Vehicle Wrap: What Is Post Heating And Why Is It Important

What is post heating?
Post heating is one of the final steps in vehicle wraps and graphics installations. It requires heating the vinyl on the vehicle to a specified temperature to lock in the shape and adhesion of the vinyl to the vehicle’s complex shaped surfaces. This is a very important step you will want to confirm with a vehicle graphics company.

Once the vinyl graphics have been applied to the entire vehicle there are particular areas that require post heating. These areas include indentations or recessed areas, compound curves, vinyl edges and overlaps.

Why is post heating important?
In its most simple terms, post heating “locks in” the shape of the vinyl on your vehicle. Post heating is just as important as using the best material. Without this step you are not realizing all the beneficial properties your premium vinyls have to offer.  

Post heating ensures a durable install and saves you time and money by avoiding the need to fix or reprint failed vinyl. The adhesive used on premium vehicle wrap vinyls typically takes 24 hours after installation to set.  

Once the vinyl is in place the vehicle will likely go through a range of temperatures and it moves from inside to outside or day to night.

These temperature changes cause the vinyl to expand and contract in a way that is not perceptible to the eye, but creates tension on the adhesive between the vehicle surface and back of the vinyl surface.

Heating the vinyl, once in place, to a specified temperature accelerates this “Setting” process and relieves the vinyl from tension caused by future temperature changes.

How do I know if a company is post heating my vinyl wraps and graphics?
This is a little bit tricky because it is not possible to see whether or not your graphics have been post heated.

We recommend the following:

1. Ask about post heating practices and policies before you choose your vehicle wrap company.
2. Look for certified vehicle wrap installers. They have been trained by the vinyl manufacturers in the best practices for vehicle wrap installation. This is important as the majority of wrap installers are self taught. Because this step creates no visual changes, it is a step often skipped by self taught installers.
3. Work with a vehicle wrap company you trust. If you have your doubts, listen to your instincts. The lowest price players may skip post heating to cut time and costs out of their process.  

Get the straight facts on vehicle wrapping, contact RolArt at 972-590-6590 or email us at support@rolart.net.