Installing vinyl on a variety of surfaces has become considerably sophisticated over the years. While it is possible to do just about anything with a squeegee and a propane torch, specialty tools and techniques have been developed that drastically cut down the time needed to accomplish the task. Both the RollePro and the TSA-4 are indispensible for their intended applications when time savings are considered. With more and more vinyl installation experts coming on the scene, it is unlikely a shop will be competitive without the necessary training and tools.
I started wrapping vehicles and walls in the mid '90s using "Busmark" printed calendered vinyl. I was elated when air egress and ControlTac technologies became available, and vehicle wrapping became an even larger part of our business. I take some pride in that we were pioneers in vinyl wrapping, and developed quite a reputation.
A funny thing happened on the way to the forum, however. As printing became cheaper and cheaper, installers started crawing out of the woods, and before long competing shops had set up that were able to do this work for far less cost than we could. Truck trailer companies began developing custom bays and application equipment that expanded access (less ladders and scaffolds), specialized equipment began to appear that revolutionized application, but most importantly certain people got really damn good at this; much, much better and faster than I ever dreamed possible.
At this stage of the game, I realize I simply cannot compete with these nimble, talented installers. If you ever watch a wrap competition, these guys are not only installation wizards, but world class athletes. There's no sense for me even trying, so I source out my wrap work. I still do the designs, but the actual installation is best handled by this emerging talent pool.
