Skin
Application.
Vinyl wrap application protocol for all GRAFT surface skin kits. Temperature-critical process — read the environment check before opening packaging.
Vinyl skin panels are precision CNC-cut to the exact geometry of your platform. Each kit ships with numbered, sequenced panels and a layout reference sheet. Incorrect surface prep or application temperature will result in adhesive failure, edge lifting, and premature delamination. Follow this protocol in full for a guaranteed 2–3 year service life.
Environment Check
Confirm ambient temperature is between 15°C and 35°C. Below 15°C, the adhesive becomes brittle and will fail to bond permanently. Above 35°C, the vinyl becomes unmanageably elastic. Do not apply in direct sunlight — UV heat will accelerate the adhesive set time, eliminating repositioning window.
Surface Decontamination
Wipe all target surfaces with IPA 99% on a clean lint-free cloth using long, directional strokes. Do not scrub in circles — this redistributes contamination. Allow 60 seconds full evaporation. Repeat once. Any oil, fingerprint, or dust particle under the vinyl will create a permanent air bubble.
Dry Layout
Before peeling any panel, lay all pieces flat against their target surfaces using the reference sheet. Confirm orientation — panels are asymmetric. Left-side and right-side panels are not interchangeable. Note the positioning of each panel before touching the backing.
Peel, Position & Tack
Peel the backing from one panel. Position the panel edge to its reference alignment point and lightly tack the top 20mm. Do not fully commit the adhesive yet. Confirm the panel is correctly positioned and sitting flat. If misaligned, lift slowly from the untacked section and reposition — do not stretch.
Squeegee Application
Working from the centre outward, press the felt squeegee firmly and slowly across the panel surface in overlapping strokes. Apply consistent pressure. Work toward the edges — never toward the centre from the edges, which traps air. For recessed or curved surfaces, use short strokes and overlap.
Edge Heat Activation
Apply low heat (40–60°C) from the heat gun to all panel edges and any compound curves. Heat activates the adhesive and allows the vinyl to conform to surface geometry without lifting. Hold the heat gun 10–15cm from the surface and move continuously. Use the squeegee immediately after heating while the vinyl is pliable.
WARNING // TEMPERATURE CRITICAL
Never apply vinyl below 15°C. Adhesive failure at low temperature is permanent and cannot be recovered. Allow cold-stored kits to reach room temperature (minimum 2 hours) before opening packaging.
Apply low heat (50°C) to one panel edge for 30 seconds to soften the adhesive. Lift the edge slowly at a shallow angle (less than 30°) and peel back continuously while applying heat to the peel front. Do not pull upward at 90° — this risks surface marking. The clean-removal adhesive will leave zero residue on the host frame under correct removal procedure.
