Digital Printing
Avoiding common pitfalls in vehicle wrap printing: Expert advice from
Grafical’s Jarno Provost Jarno Provost, founder of Grafical, a leading motorsport branding agency based in Belgium
I
n the world of motorsport branding, where every detail counts and deadlines are always tight, the diff erence between a fl awless wrap and a failed installation often comes down to what happens before the vinyl even touches the vehicle. As the founder of Grafi cal, I have spent the last 15 years building a business that thrives on precision, speed and standout design. I have learned fi rsthand how vital it is to get the print process right from the start.
One of the most common mistakes in vehicle wrapping happens during the print phase, specifi cally, with solvent-based prints. Many installers underestimate the importance of degassing. It is not just about waiting until the print feels dry to the touch. Solvent inks need time to fully evaporate or they will leave residual chemicals trapped beneath the laminate. The result? Poor adhesion, excessive tackiness during installation, air bubbles that will not budge and wraps that begin to fail prematurely, especially in deep recesses.
To avoid this, I always advise allowing at least 24 hours for degassing before lamination. It is also important to store prints loosely wound, not
14 April 2025
tightly rolled, to let the solvents escape. A tightly wound roll might look tidy, but it can trap vapours and sabotage your fi nal result.
Of course, technology plays a big role in how
effi ciently you can work. At Grafi cal, we have invested in printers that match the speed of our industry without compromising on quality. Our current setup includes the Roland DG TrueVIS VG2 and the AP-640, both of which serve diff erent but equally vital purposes.
The VG2, equipped with orange ink, gives us unparalleled colour matching, essential when we are working with brand-heavy clients in motorsport who demand precision in their visuals. It also combines printing and cutting in one machine, which is perfect for decals and short- term graphics that do not need lamination. When time is tight, and it usually is, we turn to the TrueVIS AP-640. This resin printer is a game-changer for wraps. It uses water-based ink, which means prints are dry instantly and ready for immediate lamination. No degassing is needed. For a business like ours, where we might be producing hundreds of stickers or a full fleet wrap under tight deadlines, this speed
is a huge competitive advantage. Selecting the right printer really depends on your business goals. Larger operations often need speed and colour accuracy, while smaller shops might prioritise versatility. For us, sustainability is another key factor, especially as the industry leans toward eco-conscious materials. The AP-640’s low VOC emissions and compatibility with non-PVC media help us stay ahead of those trends while still delivering vibrant, durable graphics. If I had to sum it up, my best advice for anyone in digital print and wrap production is this: don’t rush the process. Understand your materials, optimise your environment and invest in equipment that fi ts your workfl ow; not just what is popular. The right setup will save you time, reduce waste and, most importantly, keep your wraps looking fl awless from start to fi nish. Whether you are wrapping a single race bike or branding an entire fl eet, getting the print process right is what makes the diff erence between a wrap that turns heads and one that turns into a problem.
Discover Roland DG’s full range of digital printing solutions at
rolanddg.eu.
www.convertermag.com
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