Vinyl is only as secure as the surface it bonds to. Road film, diesel residue, wax and loose paint all weaken adhesion, and the damage often does not show until a panel lifts after several weeks. A little preparation by you, before the vehicle reaches us, avoids most of those problems.
Our installers do their own final cleaning and surface checks, but they cannot fix a failing paint job or remove months of caked-on grime in the time allowed for installation.
Wash before the appointment
Bring the vehicle clean and dry where possible. Wash with ordinary car shampoo and rinse thoroughly. Avoid products that leave a wax, polish or silicone layer on the paint, as these prevent adhesive from bonding. For tankers, tippers and mining or construction vehicles, pay attention to the lower body panels and wheel arches, where dirt builds up.
If a vehicle cannot be washed in advance, tell us so that the cleaning requirement can be planned and, where necessary, quoted.
Check the paint
Factory paint in good condition is the best base. Resprayed panels, cheap paint and surfaces already flaking or bubbling are higher risk. When vinyl is later removed, poorly bonded paint can lift with it. We inspect and tell you what we see. If we advise against applying to a panel, it is because of the risk to the paint and the graphic.
Our terms and conditions explain that we do not accept liability for paint lifting on poorly painted or resprayed surfaces.
Old graphics, dents and rust
Existing decals, stripes or wraps need removal before new graphics go on. This is a separate task that we quote, as the time depends on the age and type of the old vinyl and how much adhesive is left behind.
Dents, creases and rust spots show through vinyl and can cause bubbling or tearing over time. Repair them before wrapping where you can. Vinyl is not a repair product and should not be expected to hide surface damage.
Fittings and removable parts
Mirrors, lights, door handles, number plates, licence discs and aerials are often removed or masked for a neater finish. Tell us if there are accessories we should not touch. Where parts must be removed, they will be refitted afterwards. Clear reflective or regulatory markings that must stay visible should be flagged in advance.
For on-site installation
If we are working at your depot, a covered or sheltered area gives a better result than an open yard in wind or dust. Please arrange clean water, power and enough space around the vehicle, and make sure the vehicle is available for the full time agreed. Site work is subject to location, project size, site conditions and scheduling.
At a glance
Vehicle preparation for wrapping is the single biggest factor in how well vinyl sticks and how long the graphics last. Road film, diesel residue, wax and loose or flaking paint all weaken adhesion, and the damage often does not show until a panel starts to lift weeks later. This guide explains what to do before your truck, bus, bakkie or van reaches us, so that installation goes smoothly.
It covers washing the vehicle before the appointment, checking the paintwork, dealing with old graphics, dents and rust, and removing fittings or parts that can be taken off. Our installers carry out their own final cleaning and surface checks, but they cannot repair a failing paint job or remove months of caked-on grime in the time allowed for fitting. Where branding is installed on site at your depot or yard, the guide also lists what to arrange, such as shelter, a level area, access and power. These notes apply to vehicle wrap preparation across South Africa, including Johannesburg, Sandton, Pretoria, Midrand, Centurion, Durban and Cape Town. Following them gives your branding the best chance of staying neat for years.
Common questions
Should I polish the vehicle before wrapping?
No. Polishes and waxes leave residues that affect adhesion. A clean, dry surface is what is needed.
What if my vehicle is very dirty?
Tell us when you request the quote. Extra cleaning may be needed and will be confirmed on the quotation.
Can you wrap over rust?
We advise against it. Rust continues to develop under vinyl and the surface will not hold the graphics reliably.