42 www.signlink.co.uk Issue 249 - October / November 2023 explains, adding: “To protect your bodywork from scratches and other potential damage and preserve the beauty of your vehicle, it is important to be familiar with best practice and suitable solutions.” The stand-out product from Hexis in this area is Bodyfence, a collection of self-adhesive films for the protection of a car’s bodywork. These films are specially designed to adhere to the vehicle’s bodywork without causing damage to the paintwork during application or removal. One of the key characteristics of Bodyfence films is their ability to absorb impact and resist scratches, which Hexis says offers effective protection against potential everyday damage. “All our Bodyfence self-adhesive films act like a protective barrier,” Hexis says, adding: “This prevents paint from being chipped or damaged. In addition to their protective function against scratches and impacts, Bodyfence films also feature self-healing properties. This means that minor scratches that may form over time as a result of exposure to the elements can heal by themselves thanks to the film’s ability to regenerate. Self-adhesive films with X-technology have the ability to regenerate at room temperature. “Designed to resist the roughest road conditions, Bodyfence self-adhesive films offer an invisible barrier against scratches, paint chipping, and harmful UV rays. Thanks to their cutting-edge technology, they adapt perfectly to the contours of your vehicle. Even more, you can choose the finish you want with our films: gloss, satin, or matt finish.” Away from cars and Hexis also offers films for use in other applications such as interior décor. Solutions for this type of work are available through the company’s Hex’Perience collection, whereby customers can choose and create their own personalised printing kit to make the process even easier. Hexis offers a free online library of large-format, high-definition printing or cutting patterns measuring 1.3m wide by 3m high at 200dpi. The library of self-adhesive deco films includes wooden materials, mineral materials, metallic effects, wallpapers, designs for window graphics, and designs for floors. “All our patterns are designed to be matched with our range of effect laminates for maximum realism,” Hexis says, adding: “In addition, they are designed to be repeated seamlessly. With Hex self-adhesive deco film, you are free to combine the elements with each other and create your own designs without limit.” Explore New Opportunities Elsewhere and while Metamark may also be best known for working with companies within the vehicle wrapping market, its products are suitable for use in other projects. Max Somper, commercial director at Metamark, says surface transformation in general offers such a range of opportunities to wrapping experts. “Wrapping articles with vinyl embodies a number of attractive benefits that traditional methods would struggle to deliver and opens attractive commercial opportunities too,” Somper explains, adding: “Furniture, kitchen fixtures and fittings, and common or garden household fabric such as doors are all fair game. “In addition to covering minor damage well, wraps can be printed to deliver a whole range of visual effects and personalisation. A child’s bunk bed for example could be transformed from a painted or natural wooden finish into a colourful homage to a favourite movie or game. Similarly, kitchen units can be freshened up at a fraction of the cost of replacement. The While wrapping may be commonly associated with vehicles, it is equally effective in architectural applications as the MPI 1105 EA RS cast films, as well as its newly introduced PVC-free SP 1504 Easy Apply, as the solutions he is particularly excited about. In addition, he speaks of the importance of sustainability saying it is a fundamental focus of its innovation. This, he adds, is demonstrated by its 777CF iA Tech series, now featuring a new solvent-free patented adhesive called iA Tech. “When it comes to wrapping, it’s essential to think outside the box and explore applications beyond just vehicle wrapping,” Snabel advises, continuing: “Many end-users are still unfamiliar with the possibilities of wrapping, but once you show them the transformative results that wrapping materials can achieve in spaces, you’re likely to hear numerous ‘wows’ from your audience. As we say at Avery Dennison: every space is an opportunity!” Protect And Serve Another company known for its wrapping solutions is Hexis, which earlier this year threw its backing behind WrapFest, serving as a sponsor of FESPA’s brand new event dedicated to the wrapping market. While the Silverstone event mainly looked at vehicle wraps and what opportunities there are in this market, those in attendance were able to find out more about other areas and the products and solutions available to help them access new opportunities. Among the subjects covered by Hexis and its team at the event was the protection of cars and their paintwork or wrap job. This, Hexis says, can often be overlooked and says that wrappers should consider some of its options when applying wraps to vehicles. “Impacts from gravel, sharp objects, friction, bird droppings, and simple cleaning operations carried out incorrectly can damage the paintwork on your car,” Hexis FOCUS ON / VINYL WRAPPING MATERIALS ▼ Avery Dennison says wrapping can be applied to virtually any type of surface or object
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