Product Installation Information

Product Installation Information

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• CheetahWrap Cast Material: Our 3-mil cast is slightly thinner than other brands to improve conformability on concave or protruding surfaces and to improve the appearance when making seams. Because it is different, it requires some modification of typical installation methods. We highly recommend to watch our video for information on the recommended installation methods and techniques for CheetahWrap. We guarantee zero manufacturer splices in all rolls of CheetahWrap.

 

• Gloss Color Protective Liner: All Gloss colors have a special clear protective liner sheet that must be removed prior to or during installation. This protective liner helps to improve the overall gloss level. However, it does not completely eliminate "adhesive texture" or "orange peel" effects. Watch our video to learn techniques for removing the protective liner.

 

• Pre-Installation Adhesion Test: Always pre-test surfaces for adherence prior to installing CheetahWrap. Certain low energy plastics, paints or gel-coated surfaces may not allow CheetahWrap to have an acceptable bond. Some customers have used Pledge Revive Brand to improve the bond on these types of surfaces. Do not install if there is any adverse or negative impact on sensors and other safety-related equipment on the intended vehicle.

 

• Pre-installation Vehicle Prep: Before installing CheetahWrap thoroughly clean the surface of the vehicle to insure there is no dirt or surface contamination on any area which is to receive vinyl. We recommend doing this in two steps. First, hand wash with soap and water ONLY (no automatic car washes). Second, thoroughly wipe the entire vehicle surface with Isopropyl Alcohol. DO NOT use ammonia-based cleaners on the surface to receive vinyl as they could cause the installation to fail.

 

• Installation on Boats/Watercraft: Do not install CheetahWrap below the static water line on boats and other watercraft. In addition, it is critical to pre-test all surfaces and gel coats prior to installation to ensure CheetahWrap has an acceptable bond. Some customers have used Pledge Revive Brand to improve the bond on these types of surfaces.

 

• Installation Temperature: The low initial tack of the cast material can help reduce adhesive lines and improve installation speed. Because of the low initial tack, it is important to install in 70°F or warmer temperatures.

 

• Installation of Metallic, Pearl & Aluminum Colors: All Metallic, Pearl, and Aluminum colors are directional. They should be installed in the same direction to prevent shade differences for an optimal appearance.

 

• Post Heat Temperature: It is critical to post heat to 180°F after squeegee pressure. Failure to post heat after installation could result in bubbles appearing in the final product. NOTE: Satin and Matte colors can “gloss up” with too much heat during installation. This is usually not repairable. We suggest using a heat gun over a torch on CheetahWrap.

 

• Post Wrap Bonding: It is also important to allow the wrapped vehicle to build a bond for at least 48 hours prior to being exposed to temperatures below 70°F. We highly recommend to watch our video for post heating recommendations.

 

• Squeegee Lines: During installation "squeegee lines" can appear in the finish but will typically “wet out” after post heat and exposure to direct sunlight for a few days. Using a wrap glove during installation will minimize squeegee lines.

 

• Potential Paint/Chrome Damage: Even though it is rare, all color change wrap vinyl can damage paint/chrome or clearcoats. CheetahWrap has a very low initial tac which helps to prevent damage, but it is still possible. It is important to make sure that all base paint/chrome/clearcoats have an acceptable bond to the vehicle surface prior to installing any brand of pressure sensitive vinyl, including CheetahWrap. It is also critical to follow proper removal instructions to reduce the possibility of damage (see CheetahWrap Removal). In some rare cases, discoloration or yellowing can occur to base paint or clearcoats upon removal. This can usually be eliminated or reduced by exposing the discolored surface outdoors, in the sun, for several days. CheetahWrap’s Limited Warranty does not provide protection or reimbursement for additional costs including labor or damage to the vehicle, including paint. Please review warranty information.

 

• Preventing “Sanding” (small bumps under surface): Because CheetahWrap has “slidable” adhesive technology which allows for easier positioning, sanding or adhesive roll can occur. Like other brands, this adhesive can “roll” with too much rubbing or dragging over high points. Therefore, your installation technique may need to change to prevent “sanding” (small bumps under the surface), caused by rubbing the adhesive side too much over high points. It can be prevented by making sure to lift the vinyl away from the surface until ready to apply. It is also important to ensure both the vehicle surface and work area temperatures are above 70°F.

 

• Preventing Adhesive Lines: Even though CheetahWrap tends to have less “adhesive lines” than other brands during installation, they are still possible. To prevent adhesive lines, it is important to wrap in a continuous motion as much as possible. Therefore, the vinyl should not be allowed to “sit” very long in one place prior to its final position. 

 

• Repairing Adhesive Lines: Most minor adhesive lines can be repaired with heat after installation or repaired during installation by lifting the vinyl back up, heating and re-installing correctly.

 

• Stretching Gloss Colors: Gloss colors should not be stretched more than 10% to retain the highest level of gloss. Discoloration can occur if stretched more than 10%.

 

• Discoloration Patterns: Satin and Matte colors can sometimes have very slight discoloration patterns which are part of the manufacturing process. We are unable to guarantee perfect consistency with Satin and Matte colors.

 

• Roll Shade Differences: All colors can have very slight shade differences from roll to roll, which is common with most color change wrap vinyl brands. We highly recommend using rolls with the same Batch/Lot number for each roll for optimal color consistency. We are unable to guarantee consistency of multiple rolls with different “Batch/Lot” numbers. Note: If your project requires several rolls email us at: sales.service@cheetahwrap.com and we would be happy to make sure your order contains the same Batch/Lot number.

 

• Cleaning & Polishing CheetahWrap: Cleaning and polishing CheetahWrap is recommended only while the vinyl is cool, preferably 70°F or lower. Only mild solvents or soaps should be used when cleaning. Like most all other vinyl brands, we do not warranty CheetahWrap if waxes, protectants, or other products are applied, however, please refer to those manufacturer warranties. Satin and Matte colors can be more difficult to keep clean than Gloss colors. Stubborn stains can be removed with Adhesive Remover combined with Magic Eraser; however, this is not recommended with Gloss colors because permanent scratching can occur.

 

• CheetahWrap Warranty: The CheetahWrap warranty is equal to or better than most competitive brands. Like other brands, our warranty provides no protection or reimbursement for additional costs including labor or vehicle/paint damage. Please review the warranty information.
• Warranty Claims: To offer the lowest possible prices to wrap professionals, all sales are final unless there is a warranty issue, or a mistake has been made on our part. To file a claim, email us at sales.service@cheetahwrap.com. For all return claims, we require the "Batch" number that can be found on the box label (or inside the roll core), photos of the defective material sent via email, and the return of the defective materials. Warranty returns must be returned via the prepaid UPS labeled email to you within 7 days of the initiated claim process date. All verified claims will receive replacement material or credit on the original card used to purchase the returned product. Order mistakes will be handled promptly on a case-by-case basis.

 

• CheetahWrap Removal: Even though many customers remove CheetahWrap after three years, ideal removal should be done within two to three years after installation using heat. CheetahWrap should be removed indoors, making sure both the vehicle surface and vinyl surface are approximately 70-80 degrees initially and the car should not be hot to the touch. The vinyl should be pulled back at a 90-degree angle while being warmed evenly. It is critical not to overheat during removal. Overheating can cause the vinyl to remove in smaller pieces and/or cause the vinyl to separate from the adhesive. Watch our video for information on removing a vehicle wrap.