64 www.signlink.co.uk Issue 258 - April / May 2025 installation, eye-catching detail, and the longevity of wraps after installation. She argues that choosing a cheap material can cost you in the long term, saying: “If a company chooses to buy a material purely on price but that material doesn’t have repositionability then suddenly it has to use two or three fitters and quite possibly will still end up with a higher percentage of waste resulting in costly reprints. Suddenly that cheaper material is not looking so attractive. “But if the company chooses a material which has repositionable adhesive along with air release technology then it can install more quickly using only one member of staff. This frees up their workspace and results in higher profitability.” While these points may seem fairly straightforward and obvious to some, Harrison insists that this behaviour of choosing products purely by cost is still very prevalent in the industry. “I know I sound like I’m preaching to the converted”, she adds, “but you’d be surprised just how many companies still only buy on price rather than looking deeper at the features and benefits.” Harrison concludes with a hint that new technologies in the wrapping sector are on the horizon. When asked if there are further innovations coming soon, she simply states: “All I can say to that is watch this space.” and protection at the same time. The range offers a range of colours including gloss, matt, and metallic, whilst simultaneously protecting vehicles from rock chips, scratches, water, and dirt. The film is also 70% thicker than typical vinyl films, aiming to offering longer-lasting protection. Speaking to SignLink at the event, Amy Cattanach, 3M’s UK channel manager, said: “The film range has a fantastic gloss level which you cannot get with a vinyl, and that’s the first thing you notice when you see it. It has self-healing technology, it repels water, and it comes with a ten-year warranty backed by 3M, which you will not get with a vinyl film.” The Will to Grow William Smith are a reseller of a range of wrapping materials from major brands including 3M, Avery Dennison, and Arlon. However, the company has its own range of materials which has seen recent additions. Gillian Harrison, training and applications manager at William Smith, goes into detail, saying: “Many might not realise that here at William Smith we have recently added our very own VION Wrap Pro to our VION range and it’s certainly being well received. “When we decided to add a cast wrap to the VION range we knew exactly which features and benefits we needed. Its stunning white point optimises the achievable colour gamut and gives digital prints an added punch.” The series, first launched in October of 2024, features ‘VFLOW+’ air release channels which are designed to give a bubble-free finish. It also includes what William Smith has labelled “EZYGLIDE technology”, a feature which reportedly allows for easy repositioning of the vinyl. Ideal applications of the VION VWrap Pro series include full and partial vehicle wraps, fleet branding, and stainless-steel wraps for both industrial and decorative projects. Harrison warns those wishing to invest in wrapping materials to not simply go for the best price, instead focusing on the features and benefits designed to make for easier ▲ William Smith’s new VION Wrap Pro series includes air release channels designed to give a bubblefree finish WRAPPING MATERIALS Pepsi was the first company to use a photo-realistic, computer-generated full-body wrap on a bus in 1993 as part of its promotion of ‘Crystal Pepsi’, bringing car wrapping into the mainstream Factoid
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