SOLVING VINYL GRAPHIC ISSUES

We are very sorry if you have an issue with the vinyl graphic purchased. We realize how frustrating it can be when problems arise, which is why on our website you will find as much information as possible so informed decisions can be made both BEFORE and AFTER purchase, and especially in the area of vinyl graphic installation.

PLEASE CHOOSE AN APPROPRIATE CATEGORY

RECEIVED WRONG VINYL COLOR or VINYL IS BLUE?

ORDERED A GLOSS VINYL, and THIS LOOKS FLAT OR MATTE!

VINYL IS BLUISH TINT WITH WHITE SPOTS ON TOP!

DAMAGED VINYL WHEN PACKAGE WAS OPENED

"MY INSTALLER SAYS THERE WAS A PROBLEM"

BUBBLES or WRINKLES IN VINYL BEFORE INSTALLATION

BUBBLES or WRINKLES IN VINYL AFTER INSTALLATION

BACKING PAPER IS STICKING TO VINYL

SIZING OF "VEHICLE SPECIFIC KIT" IS WRONG

VINYL THICKNESS, or "I THINK VINYL IS TOO THIN"

VINYL QUALITY, or "I'M NOT IMPRESSED BY YOUR CHEAP VINYL"

ADHESION PROBLEMS - "VINYL IS NOT STICKING" or "VINYL IS PEELING AFTER INSTALL"

3RD PARTY INSTALLER WAS USED (BODY SHOP, TINT SHOP, ETC.) or "MY INSTALLER SAYS THERE WAS A PROBLEM"

UNDERSTANDING HOW THE VINYL IS LAYERED

SPOTTING or DARK SPOTS ON VINYL MONTHS AFTER INSTALLATION

HELP!  TRIED TO CANCEL A VINYL GRAPHIC ORDER, BUT IT SHIPPED ANYWAY!

REPLACEMENT SECTION OPTIONS, or "HELP, NEED REPLACEMENTS DUE TO INSTALLATION MISTAKES"

HEY, ARE YOU GOING TO FIX MY PROBLEM OR NOT! I'VE READ ALL THE ABOVE, and I STILL THINK THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE VINYL!

"RECEIVED WRONG VINYL COLOR!" or "VINYL HAS BLUE TINT?" or "VINYL HAS SPOTS?"

HOW TO DETERMINE VINYL COLOR RECEIVED: Please be assured that we do our best to have the correct VINYL COLOR shipped.  We have a strict Quality Control Department that uses a 9 point inspection to check the specific information of each order before shipment. Please understand that the top layer of the vinyl graphic is not the color of the vinyl, it is the pre-mask layer that is removed on install.

- 1. See the label to confirm the vinyl color you received.  Let us know the written vinyl color and code # of the vinyl color that is on the shipping container and/or packing list. The vinyl color listed is the one you received.

- 2. You may have received white, clear, or "blue" top layer pre-masking.  It is the same OEM quality pre-mask used on many factory vinyl graphic kits.  If you GENTLY peel back the top pre-mask, you will see the actual vinyl color . . .

If the vinyl color mentioned on the label matches what you ordered, but you think you received the incorrect color, or you see spots or "blemishes" on top, please understand the following points :

PLEASE READ : UNDERSTANDING TOP LAYER PRE-MASK
| WHITE, CLEAR, and BLUE |

 "WHITE" TOP PRE-MASK LAYER

Most professional vinyl graphics have a top pre-mask layer and a bottom paper layer. The vinyl is between these two layers. The bottom paper layer is removed exposing the “sticky” part of the vinyl. The top pre-mask layer remains until after installation and then removed.  Pre-masking comes on all professional vinyl graphics, and is used as a protective layer ONLY in the installation process, so as not to scratch the actual vinyl on install while squeegeeing the vinyl on to the surface of the vehicle. AFTER installation, this layer is removed, as mentioned in the installation instructions. Top pre-masking may be white, blue, or clear in appearance.

In most cases, the VINYL COLOR CANNOT BE SEEN UNTIL AFTER THE TOP PRE-MASK LAYER IS REMOVED. If you need to verify the vinyl color before installation, GENTLY peel back a small corner of the pre-mask. Or read the box label to see the vinyl color received. Please see pictures below :

"CLEAR" TOP PRE-MASK LAYER

Some vinyl graphic kits will come with a clear top layer pre-mask. You may "see" the vinyl through the clear masking, or may see "imperfections", however it is NOT a true representation of how the actual vinyl looks when installed. Gloss or shiny vinyls will look flat or matte. However you are not seeing the actual vinyl, you are seeing the vinyl through a clear pre-masking. EXAMPLE : The Gloss Black vinyl will "look" Matte Black until you remove the top pre-mask layer.

Please understand this before sending us a message saying the "wrong" vinyl color was received, or "I don't like this vinyl color". In 99.9% of cases you are not seeing the actual vinyl color ordered.

To see the true color of the vinyl graphic : Remove "Clear" Top Layer Masking
| * TOP MASKING MUST BE REMOVED AFTER INSTALLATION * |

“BLUE” TOP PRE-MASK LAYER

Many of our vinyl graphic kits may come with a darker “blue” pre-mask, making the vinyl look "dark blue", "navy blue", "purple", etc . . . 

The "blue" is the top pre-mask layer used to help installation.  This layer is removed after installation is complete. This blue top layer is the same top pre-mask used on many OEM factory vinyl graphics. The top of the kit will look blue or a different color, until removed after installation.

For example, many "red" vinyls will look "black", or "silver" vinyls will look "green", until the pre-mask is removed after installation . . .

You may see blue dots, swirls, or white “spots” throughout the top pre-mask.
| * THIS IS NOT A DEFECT IN THE VINYL! * |

If you gently peel back the top pre-mask, you will see the actual vinyl color. The top pre-mask is removed after installation. See below for examples :

BLUE PRE-MASK - A REASON TO PHYSICALLY HARM OUR STAFF? - Recently, a customer ordered a purple vinyl but was extremely upset when he was told by his "professional installer" that he "received blue" vinyl graphics. He sent a profanity laced email stating he received the wrong color, demanded a refund, and even threatened our staff with physical harm!

Below are the pictures from the return.  As you can see, he received the correct color when we peeled back the vinyl . . . 

These situations can be avoided if customers AND installers would just take the time to read the materials included with the order and the information we give on our website. We are providing this information so customers can make an informed decision before doing something "rash" . . .

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION - HOW TO IDENTIFY PRE-MASK AND VINYL MATERIALS BEFORE INSTALLATION - Please view the following video for additional information regarding vinyl graphic pre-masking and general installation tips :

DAMAGED VINYL WHEN PACKAGE WAS OPENED

AVOID DAMAGE TO VINYL WHEN REMOVING FROM PACKAGE : After opening box or tube, gently remove the vinyl from the package to avoid twisting or crunching the vinyl. In most cases the vinyl can still be smoothed out on install, however please be careful when removing from package. We pride ourselves on the great care put into packaging these vinyl kits, and any type of damage due to improper packaging is extremely rare. Please see this video for more information on how we package our kits, and how to properly remove from container :

MOPROAUTO |*DOES NOT*| SHIP VINYL GRAPHICS IN THIS CONDITION! Damage to the vinyl will occur if not properly removed from container. These examples were sent in by customers who did not carefully remove the vinyl from the package, resulting in a ruined vinyl graphic kit. See the video above on why this will happen. Please understand that these issues void all warranties :

PLEASE EXAMINE VINYL WITH INSTALLER BEFORE INSTALLATION!
| * TO CONFIRM THERE IS NO DAMAGE TO VINYL! * |

SETTLING DURING SHIPPING WILL OCCUR : When the kit is unrolled, you may see wrinkles in the top pre-mask layer. Wrinkles in the top pre-mask layer or bent corners is NOT A DEFECT nor damage in the product, and WILL NOT HINDER INSTALLATION. Vinyl is very resilient and the wrinkles will come out during installation. Please keep in mind : * Pre-mask wrinkles may be more prominent once the product is unrolled * Wrinkles will come out after the top pre-mask liner is removed, and you smooth the vinyl graphic out during installation. * Any lumps or wrinkles in the vinyl will become permanent if squeegeed too firmly and quickly during installation, so be careful! * For more information, please view the general installation instructions provided and visit www.moproauto.com.

SEE PICTURES BELOW FOR NON-DAMAGED VINYL
| * THIS VINYL WAS INSTALLED WITH NO ISSUES! * |

BUBBLES or WRINKLES IN VINYL BEFORE / AFTER INSTALLATION

BUBBLES OR WRINKLES BEFORE INSTALLATION : When the kit is unrolled, you may see wrinkles in the top pre-mask layer. Wrinkles in the top pre-mask layer or bent corners is NOT A DEFECT nor damage in the product, and WILL NOT HINDER INSTALLATION. Vinyl is very resilient and the wrinkles will come out during installation. Please keep in mind : * Pre-mask wrinkles may be more prominent once the product is unrolled * Wrinkles will come out after the top pre-mask liner is removed, and you smooth the vinyl graphic out during installation. * Any lumps or wrinkles in the vinyl will become permanent if squeegeed too firmly and quickly during installation, so be careful! * For more information, please see the above pictures.

If you feel there will be a problem, STOP INSTALLATION IMMEDIATELY and take pictures of the vinyl to show us the issue.  We require pictures BEFORE installation begins to avoid any mis-understandings about wrinkles or bubbles that can happen due to installer neglect. BEFORE INSTALLATION please email a minimum of three (3) pictures along with details of your order : CONTACT US!

BUBBLES OR WRINKLES AFTER INSTALLATION : Wrinkles, bubbles, or other defects in the vinyl after installation is the result of improper squeegeeing of the vinyl during installation. It is the responsibility of the installer to avoid bubbles and/or wrinkles by following the installation instructions closely! Information on how to avoid these situations is in the general installation instructions included with the order. These issues are a result of poor installation skills, is not a defect in the vinyl, and do not fall under any warranty.

WAS THE TOP LAYER PRE-MASKING REMOVED? Some customers see bubbles or wrinkles after installation and think there is a problem with the vinyl, but they failed to remove the top layer pre-masking.  Please see these two links for more information : 

https://www.moproauto.com/solving-vinyl-graphic-issues/#L1

https://www.moproauto.com/solving-vinyl-graphic-issues/#L7

PLEASE REMEMBER TO VIEW OUR INSTALLATION VIDEOS for tips on how to avoid bubbles, wrinkles, strectched vinyl, etc., on install at this link : https://www.moproauto.com/installation-links/

WRINKLED/BUBBLED VINYL AFTER INSTALLATION IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF INSTALLER
| * AND IS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY! * |

BACKING PAPER IS STICKING TO VINYL

AVOID GETTING THE PAPER BACKING WET! : The paper backing getting wet during installation is the only reason the vinyl will "stick" to the paper. The “wet” method of installation should be used in most installations. However, the vinyl graphic is to be removed from the paper before installing and before getting wet!

From the time of production until shipping, there is no way the graphics kit comes in contact with any type of moisture, unless the package is left in wet weather upon delivery at which time a damage claim needs to be opened with the shipping company.

Again this issue is discussed in the "Vinyl Graphics Disclaimer" and also "General Installation Instructions" that is included with the order, and can be found at this link :

https://www.moproauto.com/vinyl-graphics-disclaimer/

https://www.moproauto.com/moproauto-general-installation-instructions/

One trick that professionals use when this happens is to soak the pieces stuck to the vinyl with soapy water and try to gently scrape the paper from the vinyl, and the graphic can still be used. However we do not guarantee this will work. Avoiding moisture contact with the paper backing is your best option. Below are pictures showing what the vinyl can look like when the paper backing gets wet :

EXAMPLES OF CUSTOMER SUBMITTED PICTURES / COMPLAINTS OF PAPER STICKING TO VINYL / RESPONSIBILITY OF INSTALLER TO AVOID THESE ISSUES!
| * NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY! * |

If you feel there is still a problem, BEFORE INSTALLATION please email a minimum of three (3) pictures along with details of your order : CONTACT US!

SIZING OF "VEHICLE SPECIFIC KIT" IS WRONG

INFORMATION ABOUT "VEHICLE SPECIFIC KITS": Most of our "Vehicle Specific" kits are 2mil thick and the same quality and thickness that conforms and surpasses OEM standards. It is designed to exact OEM standards in sizing, and should be installed in the same manner as OEM kits.

Each "vehicle specific" graphics kit is designed and test fitted before going into production, and we have a strict Quality Control Department that uses a 9 point inspection to check the quality of each order before shipment. Every kit sold has been inspected for quality, pre-cut, tested for proper fitment and installed numerous times with many successful installations. Each vinyl kit goes through a rigorous quality control process before shipment, making vinyl flaws extremely rare. Please examine the vinyl yourself and with the installer for any defects, and “test fit” or “dry run” the graphic on the vehicle for proper fitment, all BEFORE INSTALLATION BEGINS!

Also keep in mind that many kits are designed NOT to go past the seams, due to the tendency of vinyl to lift when wrapped around seams. These are to be installed the same as OEM factory kits, and should be "dry" fitted before installation for proper fitment. It is solely the installers responsibility to see to the correct fitment of this product before installation begins.

CUSTOMER IS RESPONSIBLE FOR CHOOSING THE CORRECT OPTIONS INCLUDING MAKE/MODEL/YEAR AT CHECKOUT : Great care and effort is put into the measuring of our “vehicle specific” kits. Each kit is designed, test fitted, and installed on factory vehicles before offered for sale to the public. Please “dry fit” the graphic before installation to make sure of proper fitment, because in most cases fitment is exact for the make/model/year purchased.

Please understand that MoProAuto is not responsible if incorrect options are chosen at checkout.

If you feel there is still a problem, BEFORE INSTALLATION please email a minimum of three (3) pictures along with details of your order : CONTACT US!

VINYL THICKNESS and QUALITY, or "I THINK VINYL IS TOO THIN", or "Is this CAST or CALENDARED film?"

INFORMATION ABOUT "VINYL THICKNESS"
Today many professional 3M, Avery, and Ritrama vinyls are all 2 mil thick, and the most popular is 3M Scotchcal Automotive Performance Grade Cast Vinyl. The cast vinyl is 2 mil thick and is the same quality and thickness that conforms to OEM standards. "Thicker" calendared vinyl films attracts dirt and wax around the edges of the vinyl, and will lessen the life of vinyl graphics on your vehicle. The cast 2 mil thickness is best at conforming to the complex curves of many vehicles, best at avoiding dirt build up on edges, and best at preventing premature peeling. Professionals recommend this cast vinyl thickness for modern automotive applications.

WHAT DOES PHONE THICKNESS HAVE TO DO WITH VINYL GRAPHICS?
Remember when mobile phones used to be "bricks"? Technology has come a long way with our mobile phones, and it is very rare to see someone using the old 1980's phone technology in todays world. You don't hear many people today complaining that "my phone is too thin!" Much is the same with today's vinyl graphic technology.

Here are the benefits of using today's modern 2 mil cast vinyl thickness:
* 2 mil thick vinyl is the same quality and thickness that conforms to OEM standards.
* "Thicker" vinyl attracts dirt and wax buildup around the edges of the vinyl, and will lessen the life of vinyl graphics on your vehicle.
* The 2 mil thickness is best at conforming to the complex curves of many vehicles.
* The 2 mil thickness is best at avoiding dirt build up on edges, and best at preventing premature peeling.

One long time professional installer wrote us about the thickness of the vinyl we use saying :
"VERY AWESOME job you guys do on your cast vinyl kits. I just need to comment on the thickness of the vinyl . . it is an absolute JOY to work with! I've tried other vinyl brands, some 3 mil to 5 mil thick, and they are a BEAST to work with and smooth out correctly! Ever tried to install a thick vinyl graphic on the hood of a 2013 Camaro? It's next to IMPOSSIBLE! The 2 mil thickness of the vinyl you guys use is spot on, and made the Camaro racing stripe install go without a hitch. I just followed the installation instructions exactly and had no problems. Keep up the good work guys!"

Professionals recommend 2 mil vinyl thickness for modern automotive applications.

If for some reason you still feel there is a problem with the thickness of the vinyl you received, BEFORE INSTALLATION please email a minimum of three (3) pictures along with details of your order : CONTACT US!

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON VINYL THICKNESS, DURABILITY, QUALITY, and CAST VS. CALENDARED FILMS

Durability - How Long does Vinyl Last?

Although CAST film is thinner (usually 2-mil), it is more durable and more heat-resistant than CALENDERED vinyl. The casting process creates a thin film without adding stress to the mixture, while the extrusion process stresses the calendered film mixture. After it passes through the rollers, calendered film has a material "memory" which promotes shrinkage at hot temperatures. On the other hand, thick calendared film resists abrasion better than cast film. According to Blueprint Concepts, cast vinyl surfaces last seven to 10 years, while calendered surfaces last up to five years.

Benefits of Cast Vinyl over Calendered Vinyl.
Thin, durable cast vinyl film can conform to curved or irregularly shaped surfaces and withstands outdoor temperature changes. Cast vinyl covers automobiles or other products that require a flexible, long-lasting surface. According to Sign Industry, cast vinyl matches and retains color better than calendered vinyl. Calendered vinyl is less expensive than cast vinyl because its production process is faster and it is easier to handle than cast vinyl because it is thicker. Due to its poor heat tolerance and high shrinkage rate, calendered vinyl is suitable for indoor signs, stickers, floors and other products that require frequent resurfacing.

Thickness - How thick are vinyl films?

Cast vinyl film is thinner (2-mil) than calendered vinyl film (3.5-mil - 10-mil). A casting sheet can hold the quantity of organosol needed to produce a film that is only 2-mil thick. Calendered vinyl is usually between 3-mil and 10-mil thick because the rollers cannot press the dense mixture into a thinner sheet. Cast vinyl is sometimes called 2-mil vinyl and calendered vinyl is also known as 4-mil vinyl.

If a customer complains that "the vinyl is too thin and cheap", we take exception to those comments because in order to get a thin vinyl film, it has to be a high quality "CAST" material! Something being "thinner" and having a better quality may seem like a contradiction, but we are sure the thin iPhone is much better than the old 1980's brick mobile phones!

If you still don't believe us, please continue reading for a more in depth explanation of the vinyl manufacturing process.

Ingredients & Manufacturing

How is Vinyl made?
Let's begin with a few of the basics on vinyl films. Most vinyl films are made from the same basic raw materials. We begin with polyvinylchloride (PVC) polymer, which is simply basic plastic, and is, by nature, relatively rigid. Other ingredients are then added to the PVC. These ingredients include: plasticizer to make the film flexible, pigment to make the desired color, and additives to help achieve specific properties such as UV absorbers to improve resistance to UV radiation, heat stabilizers, fillers and processing aids. These raw materials can be chosen from a wide range of quality levels. Of course, for a film with limited durability, often the least expensive raw materials are chosen.

Apart from the type of raw materials that are used at manufacturing, the manufacturing process and the type of plasticizer used create the main differences of vinyl films. Vinyl films can either be made by calendaring or by casting. Each of these processes renders different qualities of films. Casting generally results in higher quality films. The grade of plasticizer that is used to make the film flexible also greatly affects the properties of the film. Generally for pressure-sensitive adhesive films a choice is made between polymeric and monomeric plasticizers. We won't go into detail on the plasticizers in this article, but for simplicity's sake consider polymeric to be the higher grade and monomeric to be the economy grade plasticizer. The combination of these factors greatly determines the durability of vinyl films.

Cast Films
The term "cast" refers to the manufacturing process of this type of vinyl. Making a cast vinyl film is a lot like baking a cake. The vinyl begins with a "recipe" calling for a list of ingredients known as the formulation. These materials are added to a "bowl" or mixing churn in a predetermined order while mixing at specific speed and for a set amount of time to ensure a complete and consistent mixture. This liquid mixture, known as organosol, is then precisely metered or cast onto a moving web known as the casting sheet and is then processed through a series of ovens which allows for the evaporation of solvents. When the solvents are evaporated, a solid "film" is left behind. The film is then wound up in large-diameter rolls for subsequent adhesive coating. The casting sheet determines the texture of the film. Because the vinyl is cast on the casting sheet in a relaxed state, this material offers very good dimensional stability. This process also allows the film to be very thin (most cast films are 2 mil), which helps with the conformability of the product. Material manufacturers recommend the use of cast films on substrates such as fleets, vehicles, recreational vehicles or boats where the customer wants a "paint-like" finish that will last a long time, usually five to 12 years depending on how the film is processed.

Advantages of cast films:

- Shrinkage is the lowest of all vinyl films because the "casting sheet," not the film itself, is pulled through the machine. Since the film has not had any stress applied during the manufacturing process it does not try to resume or shrink back to its original form.
- Durability of cast films is generally higher than that of other vinyl films due to the manufacturing method and the raw materials used.
- Cast films can be made very thin which produces a conformable product that allows application over substrates with rivets, corrugations, and complex curves. Also, once applied, this low caliper makes the graphic less vulnerable to abrasive forces.
- Cast films also maintain their color and other properties better than other vinyl films. This results in better performance of pigments and UV absorbers.
- The manufacturing process of cast films makes it easy to run small productions of special colors to match. It is relatively easy to change color during production making color matching in small batches possible.

Calendered Films
Like cast, calendered film also gets its name from the manufacturing process. The production of calendered film is similar to mixing and rolling out a pie dough. It is formulated with similar raw materials as cast. These 'ingredients' are mixed and later 'kneaded' in the extruder. Instead of grandma's rolling pin, gigantic heated, steel rollers form the vinyl into a thin sheet. This process is called 'calendering'. The first step is 'paste mixing' and 'extrusion': here all raw materials (e.g. PVC powder, liquid softener, colors) are mixed together based on the formulation. Improved formulations and the use of new pigments lead to increased color options for calendered film. In the extrusion process the prepared fine powder mix ('dry blend') will fuse together into a homogenous mass, called the melt. The next step - the mill - consists of two counter rotating rolls, which can be heated up to 350 °F. The melt is continuously pulled into the gap and flattens out due to the pressure and temperature that is applied by the mill rolls. When the strip reaches the calender rolls, it passes between multiple gaps which increase the temperature and uniformity. After each gap the film becomes thinner and wider according to the specifications. The film is still heated when it reaches the embossing station where different pattern and gloss levels are applied to the film. Each surface structure requires a different embossing roll - e.g. to produce a high gloss film a different embossing roll is required but also a special setting of the whole calender line. Now that the film has received its final dimensions and surface it needs to be cooled down and transported to the last process stage of winding.

Disadvantages of calendered films:

- Calendered films are usually thicker 3-mil upwards
- Conformability is less, and shrinkage is higher.
- Durability for calendered films is less (1-5 years)

 MOPROAUTO DOES NOT USE THICK CALENDARED VINYL FILMS!

MOPROAUTO ONLY USES PROFESSIONAL GRADE 
| * CAST VINYL FILMS * |

ADHESION PROBLEMS - "VINYL IS NOT STICKING" or "VINYL PEELING"

WHY IS THE VINYL NOT STICKING? This is a common question that is easily prevented. All “vinyl not sticking” problems are because the vehicle was not properly cleaned and prepped. The installation instructions mention using Naphtha Cleaner or isopropyl alcohol to remove all dirt, grease, silicone, wax, etc. from the surface before installation. If you clean it once or twice and think that's "good enough", then that is not the case.

Your finger must be able to "drag" across the surface of the paint. If it "slides", then wax or silicone still remain and there is no way the vinyl will stick long term. The surface must be completely cleaned and prepped for proper adhesion. Please read the installation instructions for details.

Also, if weeks or months go by and then the vinyl starts to peel, it is the same issue. Proper prepping is essential for the long-term life of the vinyl!

ADHESION PROBLEMS ARE THE RESULT OF POOR PREPPING BEFORE INSTALLATION
| * AND IS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY! * |

WAS THE PRE-MASK PROPERLY REMOVED? Recently a customer contacted us saying his vinyl graphic was "defective" and the "protective film over the matte finish began to warp and peel off", and "there looks to be tiny bubbles forming in the vinyl after installation."

The issue was the result of the installer not removing the top pre-mask layer. Pre-masking comes on all professional vinyl graphics, and is used as a protective layer ONLY in the installation process, so as not to scratch the actual vinyl on install while squeegeeing the vinyl on to the surface of the vehicle. AFTER installation, this layer is removed, as mentioned in the installation instructions. Pre-masking can be white, blue, or clear based on the size and style of the vinyl graphic.

This particular kit (from the pictures this customer sent as shown below) is masked in a clear layer. If not removed, the masking will start to peel or bubble on it's own, usually within 24 hours of installation. All that needs to be done at this point is gently peel the masking from the vinyl, which will also show the true matte black finish of the actual vinyl graphic. Please see these links for details on how to identify pre-masking.

https://www.moproauto.com/solving-vinyl-graphic-issues/#L1
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SEnUo96u9Ps#t

3RD PARTY INSTALLER WAS USED (BODY SHOP, TINT SHOP, ETC.) or "MY INSTALLER SAYS THERE WAS A PROBLEM"

| * IMPORTANT * | EXAMINE VINYL FOR “DAMAGE” BEFORE INSTALLATION BEGINS! These vinyl graphics are carefully produced and packaged, and our Pre-Shipment Inspection catches any flaws in the vinyl before the package is shipped. It is EXTREMELY RARE for the vinyl to have defects, flaws, or damage prior to opening and unrolling the kit for installation. If using a 3rd party installer, please OPEN THE PACKAGE WITH THE INSTALLER and examine the vinyl graphic prior to installation to CONFIRM THERE IS NO DAMAGE NOR MISSING PIECES OR SECTIONS of the vinyl graphic kit, so no misunderstandings occur after installation. Once installation begins, at that point the installer is responsible to properly install the vinyl graphic on your vehicle and to avoid any issues which include but are not limited to : bubbles, wrinkles, stretched or torn vinyl, adhesion problems, sizing problems, etc.

This is very important, because it has been our experience that some installers will not take responsibility for their mistakes. Many are quick to "blame" the vinyl, especially if their installation skills are lacking and they do not want to pay for the replacement of a vinyl graphic. We also attribute "missing" pieces of our kits to installers that mess up certain sections during an install.  While this is not an industry wide problem, it happens enough that we need to mention it to our customers, and is the reason why it is best to examine the vinyl with the installer to avoid any "misunderstandings".

WHEN INSTALLER SAYS, "YOU RECEIVED WRONG COLOR, or VINYL HAS SPOTS AND IS DEFECTIVE - This can be a good indication that the installer is not familiar with how top layer pre-masking looks, and is not aware of how modern vinyl graphics are manufactured or installed.  Please see this link for more information :
https://www.moproauto.com/solving-vinyl-graphic-issues/#A1

| * IMPORTANT * | AVOID BODY SHOPS AND TINT SHOPS FOR INSTALLATION! Please be advised that BODY SHOPS AND/OR TINT SHOPS SHOULD NOT be used for vinyl graphics installation! Using these establishments to install will void any warranty with the vinyl graphic kits, and we cannot be held accountable for any issues that may arise during installation due to installer neglect. Please find a 3M certified installer in your area to receive a professional installation.

We would also recommend avoiding auto dealerships for installation, because in many cases they will sub the work out to their body shop or local tint shop. While we respect the work of these businesses, in many cases they are not qualified for professional vinyl graphics installation unless they hire trained, qualified 3M Professional Installers with experience installing modern vinyl applications.

Check this link for 3M Preferred Graphics Installer in your area :
http://solutions.3m.com/wps/portal/3M/en_US/Graphics/3Mgraphics/ToolsAndSupport/Installers/Preferred/

If you feel there is still a problem that we can solve after using one of these establishments, and you examined the vinyl BEFORE INSTALLATION and found NO DAMAGE, yet the installer says there is a legitimate problem with the installation which is the fault of the vinyl, then please email a minimum of three (3) pictures along with details of your order : CONTACT US!

SPOTTING or DARK SPOTS ON VINYL MONTHS AFTER INSTALLATION

INFORMATION ON ENVIROMENTAL CONDITIONS: These pictures show the results of “acid rain” and the effects petroleum based products (such as certain waxes) have on vinyl graphics.

Practical Information: Dealing with "Acid Fallout" and use of "Petroleum" Based Cleaners and Waxes : Some number of automotive vinyl graphic customers located in various industrialized areas have experienced a dull rust-colored surface condition sometimes known as “acid fallout”. This has occurred to OEM paint finishes, however vinyl wrapped vehicles are more susceptible and is a common issue with vinyl. The likely cause is an environmental problem associated with fossil fuel burning facilities in various locations in the USA…a condition that is especially problematic in low-lying valleys and other areas where the pollutants often become concentrated in stagnant air. These pollutants, most likely sulfur dioxide, bond with water vapor, forming an acidic molecule. When the dew point is reached in the area, dew is deposited on the vehicle surfaces. What was acidic vapor is now acidic dew. The acidic dew etches the surface of the PVC vinyl film if the dew is left on the vehicle for prolonged periods of time. Because it is dew, and not actually rain, the acid is fairly concentrated and begins to etch into the surface of the laminate. Once the dew has evaporated from the vehicle, the dew leaves deposits of dust, minerals etc. from the water vapor in the etched surface of the vinyl, thus causing a rust or dulled spotted colored appearance depending on the color of the vinyl. The acid continues to erode the laminate creating a pock-marked surface which further exacerbates the problem by increasing the surface area for the acid to collect and erode and increases the dust and mineral deposits.

Vinyl Care Suggestions :
•It is important to clean the vinyl graphics on a daily basis, especially horizontal applications.
•Rinse the vehicle every morning to minimize deposits.
•Wash the vehicle at least once a week with a very mild soap. A 3M CARE GUIDE is provided here : https://www.moproauto.com/content/3MCARE.pdf
•Use a Teflon type polish designed for vehicle wraps to help protect the surface and gloss. Follow manufacturer’s directions and application frequencies.
•Avoid waxes with a petroleum base, which will worsen the problem.
•These are only suggestions and may or may not prevent vinyl damage due to the ‘fallout” phenomenon. MoProAuto attributes “fallout” damage to environmental conditions which are not related to the manufacturing process, print production, lamination or installation. We therefore do not classify this as a product defect for warranty purposes.

Horizontal applications of vinyl do not carry a warranty, as stated at this link :
https://www.moproauto.com/terms-of-service

* Because of the extreme conditions (sun exposure, harsh weather conditions, acid rain fallout, tree sap, bird dropping, etc.) encountered for horizontal (hood, roof, trunk, etc.) vinyl applications, any type of horizontal applications (racing stripes, hood stripes, etc.) are not covered under any type of warranty, unless otherwise specified in each individual listing. Please contact us before purchasing with any questions regarding the warranty on any one item.

Time values given by the manufacturer of the vinyl we use (3M, Avery, Oracle, Ritrama) are an estimate only. Under “ideal” circumstances, vinyl will last upwards of 8 years or longer on a vehicle (such as a show car that is not a daily driver and not exposed to the elements). Because of the above environmental considerations, these vinyl manufacturers do not warranty any type of horizontal application.

 HELP!  TRIED TO CANCEL ORDER, IT SHIPPED ANYWAY!

PRODUCTION PROCEDURES TO ENSURE FAST SHIPMENT :  Our customers LOVE to receive the item purchased as quickly as possible.  That is why in most cases orders we receive go straight to our Production Department, and depending on the time of day go straight into production.  These orders quickly get cut, rolled, and packaged for shipping, many within just a few hours.  If we receive a cancellation request before an item goes into production, we do our best to stop the order from shipping.  However, some orders ship extremely fast and we are not able to accomodate cancellation requests if the order has gone into production, has been staged for shipping, and/or has already shipped.  At that point a "Return Request" will need to be processed through the link provided on our website.  

So please understand that not all order cancellation request can be granted, and at times the order will still ship.  Please make sure you actually want to receive these vinyl graphics, because many are custom made on order and not just items sitting on a shelve in an inventory.  CONTACT US!