small vinyl pieces, such as lettering or spot graphics, will likely not stick. Not to mention the metal or glass the vinyl is applied to stay cold longer, so bringing a cold car indoors and immediately expecting to apply a wrap will also be quite tricky.

Although companies that provide vinyl materials will usually not cover damages due to improper installation in cold temperatures under their product warranties, you don't have to worry about that when 12-Point is doing the install. Our facility has a temperature-controlled area specifically for vehicle wrap installations. We have the tools, equipment, and climate needed for all custom advertising wraps year-round.

Our state-of-the-art facilities are temperature controlled so every application is done right the first time. 

Respect the Heat, Too

Don't overcompensate for cold winter temperatures by keeping wrap to be applied in an overly warm environment, either. Heated vinyl will melt to the consistency of chewing gum, and it's easy to stretch or warp the graphics. The best temperature range is somewhere between 48 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. 

This is another thing you don't have to worry about when you let professionals like 12-Point handle things. We store our purchased wrap vinyl in our temperature-controlled facility. This way it's protected and ready to be applied to any vehicle, any time of year.

The only heat that should matter is the heat we use for vinyl applications. 

Adjust Conditions to Meet Your Needs

Since there isn't much you can do about the outside weather, your best bet is to apply the vehicle wrap in a large indoor space. Picking a time during the day when conditions are ideal is also helpful. You can use torches, heat guns, or space heaters to keep an ideal temperature. (Be mindful of proper ventilation and humidity!) And remember to keep the vehicle from cold temps for up to twenty-four hours after applying.

At some point, seasonal factors such as temperature may not matter as much. Some types of vinyl have recently come on the market that are more flexible with extreme temperatures. But unless you know the specifications behind these types of vinyl and how to apply them, it's best to leave it to the professionals. Vehicle wraps are one of our specialties, so give us a call. We'd love to help you show your best signage – mobile or stationary! – to the world.