Adding that Extra Something wall wrap

Houston Custom Wraps just completed a wall wrap for a media room.  The customer chose the graphic and we made their dream media room a reality.  The majority of wall graphics and wall murals that we receive requests for are from commercial customers.  But custom residential wall wraps are a going trend.  There are some amazing things one can do with a wall mural wraps.

One can use a wall wrap to create that amazing accent wall with just about any graphic they choose.  In this case the customer chose a film strip or partial wall wrap to accent their main wall where the viewing screen is to be placed.  The ambiance of the room is highlighted by the wall wrap giving the room a unique and completely custom appeal.  Contact Houston Custom Wraps for your wall graphics and wall mural installation needs.  We can make your room the talk of the town.

what is window graphics wraps?

What is that graphic in the Window?
Often here at Houston Custom Wraps we are asked, “What is that see through or 1-way vision film that goes on the windows?”
Well, the long answer is perforated window vinyl and the short answer is window pref.  The property of this window vinyl is what gives it the ability to make your storefront window graphic look amazing.  Also, this film is commonly used on vehicle wraps, car wraps, SUV wraps, van wraps and truck wraps.  It is what allows the printed graphics to show on the window, but at the same time allow you to see through the glass clearly.

The size of the each hole is, for the most part, uniform.  But what differentiates a window pref is the amount of print coverage.  For storefront window wraps, a smart and experienced company, such as Houston Custom Wraps, will recommend a 70/30 or 65/35 window pref.  This identifier simply means that film or vinyl is 70 or 65 percent vinyl while the remaining 30 or 35 percent are the holes.  When designing and printing a storefront window wrap, this is especially important because you want the window graphics to have as much impact as possible.

For vehicle graphics however, a 50/50 pattern is always used.  ‘Always’ is emphasized here because that is what is required by law for the sake of visibility.  All vehicle wraps, car wraps, truck wraps, van wraps and SUV wraps should be completed with a 50/50 perforated window vinyl. Call Us 281-463-7005 For More.

Maintaining your Vehicle Wrap

Our customers are always pleased with the vehicle wraps  Houston Custom Wraps produce for them.  We take great pride in the wraps we produce and explain to our customers how to maintain their vehicle wraps so that they last longer and stay looking good.
Here are some tips to maintaining a wrap.  These tips apply to car wraps, truck wraps, trailer wraps, SUV wraps, van wraps and even window wraps.

The Car Wash
Hundreds if not thousands of dollars have been spent on a vehicle wrap.  The first question that comes up is, “Can we take the wrapped vehicle through the car wash?”  Usually, the answer to this question is ‘yes’, but with exceptions.  The car wash that you choose should not use power scrubbers or high pressure water jets.  These can severely damage a car wrap, van wrap, SUV wrap, trailer wrap, or truck wrap.  The jets can cause water to enter to the underside of the vehicle wrap which will inevitably cause lifting of the vehicle graphics.  Hand washing your vehicle wrap is still the best solution.
Houston Custom Wraps reviews the vehicle graphics instruction bulletins for the major manufacturers of vehicle wrap vinyl.  The instructions for hand washing were generally the same from all three.

• Customers should wash their vehicle using a non-abrasive cleaner without strong solvents, washing from top down with lots of water.
• Do not use brushes—whether an automatic car wash or by hand.  Brushes will either dull the laminate or scratch the graphics.  Lifting is also a major concern.  A soft sponge or rag should be used instead while avoiding excessive scrubbing.
• Rinse with clean water and allow the vehicle to air dry or use a microfiber cloth.

Power Washing
With fleet graphics, hand washing each vehicle is not always an option.  Your fleet can include a combination of car wraps, truck wraps, van wraps, trailer wraps and box truck wraps.  Power washing can be used if you follow these recommendations.  It should be noted that over time the vehicle graphics will start to dull.

• Avoid excessive pressure.  This can cause damage to the graphics. Also, water can get underneath the graphic causing lifting and curling.
• Avoid a direct spray at sharp angles to the graphics.
• Avoid spraying directly on the seams.
• Replace the section of lifted vehicle graphics if necessary.

Here are some numbers to use when pressure washing.

• Set water pressure to a maximum 800 psi to 2000 psi
• Set water temperature to a maximum 72 to 180 degrees
• Ensure the spray nozzle has a spray pattern of 40 degrees
• Keep a minimum distance of the nozzle to the vehicle graphic of 12 to 18 inches
• Maintain a spray angle of at least 45 degrees in a sweeping pattern
• Do not use a Turbo pressure nozzle

Waxing and Polishing
Avoid waxes whose base is Carnauba.  Polishes that contain silicone or Teflon or are designed for vehicle graphics are fine.

• Carnauba-based waxes need to be buffed.  The buffing process requires rigorous pressure and can damage or dull vehicle graphics.
• Waxes can melt in the sun.  This results in a greasy residue which causes dirt to stick and can cause black streaks.
• If using a polish it should be specifically designed for use on vehicle wraps.  Contact Houston Custom Wraps about a polish designed for your car wrap, van wrap, truck wrap, trailer wrap or box truck wrap.  The polish we offer is designed to protect vehicle graphics against harsh elements and pollution.
• Regardless of the type of used; be sure it is tested in an inconspicuous place first.
• Gas spills should be washed off as soon as possible with soapy water.
• Oil, tar or asphalt that may build up on the vehicle graphics can be removed with an isopropyl alcohol wipe down followed by a cleaning with a citrus-based cleaner.

Initial Maintenance
Keep an eye on your car wrap, van wrap, truck wrap, SUV wrap, trailer wrap or box truck wrap.  This is the best time to catch small problems.  If any issues are discovered, bring the vehicle back to Houston Custom Wraps for evaluation and correction.

3M Uses Facebook to pick next color of vehicle wrap film

Over 500 Facebook fans of 3M Commercial Graphics voted in “Wrap Battle: 1080”.  The contest was held so that fans could have a chance to pick the color they wanted most.  By a large margin, fans cast their votes for Brushed Black Metallic.  This wrap vinyl is one of the highest quality vehicle wrap vinyls available.  If you are in Houston and are thinking about changing the color of your car, you can contact Houston Custom Wraps to complete your car wrap.  This vehicle wrap film offers several benefits.  One it will change the look of your car giving you an awesome look.  Second, it acts a layer of protection to your current paint coat.  Third, this film is removable for up to 3 years.  3M offers many different colors of it Scotchprint vehicle wrap vinyl.

Window Graphics to Promote and Enhance Your Business

Window graphics can be used effectively for your business. They can economically promote your products or services; simply provide a decorative element; and more, in a colorful, eye-catching way.

Much like the sign on your store, window graphics bring in business. Just as a vehicle wraps, car wraps, van wraps, or truck wraps; window graphics can be used to increase revenue by selling your products or services. A great point of purchase tool, window wraps and window graphics make the buying decision targeted and quicker for your customers.

Window wraps or window graphics can help filter bright sunlight and provide privacy to store customers. With “second surfacing,” or layering, one image can be visible on the outside of the window and another on the inside, maximizing your space.

Other forms of window graphics add another great use for environmental or space enhancement – to help achieve the elegance you desire. For example, you can achieve a dusted crystal finish – as opposed to installing glass finished in this style – much more cost-effectively. And it’s easy to change out.
Houston Custom Wraps can effectively design, create, and install your window graphics or window wrap. Let us know how we can be of service.