How to Vinyl Wrap a Mustang: Step-by-Step Guide

Quick Answer

Wrapping a Ford Mustang successfully starts long before the vinyl touches the paint. For a full wrap, the vehicle should be clean, dry, and free of wax, grease, loose paint, and other surface contamination. You also need enough material, a controlled installation environment, and the right tools before cutting your first panel.

RAXTiFY color-change wraps are calendered vinyl and care should be taken with the handling of heat and stretch as it is best to avoid forcing the film into complex shapes. Most areas of a Mustang, like the hood, roof and doors are easier to flatten and install on the Mustang, while the bumpers, mirrors, and deep contours on the front and rear are harder to plan and control the installation.

Before You Wrap Your Mustang

If you're looking to wrap your Mustang, you need to be prepared. If ordering material or removal of any trim, carefully review the vehicle and determine the installation plans for each respective panel.

This is particularly important with calendered vinyl. A full vehicle wrap is not just applied to a flat surface, the film is applied to curves, edges, recesses, bumpers, etc. under varying levels of tension. When installing it, the stretching that occurs is minimized and the installation can be predicted if it is properly prepared.

Check the Paint and Body Condition

Vinyl wrap adheres to the material beneath it. It is capable of altering the color and finish of a Mustang, but it can't cover up significant paint or body defects.

Prior to installation, check the car for:

• Peeling or failing clear coat
• Loose or flaking paint
• Rust
• Deep paint chips
• Cracked body filler
• Poor-quality previous paint repairs
• Dents or uneven bodywork
• Adhesive residue from old graphics or badges

Some slight imperfection might still show through the vinyl, particularly for gloss and metallic finishes. Failure of paint can also lead to adhesion issues, and may result in the lifting of the paint as the wrap is removed.

We have found it more beneficial to fix up dubious sections before wrapping than to let the vinyl cover it up. Calendered film works best on a smooth, stable, well prepared surface.

If the Mustang is a recent paint job, be sure the paint is cured per the paint manufacturer instructions before applying vinyl.

Choose the Right Installation Environment

If possible, park your Mustang indoors in a clean, dry, temperature controlled area.

Avoid installing vinyl:

• In direct sunlight
• On a very hot body panel
• In cold conditions
• In high humidity
• Outdoors in wind or dust
• Immediately after driving when body panels may still be hot

The effect of temperature on the vinyl and on the adhesive. Calendered vinyl film can be stiffer and less conformable if the film is too cold. When the surface to be bonded is too hot, the vinyl can become very soft and pliable to be overstretched.

This is best when the film, vehicle and work area has been allowed to warm up or cool down to a steady temperature before the unit is installed.

A specific application temperature must always be followed based on the specific wrap film used and not on a general rule for any vinyl.

A healthy environment is also crucial. With high-gloss and darker colors, dust, hair, lint and other debris that catch beneath the vinyl is visible after installation.

How Much Vinyl Do You Need?

If you're thinking of wrapping your modern Ford Mustang coupe DIY, keep a 5 ft × 59 ft roll in mind.

A seasoned installer might be able to get as far as they can with less vinyl, but if you're a beginner, it's better if you have extra vinyl to trim, relocate, make bumpers, mirrors, and rework if necessary.

Don't estimate the amount of material based on the surface area of the vehicle. Panel layout matters.

You can have the right amount of square footage in a roll on the paper but not enough long straight sections for a bumper, quarter panel, etc.

This is particularly relevant for the directional finishes like some metallic, pearl and color-shift finishes. Panels should be designed so that the direction of the film is uniform throughout the vehicle.

If you need a detailed breakdown by Mustang generation, full wraps and individual body panels, check out our How Much Vinyl Do I Need to Wrap a Mustang guide.

Tools You Need to Wrap a Mustang

The right tools will help your installation to be cleaner, safer and easier to control. If you're going to wrap the entire Mustang, you'll need the following:

Tool	What It Is Used For
Felt-Edge Squeegee	Applies firm, even pressure while helping reduce scratches on the vinyl surface.
Heat Gun	Softens the vinyl for controlled conforming around curves, corners, and complex Mustang body panels.
Infrared Thermometer	Helps monitor film and surface temperature during heat work and post-heating.
Wrap Gloves	Allows smoother handling of the vinyl while reducing fingerprints and improving control.
Knifeless Tape	Creates clean cut lines while reducing the need to place a blade directly against the vehicle's paint.
Sharp Wrap Knife	Used for controlled trimming where appropriate. Blade work near painted surfaces should be done carefully.
Measuring Tape	Measures each panel before cutting so enough vinyl is left for positioning, wrapping edges, and trimming.
Magnets	Helps hold and position larger sheets of vinyl before the adhesive is fully applied.
Microfiber Towels	Used for cleaning, drying, and final surface preparation before installation.
Surface Cleaner / Degreaser	Removes wax, grease, oil, and other contamination that can interfere with adhesion.
Isopropyl Alcohol Solution	Used for final surface cleaning where appropriate, especially around edges and high-adhesion areas.

The heat gun and squeegee are essential, but shouldn't be used to push badly installed vinyl.

For calendered film, we prefer to initially place the film correctly, eliminate any unnecessary tension in the sheet and only apply controlled heat and stretch where it's needed in the shape of the film.

How to Prepare a Mustang for Vinyl Wrap

One of the most significant differences between a wrap that looks nice the day it is installed and one that maintains a good hold around edges and more complex areas is surface preparation. Do not rush this stage. All of this wax, grease, dust, silicone and other contamination under the adhesive can't be cured by any amount of quality vinyl.

Wash and Decontaminate the Surface

Begin by washing the whole Mustang.

Focus on areas that are often dusty and polluted with dirt from the roads:

• Wheel arches
• Lower doors and rocker panels
• Bumper edges
• Trunk edges
• Around badges and emblems
• Door handles
• Mirrors
• Panel gaps
• Around headlights and taillights

Don't wax, ceramic spray, tire dressing or detail before installing.

Painted surfaces should be cleaned if contaminated by bonding materials, so that they can be wrapped. It's important to make a clean, smooth vehicle surface, not just a clean one from afar.

Wash off the car and then dry it thoroughly.

If the water is not drained away or removed from the gap behind the trim, mirrors, lights, badges or panel gaps during installation it can lead to issues.

We generally prefer to wash the main wash well before installing the vehicle, hence the reason why we prefer this service.

Clean the Panels Before Installation

Each panel should be given a final wash and dry prior to the installation of the vinyl.

Remove:

• Grease
• Fingerprints
• Wax residue
• Polish
• Silicone
• Adhesive residue
• Dust
• Oil around panel edges

Use clean, lint-free microfiber towels, and automotive vinyl preparation surface cleaner.

Focus more on edges and recessed spaces. That is where contamination can easily get overlooked and where vinyl is likely to come off later if its adhesion is not successful.

One of the few errors we frequently remind drivers to avoid is concentrating on the middle of the screen. The area that is most likely to cause trouble on a Mustang door is seldom the center! Special care should be taken at the edges, corners and inside of bumper openings and recessed areas, as the film may be more taut in these areas.

After cleaning the panel, do not touch the prepared paint without a necessity.

Remove Trim, Badges, Mirrors, and Other Parts

Wherever possible, detaching some of the exterior pieces will help the vinyl to round out around the edges of the panels.

Depending on the Mustang generation and the scope of the wrap, this may include:

• Badges and emblems
• Door handles or handle components
• Side markers
• Mirrors or mirror caps
• Taillights
• Certain trim pieces
• License plate hardware
• Spoilers or related components
• Other removable accessories

Not all parts need to be installed for each installation. The goal is not to break the vehicle needlessly, but to provide clean access to significant edges as needed.

If you are not a Mustang trim and/or electrical removal expert, check the appropriate service information or ask for the help of an expert who has experience in this generation of the Mustang.

Avoid putting clips or trims in "just to make wrapping easier" mode. Time during installation is not a significant factor when it comes to replacing a broken trim part or a painted section.

If badges are to be removed, record their original location if they are to be put back on.

Measure and Plan Each Panel Before Cutting

Never cut vinyl off the roll without an accurate measurement.

Take each Mustang panel out and measure it, and allow for some material around the edges for trimming, positioning and handling.

Plan for:

• Hood
• Roof
• Trunk
• Doors
• Front fenders
• Rear quarter panels
• Front bumper
• Rear bumper
• Mirrors
• Spoiler or other wrapped components

Any part of the vehicle that is wrapped is considered a spoiler or other wrapped part.
Think about not only the dimensions of each panel in the film, but also of the area to be encircled by the film around edges and contours.

We like having a bit more material than we need when positioning it, than finding that we've cut it too short halfway through the installation.

When dealing with calendered vinyl, it is critical to plan the panel for the job at hand and avoid unnecessary stretching to account for a mis-sized piece of material.

It is also important to determine the orientation of the film before cutting. Color-shifting finishes may look different if used on adjoining panels in opposite directions, as might metallic, pearl, and brushed finishes.

If necessary, record the direction of the rolls and apply the same direction across the vehicle.

When considering the first cut, consider the whole vehicle instead of just one part. By planning the material well, waste can be minimised, the consistency of the finish maintained and the likelihood of running short avoided before the trickiest areas of the Mustang are finished.

How to Vinyl Wrap a Mustang Step by Step

After the Mustang is all cleaned, measured, and prepped, the installation process should be done panel by panel.

Calendered vinyl needs to be well controlled for heat and tension to achieve good results. We always try to keep the film as flat as possible over flat areas and only add film 'drizzle' where it fits the shape of the panel.

Step 1: Start With the Flatter Panels

We suggest you wrap relatively flat panels like the hood, roof, trunk lid or doors first before you wrap the bumpers or mirrors as your first time wrapping a Mustang.

These areas will provide you with space to investigate how the vinyl behaves when re-positioned, being squeezed by the squeegee, heated and stretched by high tension light.

Place vinyl over the panel with extra material around all edges to trim and finish. Do not cut the sheet too close to the actual panel size prior to installation. Adding a little extra around the edge of the perimeter will make it very easy to move it around and do edge work.

Ideally, for calendared vinyl, we like to let the film sit on the panel, and then apply strong tension later. A big sheet that needs to be stretched to get rid of wrinkles causes undue stress which can lead to shrink-back or lifting at the edges.

Step 2: Position and Tack the Vinyl

Always lay vinyl so that the sheet is centered and there is excess material on each side of the panel before applying firm pressure.

Use light tack points to check alignment of the film. Wrapping magnets can also be useful to hold the material in place before applying to larger Mustang panels like the door or hood.

Do not fully lock down a large area too early.

Typically, we like to start out by fixing the position and then move outwards from there. When a wrinkle or tension line forms, lift and move the material, don't force it with too much heat or stretch.

It's particularly critical when using calendared film. After too much tension in one area, the vinyl may initially appear smooth, but may attempt to "recover" later.

Step 3: Squeegee From the Center Out

After the film is in the proper position, start applying pressure from the center of the panel and work towards the edges.

Avoid making long and hard passes; squeeze beeween the strokes as controlled passes. This assists in directing the trapped air along the edge of the film and through the air-release channels.

The squeegee should be held at the same angle and should not be applied too firmly before the film is in place.

Don't just press through a wrinkle. Pull up the vinyl a bit, let it stretch, and place it back in place.

Unless you are in a rush, trying to keep the sheet evenly tensioned is the most important thing on long panels like Mustang doors and Mustang quarter panels.

Step 4: Use Controlled Heat Around Curves

Heat should be used as a tool, not as the solution to every installation problem.

Controlled heat can be used to help the vinyl mold around the body lines, fender curves, bumper contours, mirror housings and other three dimensional shapes of a Mustang.

But the fact that calendared vinyl is soft when warm does not mean it should be over-heated or stretched too forcefully.

As we've seen, one of the biggest errors is to use too much heat and pull the vinyl into the shape. This can cause too much tension in the film. While the panel might appear picture perfect when installed, the stressed area is more apt to start to tear away from edges, recesses or tight curves in the future.

Heat just enough to make the material workable and form it slowly, cooling the film as it is formed until it has reached a temperature at which any adjustments are either unnecessary or advisable.

Step 5: Wrap the Mustang Bumpers

Typically the front and rear bumpers are the most challenging parts of a Mustang wrap.

Compared to the bumpers on the hood or doors, Mustang bumpers have compound curves, openings, corners, lower sections, and sections that require the vinyl to change direction within a relatively short distance.

You must not think of the whole bumper as a single flat surface.

The first step is to carefully plan the placement of the vinyl and determine where it will "want" to collect or extend. Move from big and open areas to tighter contours.

Don't rip the vinyl back in an intake, corner, or lower bumper opening; slowly spread the vinyl to do this. Apply heat and tension in small quantities.

Where bumper designs can be complicated, particularly when it comes to a split bumper (a splitter), body modification or after-market body kits, an inlay or controlled seam might yield a longer-lasting look than stretching a single piece of film.

Step 6: Wrap Mirrors and Complex Areas

Although small, Mustang mirrors still have compound curves and are tricky to work with when compared with many larger body panels.

Many people who install a part for the first time don't realize that a smaller part will need less planning.

Wrap slowly when wrapping mirrors and don't stretch all the stretch in one spot. When the film starts to show a number of tension lines converging to one corner, lift the film and evenly distribute the tension again.

The same applies for vents, spoilers, tight bumper corners and other tricky spots.

We prefer a controlled seam or inlay as opposed to much stretching when the geometry becomes too extreme with a calendared vinyl. A clean well-placed seam can be more reliable than a single piece installation that is under additional strain.

Step 7: Trim and Finish the Edges

After the entire surface of the panel is covered with vinyl, check it for workmanship prior to cutting.

Avoid having any wrinkles, tension lines, contamination, or poorly bonded areas along the edges.

Where possible, leave sufficient material around the connecting edges of a panel. If the vinyl is not to be installed in such a way that it requires you to cut it flush with the panel's face, do not do so.

Use knifeless tape as much as possible when cutting close to painted surfaces. Blade work directly to the paint of vehicles should only be done by experienced personnel and with care.

Trim and gently mold film around edges, using the right heat and pressure. Be sure to pay attention to any corners, panel returns, wheel arches and other areas where vinyl has been stretched.

The edge should be neither "chucked into place" when tension is high nor "slipped" into place when tension is low.

How to Handle Mustang Bumpers, Curves, and Recesses

There are a number of relatively easy-to-deal-with panels on a Mustang, but the bumpers, mirrors, curved body panels, vents and recessed panels all demand a lot more control.

It is also these areas where knowing the behavior of calendared vinyl is particularly significant.

Avoid Overstretching the Vinyl

Stretching is a technique in the installation of vinyl, but excessive stretching will not yield a good result.

Excessive stretching can result in a considerable amount of memory and tension being put into the calendared vinyl. This tension can later manifest as edge lifting, shrink-back, distortion or failure around recessed areas.

Generally, we attempt to resolve installation issues in the following order:

1. Reposition the film.
2. Redistribute the material and tension.
3. Use controlled heat.
4. Stretch only as much as necessary.

If you are pulling hard to get the vinyl to a corner or into a recess, re-think the way the sheet is laid out before you proceed.

When relocating tension from one tight spot to another, it will work best on Mustang bumpers.

Use Inlays or Seams When Necessary

While a one piece installation might be the perfect look, it can be less durable than other installation methods.

Deep openings, complicated bumper shapes, sharp transitions and some after market Mustang parts may stretch a single piece of film too far.

In these scenarios, the right plan can help the film to be more naturally positioned and reduce stretch.

The seam should be located where it will not be visible and where water, wind, and physical handling will not be a problem.

To us, a clean inlay that has a controlled tension is better than over stretching calendared vinyl just to say that the panel was wrapped in one piece.

Durability must be the #1 priority over any silly tricks that are not required for installation.

Manage Heat and Tension

Heat and tension are always combined.

The heat causes the vinyl to become more malleable. The more a product is stretched, though, the more crucial tension management and proper finishing are.

Do not reheat and continually pull the same area.

Rather, heat a larger section of the surface and lay the material on the surface and mold the vinyl surface slowly around the shape.

Form a difficult curve, and then let it cool before pressing final pressure. This enables you to determine if the material is resting naturally or if there is tension which is attempting to remove it from the surface.

Pay special attention to areas around Mustang bumper corners, lower openings, mirrors, fender transitions and tight edges.

Post-Heating and Final Inspection

The last piece of vinyl does not necessarily indicate installation is complete.

When dealing with a calendared vinyl, stretched and areas under tension may seek to recover after installation and post-heating and final inspection are particularly important.

Where Post-Heating Matters Most

Areas of higher tension, forming, and stretching of the vinyl will be the focus of the post-heat.

They are usually found on Mustangs such as:

• Front and rear bumper corners
• Bumper openings and recesses
• Mirror housings
• Wheel arches
• Fender transitions
• Spoilers and aero components
• Wrapped edges
• Inlays and seams
• Other strongly curved or recessed areas

Do not use hands to determine temperature.

Although post-heating may appear to be the same temperature for all vinyls, the correct post heating temperature will vary depending on the type of vinyl being installed, so always check the installation specification for that specific RAXtiFY film.

Don't use the maximum heat on the whole vehicle. Post-heating should be carefully controlled, and targeted only to the areas that need it.

Check Edges, Seams, and High-Tension Areas

Once post heated check the whole Mustang again. Be sure to focus on all edges and areas where the vinyl turned. Check that:

• Edges are fully bonded.
• Corners are not pulling back.
• Seams and inlays are secure.
• Recessed areas remain properly seated.
• No tension lines have returned.
• There are no remaining bubbles or wrinkles.
• The film has not lifted around trim, vents, or openings.

It's also best to look at the car from various perspectives while the light is on. Reflections will accentuate small imperfections, even if you can't see them right on the surface.

Don't just press an area down and think it will stay if it starts to pull back as soon as it is installed. If there is tension, locate the source of the tension, and correct the tension before finalizing the job.

Reassemble the Mustang

When the installation, post-heating and inspection are finished, re-set badges, trim pieces, mirrors, lights, handles, or other parts that were removed.

Be careful not to cut or push into new vinyl edges when putting the vinyl back together.

If a fastener, trim clip or component presses directly against a wrapped edge, be sure that the vinyl is still properly seated in the component after installation.

Wait for vinyl to adhere following the instructions provided for the type of vinyl film before the Mustang is washed, heavily rained on, exposed to extreme cold or other severe weather conditions.

A final inspection following the rest is also helpful. Review bumpers, mirrors, corners, edges and other areas that may have been a major forming operation when installed.

Common Mustang Wrap Mistakes to Avoid

While a Mustang can be installed by an experienced installer, there are a few mistakes that could make it more difficult or affect the life of the wrap.

Starting with the front bumper.

If this is the first time you are wrapping, start on smooth surfaces like the hood, roof or doors. The front bumper of the Mustang is not the ideal venue for learning how to work with vinyl.

Using stretch to fix every wrinkle.

Many wrinkles are signs of positioning and/or unequal tension. Extending them out may make it look better for a while but will leave a new issue below the surface.

Using too much heat.

Excessive temperatures can cause calendared vinyl to become very soft and allow for excessive stretch. The material should be easier to work when heated, not every hard part part of a highly stretched area.

Cutting the vinyl too close before installation.

Leave extra material for positioning, trimming and edge finishing. If it's really small, you won't have much room to fix the alignment errors.

Ignoring film direction.

Panels may look different in various orientations, metallic, pearl, chrome, satin chrome, and color shift. Cut the roll in advance considering the direction of the plan panel.

Trying to wrap every complex area in one piece.

A controlled seam or inlay can be more reliable than heavily stretching one sheet around a difficult bumper opening or compound curve.

Cutting directly against the paint without proper control.

Always use knifeless tape, when reasonably possible. The contact of the blade with the vehicle surface generates an unnecessary risk for cutting the paint.

Wrapping over failing paint or clear coat.

The condition of the surface under the vinyl will determine its condition. Adhesion issues may be caused by peeling clear coats, loose paint, rust or poor repairs, which can also be damaged during the removal process.

Skipping post-heating on high-tension areas.

After the installation bumper corners, mirrors, recesses, edges and areas of stretching should be inspected in detail.

Assuming the film is finished because it looks smooth.

A smooth surface does not guarantee that the tension underneath has been properly managed. We always pay close attention to how the film is sitting around edges, curves, seams, and recesses before considering the installation complete.

Is a Mustang Easy to Wrap for Beginners?

While a Ford Mustang can be driven, a full-car wrap is not easy for the first time installer.

The hood, roof, doors, and portion of quarter panels have fairly large, flat surfaces to learn how the vinyl reacts to the application of the squeegee, re-positioning and controlled heat. Once you get to the bumpers at the front and rear of the car, the mirrors, vents, sharp body lines, and compound curves it has, the difficulty level goes up a notch.

This is even more important when using calendered vinyl. When people are new to the process, they will typically discard all wrinkles by applying more heat and stretch. This can cause the film to appear smooth in the short term but can cause shrink-back, lift at the edges or distortion in the long-term.

We recommend beginning the wrap with the flatter panels and then putting on the bumpers and mirrors for a first Mustang wrap. Move slowly, relax the film as much as possible and only stretch the film when it is needed to achieve the shape of the panel.

Some areas can be more challenging to move around and some sections might be high-tension where it is not suitable for you to handle yourself, therefore having an experienced installer handle these sections may save material and time.

RAXTiFY Installer Notes for Wrapping a Mustang

There is one principle that we follow as we work with various finishes and real-world vehicle shapes: Don't stretch, it's the solution to all installation problems.

This is especially the case for calendered vinyl. It is the result of proper panel positioning, tension management, controlled heat and careful finishing—it is not just about ‘slamming’ the film and adding tension to it.

The following are areas to pay special attention to on a Mustang:

• Start with flatter panels. The bumpers are usually less important areas to know the film, so the hood, roof, and doors are better areas to get used to the film before attempting the bumpers.

• Plan the bumpers before applying the vinyl. There are several curves, openings, edges and turns in a Mustang bumper. Determine the place where it will be most tense before you make a commitment to the film.

• Keep unnecessary tension away from edges. A panel may look perfect immediately after installation while still carrying excessive tension near an edge or recess.

• Use heat gradually. Heat should render the vinyl somewhat more malleable, NOT so soft that it may be stretched to a degree beyond its normal flexibility.

• Be careful with metallic, pearl, chrome, and color-shift finishes. The direction in which the panel is to be fastened can influence the light reflection of the finished vehicle, so make sure that all panels will be installed in the same direction on the vehicle.

• Leave enough material around each panel. If the sheet is cut too small, you will not have a lot of margin to move the sheet, wrap the edges or correct any errors.

• Do not rush the trimming stage. Edge work is as critical to the overall look of the panel as the center.

• Post-heat high-tension areas carefully. The film should be paid special attention in bumper corners, in recesses, at stretched edges and other locations where it has been formed.

The biggest error we often see when someone does it on their own is to concentrate on defoaming and smoothing out the bubbles and wrinkles on the surface alone. A panel can be smooth on top, but have an excessive amount of load in the bottom. Calendered vinyl installation with reduction of unnecessary tension is one of the best ways to assure long term stability.

FAQs About Wrapping a Mustang

How long does it take to wrap a Mustang?

A standard Mustang color-change wrap can take about two to four working days to install depending on the vehicle's condition, how much the vehicle needs to be disassembled, the vinyl finish, installer experience and complexity of the body.

The time required for a first time do-it-yourself installation can be much longer. We suggest you make the project a quality one, and not a weekend car. Beginners may not realize it takes longer to prepare the surface, do the bumper work, trim and inspect the final product.

How much vinyl do I need to wrap a Mustang?

The suggestion is to plan a 5 ft × 59 ft roll when selecting a wrap for the majority of modern Ford Mustangs.

A good installer might be able to use less material, but a novice will find it helpful to have some extra vinyl for bumpers, mirrors, trim and maybe reworking.

This varies depending on the Mustang model, style, vinyl color, and installers' experience. To get an in-depth analysis of the amount of vinyl you will need to wrap a Mustang, read our guide on how much vinyl you need to wrap a Mustang.

Can I wrap a Mustang myself?

Yes. If you have the space, the right tools, patience and a basic knowledge of vinyl application, you can wrap a Mustang at home.

But we don't recommend that you take a full wrap to be a peel and stick job. The hood and doors are fairly accessible, while the front and rear bumper, mirrors, vents and car curves are much harder to control.

This is a perfect time to try out a flatter panel before you get to the most challenging parts of the wrap if it is your first time.

What is the hardest part of a Mustang to wrap?

Some of the trickiest parts of a Mustang for most installers are the front and rear bumpers.

They include compound curves, openings, corners, body lines and places where tension can build up rapidly. Another problem with mirrors is that it's not always an easy panel: a small panel needs to conform around several directions of curvature.

Careful planning is particularly crucial with calendered vinyl. Attempting to stretch one very long sheet around all the curves will cause the sheet to be taut. In some cases, a carefully considered seam or inlay could yield more consistent results than excessive stretching.

Do I need to remove the Mustang badges and mirrors?

Not all components need to be removed, but some removal may facilitate the installation process and make the installation cleaner.

Other elements of the vehicle, such as badges, emblems, door handles, lights, trim pieces and mirrors, can make it difficult to wrap the edges and trim properly. If possible, they are to be removed so that the installer can get to the panel more easily, and can avoid cutting around objects that are visible.

Do not remove parts you are not familiar with or don't bother trying to reattach properly! If there is a risk of damaging the vehicle, it is best to avoid disassembling and instead carefully maneuver around the part, or to have an experienced installer do it.

Do I need a heat gun to wrap a Mustang?

Yes. One of the most useful pieces of equipment for a whole Mustang wrap is a heat gun.

With controlled heat, the vinyl will conform around curves, relax some wrinkles, and complete intricate areas. It's also crucial during the post-heating process.

But there's nothing magical about having more heat and making the installation easier. Overheating the film may cause it to become too soft with calendered vinyl and lead to unnecessary stretching. Gradually heat the film instead of heating the same area continuously.

An infrared thermometer can also be helpful if you want to make sure that the surface is the correct temperature.

How hot should vinyl be during post-heating?

The post-heating temperature to use should never be assumed for all vinyl films.

It depends on the type of film construction, adhesive system, and degree of stretching. Always adhere to the post-heating specification that has been given for the specific RAXTiFY that is being installed.

The need for post-heating is most pertinent in the areas that have been stretched or high-tensioned such as corners on bumpers, recesses, edges, and more complicated curves. Don't rely on 'feel' to determine surface temperature, use an infrared thermometer.

Don't take hot for granted. Too much heat will cause the film to become damaged or distorted.

How long should I wait before washing a newly wrapped Mustang?

It is recommended to leave the vinyl and adhesive to bed down before washing the vehicle.

Generally, never wash a newly wrapped Mustang right after it is installed. The exact amount of time will depend on the type of film, adhesive, temperature and installation conditions, so refer to the care instructions for the vinyl.

Hand washing is usually considered the safest method of washing the vehicle. Never blast with high pressure water near edges, seams or lifted areas.

If you are looking for a long-term maintenance solution please refer to our Mustang wrap care guide for more detail on cleaning and protecting your Mustang wraps.

Final Thoughts

While it is possible to wrap a Mustang yourself, the vinyl application is not all that is involved, and good results will rely more on preparation and application technique than getting the vinyl on the car.

Based on our experience, the most critical factor between a clean installation and one that has issues is tension management. To provide any heat, use it on purpose, don't over-stretch the film, and pay special attention to high tension areas like bumpers, mirrors, recesses, edges, etc.

This is especially crucial when installing a calendered vinyl. Do not stretch the material to one's wishes; plan before using each panel and use it within its limits.

If you are a first time installer, we suggest installing the Hood, Roof or Doors first, and then the more challenging areas of the Mustang. Take your time and check each edge before completing the job, and if the tension is too high in the film then don't hesitate to repeat a section.

If it is about finishing as fast as you can, then you aren't a successful Mustang wrap. It's about making an installation that's clean, stable and looks good when the car gets out of the garage.