11 Jun Rough Surface Wraps: New and Improved

Rough surface wraps refer to adhesive backed materials that are used to cover exteriors of large objects like walls. They usually serve as a design feature, graphics that can be removed and changed whenever you need.

New developments in print media have improved the nature of rough surface wraps so they can cover virtually all surfaces like brick, stucco, poured cement, and cinder block.

Applications of Rough Surface Wraps

Rough surface wraps are a good choice for applications like architecture and wayfinding. The wraps eliminate the need for any fixed signs and anchors. The wraps also allow for the building’s design and ownership to be changed easily without major issues.

The demand for rough surface wraps also necessitated a demand for better adhesives. Adhesives for wraps should be stronger than the regular adhesives on the market and remain removable. Some adhesives are designed to soften when exposed to a heat source, making the wraps easy to remove.

Sometimes, a laminate is added over the rough surface wrap to give the whole texture a glossy, luster finish.

You will usually find rough surface wraps in areas like stadiums and arenas. Especially in parking garages, to indicate where the cars should be moving in order to facilitate free-flowing traffic and reduce congestion.

The use of rough surface wraps is for a select customer base. The wraps are ordered as and when they are needed.

Using wraps to decorate surfaces, like interior and exterior walls, has become very popular in the past few years. Using wraps instead of wallpaper is now preferable due to the ease at which one can apply a wrap and replace it with another.

Preparing the Surface

The first step in putting a rough surface wrap on your wall is preparing the surface. You need to ensure that the surface is ready to receive any kind of wrap. This means cleaning off any dust or dirt particles, removing any spiderwebs, etc. you’ll need to create a clean slate for what comes next.

Wall Paint Compatibility

Unfortunately, there isn’t a wrap that is good enough to cover any surface imaginable. Before choosing a wrap for a wall, and after it has been prepped, you should have it surveyed. Issues that could compromise the wrap need to be detected before you make an investment that is wasted.

When the wall’s integrity has been verified, you need to classify the paint variables on the wall. You need to consider:

•The paint’s compatibility with the wrap.
•Amount of time the paint has been on the wall.
•Number of paint layers on the wall.
•Will the paint peel off if the wrap needs to be moved?

A test of your wall/paint compatibility is key, so you can find the surface wrap best suited for your needs.

Preparing the wrap

If your wrap was created with any kind of solvent or eco-based solvent inks, you will need to let the wrap outgas for at least 24 hours before you install it. Any trapped solvent in the wrap will soften the wrap and make its installation more difficult. Also, the trapped solvent will affect the strength of the adhesive bonding the wrap to the wall.

Tools for installing the wrap

The implements you need for your installation of the wrap include:

•A heat gun
•Extension cords
•Cutting blades
•RollePros
•An IR thermometer

Removing the wrap

If you need to remove the wrap, one thing you don’t want happening is the paint on the wall underneath peeling off as well. You need to use a heat gun to soften the adhesive which makes removing the wrap easier and reduces the risk of peeling off any of the wall’s paint.

There’s always a chance that some of the adhesive material used to apply the wrap might remain on the surface of the wall even after the vinyl is removed. You should be aware of this before the process of applying the wraps even begins.

Conclusion

Rough surface wraps are a novel way to decorate a surface with removable graphics. It may still have niche appeal, but it has a lot of room to grow.

At Full Sail Graphics our commitment to quality products and customer service sets us apart. Give us a call today at 714-475-1946 or contact us for a personal consultation and ask us about rough surface wraps.