How to Apply GunWraps' Handgun Vinyl Gun Wrap Skin

How to Apply GunWraps' Handgun Vinyl Gun Wrap Skin

Step 1 - Cleaning: Before wrapping your handgun, it is vital to thoroughly inspect, prep, and clean the surface of your gun. Make sure your gun is empty before beginning the application process. Oil and grease will be present and must be removed. If not, the material will not properly stick to the surface. We recommend using a degreaser formulated for guns to remove any oil or grease from your gun's surface.

Isopropyl alcohol should be used to remove any residue left behind. It is helpful to use a small soft brush to scrub into the crevices of your handgun to ensure that your gun is clean. Wrapping your handgun with your bare hands may add natural oil or grease to your gun, so we recommend washing your hands with dish soap after cleaning your gun prior to installation.

 

Step 2 - Alignment: (If you are installing to a revolver skip this step). Now that your handgun is clean to the fullest extent, it's time to install your GunWraps' handgun wrap! As you can see from the sheet of material you received, there is a piece labeled "Slide". Slide pieces will need to be applied first to align for a seamless pattern.

There are also red tabs on the sheets labeled front (except for solid color & textured wraps). Apply the slide center to the top as best as you can, use the v notches to help center your wrap. In the next steps you will be applying all the pieces in the same direction based on the tabs labeled front. Apply facing the front barrel. Firmly press the material to allow it to stick to the surface and apply down the left and right side of the slide as well. See below.

After you have installed the wrap to the slide you will now need to trim all the excess wrap around the slide for a finished look. See below

Step 3 - Primer: (Optional step) Apply primer in problem areas that can lift in the center of the gun to help with the longevity of your wrap. See below.

Step 4 - Cut Tape: (Optional step) You can use our green cut tape to help align a straight cut when trimming or overlapping your wrap. Offset the tape so that it is positioned slightly over the center of the gun. You may trim without this cut tape if you are comfortable. Apply to the right side of the center of the gun. See below.

Step 5 - Side Alignment: Align left side with front tab facing the front of the barrel. Our wraps are designed to achieve a seamless pattern. Find the area on the slide where the pattern meets the area on the side and press the wrap down to the side of the slide. Once properly aligned, begin to install to the slide and work your way down to the bottom of the gun. See below.
(If you are installing to a revolver, wrap the whole side and half of the top and bottom of the gun)
Step 6 - Trim & Apply: Trim excess wrap to allow for more flexibility to wrap around curves. See below.
Heat will be needed to make the wrap flexible and allow it to stretch over the edges and curves of the frame of your handgun and textured areas. Firmly press on the wrap with your finger or wrap glove to conform it to the grooves and edges of your handgun. When done correctly, you will notice the material adapt to your gun.
Make sure the side of your handgun is covered. Be sure to wrap around a half inch over the center of your handgun. Do not apply to much heat or you can burn the wrap. The material will not lay perfectly until the final  trimming step is complete. Don't worry too much about its appearance for now. See below.
Step 7 - Trimming: Trim along the center of the gun, remove excess wrap and  remove the trim tape if any was applied. See below.

Step 8 - Cut Tape: (Optional step) You can use our green cut tape to help align a straight cut when trimming or overlapping the wrap. Offset the tape so that it is slightly over the center of the gun. You may trim without this cut tape if you are comfortable. Apply to the left side of the center of the gun. See below.

Repeat Steps 5 & 6
Step 9 - Trimming: Trim along the center of the gun, remove excess wrap and  remove the trim tape if any was applied. See below.
Step 10 - Final Install: Now that the wrap is applied you will need to go over the areas with heat and press firmly on all areas the wrap was applied to. You can use a squeegee to adapt wrap to the tighter areas. You can use your finger or wrap glove for all textured areas. Be careful not to burn the wrap. See below.
Step 11 - Detail Trim: Now you may trim away all areas where the wrap is not needed. See below.
Now that your handgun is wrapped (great job!), wait for the material to sit and cool. After a few hours, you may begin to use your newly wrapped gun. GunWraps handgun vinyl gun wraps will not only style your gun but protect it from the elements. 

 

— Jacob Semanco
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