Gloss Color Protective Liner:

All Gloss colors come with a unique clear protective liner that should be removed before or during installation. This liner enhances the gloss finish, but may not fully eliminate 'adhesive texture' or 'orange peel' effects. Check out our video for helpful tips on how to remove the protective liner.

CheetahWrap Cast Material:

Our 3 mil cast is designed to be slightly thinner than other brands, enhancing its ability to conform to concave or protruding surfaces and giving seams a smoother, more seamless appearance. Due to these differences, it requires slight adjustments to standard installation practices. For the best results, we strongly suggest watching our video for guidance on the recommended installation techniques for CheetahWrap. Additionally, we guarantee that all rolls of CheetahWrap are free from manufacturer splices.

Pre-Installation Adhesion Test:

Before installing CheetahWrap, always perform a surface adhesion test. Certain low-energy plastics, paints, or gel-coated surfaces may not provide the ideal bonding conditions for CheetahWrap. In some cases, Pledge Revive Brand has been used by customers to enhance adhesion on these surfaces. Please ensure there is no negative impact on sensors or any safety-related equipment on the vehicle before proceeding with installation.

Pre-installation Vehicle Prep: 

Before applying CheetahWrap, it's crucial to clean the vehicle's surface thoroughly to remove any dirt or contaminants. We recommend a two-step cleaning process. First, hand wash the vehicle using soap and water (avoid automatic car washes). Then, wipe down the entire surface with Isopropyl Alcohol to ensure it is completely clean. DO NOT use ammonia-based cleaners, as they can interfere with the vinyl application and cause installation issues.

Installation on Boats & Other Watercraft: 

Do not apply CheetahWrap below the static water line on boats or other watercraft. It's also essential to pre-test all surfaces and gel coats before installation to confirm that CheetahWrap will adhere properly. In some cases, customers have used Pledge Revive Brand to enhance the bond on these specific surfaces.

Installation Temperature: 

The cast material's low initial tack helps minimize adhesive lines and speeds up the installation process. Due to this, it's essential to install in temperatures of 70°F or higher for optimal results.

Installation of Metallic Colors:

All metallic colors are directional and should be applied in the same direction to ensure consistent shading and achieve the best visual result.

Post-Heat Temperature: 

Post-heating to 180°F after applying squeegee pressure is essential to ensure a smooth, bubble-free finish. Skipping this step could result in bubbles forming in the final product. Note: Excessive heat on Satin and Matte colors may cause them to "gloss up," which is usually irreversible. We recommend using a heat gun instead of a torch when working with CheetahWrap for optimal results.

Squeegee Lines:

"Squeegee lines" may appear during installation, but usually disappear after post-heating and exposure to direct sunlight for a few days. To reduce the appearance of these lines during installation, we recommend using a wrap glove, which helps ensure a smoother finish.

Installation Temperature: 

While rare, it's important to note that all color change wrap vinyl, including CheetahWrap, can potentially cause damage to paint, chrome, or clearcoats. CheetahWrap features a very low initial tack to minimize the risk of damage, but it is still possible. Before applying any pressure-sensitive vinyl, it’s essential to ensure that the base paint, chrome, or clearcoats have a proper bond with the vehicle surface. Following correct installation and removal procedures, as outlined in our guidelines, will also help reduce the risk of damage (refer to CheetahWrap Removal video for more details). In some instances, discoloration or yellowing of base paint or clearcoats may occur upon removal, but this can often be reduced by exposing the affected area to sunlight for several days. Please be aware that CheetahWrap's Limited Warranty does not cover labor costs or damage to the vehicle, including paint. We encourage you to review our warranty information for full details.

Preventing “Sanding” (small bumps under surface): 

CheetahWrap utilizes "slidable" adhesive technology that allows for easier repositioning, but this can sometimes lead to "sanding" or adhesive roll, similar to other brands. Excessive rubbing or dragging of the adhesive over raised areas can cause the adhesive to clump, resulting in small bumps or imperfections under the surface. To avoid this, make sure to lift the vinyl away from the surface until you’re ready to apply it. Additionally, ensure that both the vehicle surface and work area are at temperatures above 70°F for optimal installation conditions. This will help prevent issues and ensure a smooth, flawless application.

Preventing Adhesive Lines: 

While CheetahWrap generally minimizes "adhesive lines" compared to other brands during installation, they can still occur. To avoid adhesive lines, it’s essential to apply the vinyl in a continuous motion wherever possible. Try not to let the vinyl sit in one spot for too long before securing it in its final position to ensure a smooth, seamless application.

Repairing Adhesive Lines: 

Most minor adhesive lines can be fixed by applying heat after installation. Alternatively, you can address them during the installation process by gently lifting the vinyl, applying heat, and then reapplying it properly for a smoother finish.

Stretching Gloss Colors:

To maintain the optimal gloss level, gloss colors should not be stretched more than 10%. Exceeding this stretch limit may result in discoloration or a reduction in gloss quality.

Discoloration Patterns:

Satin and Matte colors may occasionally display very slight discoloration patterns as a natural result of the manufacturing process. Please note that we cannot guarantee flawless consistency with Satin and Matte finishes.

Roll Shade Differences:

It is common for there to be slight shade variations from roll to roll across most color change wrap vinyl brands. For the best color consistency, we recommend using rolls from the same Batch/Lot number. We cannot guarantee color consistency between rolls with different Batch/Lot numbers. If your project requires multiple rolls, please contact us at sales.service@cheetahwrap.com, and we'll ensure your order contains rolls from the same Batch/Lot number.

Cleaning & Polishing CheetahWrap: 

For the best care of your CheetahWrap, cleaning and polishing should be done when the vinyl is cool, ideally at temperatures of 70°F or lower. Use only mild solvents or soaps for cleaning. As with most vinyl brands, we do not provide a warranty if waxes, protectants, or other similar products are applied—please refer to the manufacturer’s warranties for those products. Satin and Matte colors may require more attention to maintain their appearance compared to Gloss colors. For stubborn stains, you can use an Adhesive Remover in combination with a Magic Eraser, but this method is not recommended for Gloss colors as it may cause permanent scratching.

CheetahWrap Warranty:

The CheetahWrap Warranty offers coverage that is on par with or exceeds that of most competing brands. However, similar to other brands, our warranty does not cover additional costs such as labor or any damage to the vehicle or paint. For complete details, please refer to the warranty information.

Warranty Claims: 

To ensure we offer the most competitive prices for wrap professionals, all sales are final unless there is a warranty issue or an error on our part. If you need to file a claim, please email us at sales.service@cheetahwrap.com. For return claims, we require the "Batch" number (found on the box label or inside the roll core), photos of the defective material, and the return of the defective product. Warranty returns must be sent back via the prepaid UPS label provided within 7 days of initiating the claim. Once verified, claims will receive either replacement material or a credit to the original card used for purchase. Any order mistakes will be addressed promptly and handled on a case-by-case basis.

CheetahWrap Removal:

While many customers remove CheetahWrap after three years, it is recommended to complete the removal within two to three years for the best results. Removal should be done indoors, ensuring that both the vehicle surface and vinyl are between 70-80°F, and that the car is not too hot to the touch. The vinyl should be peeled back at a 90-degree angle while being evenly heated. It’s important not to overheat the vinyl during removal, as this can cause it to come off in small pieces or lead to the vinyl separating from the adhesive. For more guidance, watch our video on vehicle wrap removal.