These are instructions for how to wrap your automotive interior with carbon fiber vinyl. I have done this on a number of cars, and the technique can be applied to just about anything, some people even wrap their hood or trunk lid with this stuff.
Materials/Tools needed:
-3M Di-Noc CA-421 carbon fiber vinyl (there are other styles available, including different shades of carbon fiber. CA-421 corresponds to the traditional black-and-grey-ish carbon fiber look)
-Scissors
-X-acto knife or razor blade
-Measuring tape
-Plastic card for smoothing out bubbles (an old credit card will work, but it helps to smooth the edges a little)
-Heat gun (hair dryer will work, but an adjustable heat gun is preferred)
I found everything I needed except the vinyl at the TechShop in Menlo Park, CA. Check out their website, http://www.techshop.ws, if you're interested. TechShop is a membership-based workshop that provides members with access to tools and equipment, instruction, and a community of creative and supportive people so they can build the things they have always wanted to make.
Materials/Tools needed:
-3M Di-Noc CA-421 carbon fiber vinyl (there are other styles available, including different shades of carbon fiber. CA-421 corresponds to the traditional black-and-grey-ish carbon fiber look)
-Scissors
-X-acto knife or razor blade
-Measuring tape
-Plastic card for smoothing out bubbles (an old credit card will work, but it helps to smooth the edges a little)
-Heat gun (hair dryer will work, but an adjustable heat gun is preferred)
I found everything I needed except the vinyl at the TechShop in Menlo Park, CA. Check out their website, http://www.techshop.ws, if you're interested. TechShop is a membership-based workshop that provides members with access to tools and equipment, instruction, and a community of creative and supportive people so they can build the things they have always wanted to make.
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Signing UpStep 1: Step 1: Measure trim
Measure the trim as best you can leaving at least a half inch excess on each side of what you want to wrap, ideally more like an inch just in case. You can do this on the car in most cases, just make sure to account for any curvature or irregularities that you might run in to. Once you have measured each piece you want to wrap, you can figure out how much material you need to order. It typically comes in a 24" roll, so you'll need to figure out how many feet you need from that 24" roll. You can find the stuff all over the internet, including eBay.
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I don't like the prospect of masking the whole car to paint the roof. Also, the colour is hard to find. Someone could mix a batch for me, but it's a pearl metallic so will also require clearcoat. Even if I could get aerosol cans for the job, it will take longer and cost more!
So I'll be rolling on an etch primer, sanding that smooth then applying the vinyl with 3M primer 94 along the edges. Sure it won't last as long but it beats painting!
This stuff will walk right back off the part over time and or develop blisters if any micro sized bubbles exist under it. Applying clear coat will really make the part fixed permanently. Clear coat comes in high gloss, and satin so you can get the desired finish you want.