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 by Tim Evans

Russian Wrap Masters 2018 – Moscow brings the wrap world together

Red Square, The Kremlin, Saint Basil’s Cathedral, Lenin’s Tomb… all iconic images of Moscow Russia but none can compare to the smiling faces saying “Dobroye utro” (Good morning) every day as we walked into the Moscow Expocentre for the 2018 Russian Wrap Masters.

September saw the arrival of the 2018 Russian Wrap Masters Cup.  4 Days of wrapping competitions, demonstrations, training and international fun organized by the RWM team based out of Saint Petersburg.

Andrey Lobov (main organizer) tells us “Russian Wrap Masters is a dream come true for me. When I started Russian Wrap Masters I had no idea how difficult it would be.  The results have been so good that all previous problems went away when I saw the fire in the eyes of the wrappers. Russian Wrap Masters is also a special educational area where wrappers can see new tricks and styles from all over the world and we invite the best judges from all over the world.  We all really enjoy this special time, when wrappers from all over the country can join together. It is a time when friendship and support are main things. It is a time when you get energy for the next year. It is Russian Wrap Masters time.”

When asked about the future of the Russian wrap market, Klaudiya Kustova said “The Russian market has developed very well over the last 10 years from the beginning stage. The number of good masters, those who have opened their own wrap schools, and those who can teach beginner installers has grown. I think there will be a rise in the number of wrappers in the future and their skill level will also grow. I think more and more masters will take part in international competitions. We are already seeing this trend.”

The competition itself fielded a group of 22 professional wrap installers from all Russia and surrounding countries.  The competitor’s skills were challenged with wrapping Suzuki vehicles, using ORAFOL film, in multiple rounds and getting creative with wrapped sleds and cycling helmets.  All of the rounds were evaluated by a wide ranging team of judges specially invited by the Russian Wrap Masters Team… Aleksander Buchko (Russia), Igor Sulakov (Russia), Tadashi Kariya (Japan), Ivan Tenchev (Bulgaria), Jim Miller (USA) and Tim Evans (USA)

Pavel Dudnikov summed up the event best when he said “… the Russian wrap market has became more informed and filled with knowledge. It is about all aspects, knowledge about materials, tools, techniques of wrapping etc, with the market continuing to go in this direction. There are more and more wrappers with very high skill, who can compete with the best world wrappers and some who have already won some worldwide competition.”

At the end of the day, when all squeegees are down, the Russian Wrap Masters champion of 2018 went to Andreas Siemens.  Congratulations Andreas and enjoy a job well done!

 

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 by Tim Evans

SEMA 2018 – After-Hours Party List

 

Where, oh where, will the parties at SEMA be?  If you have attended the Las Vegas wrap party extravaganza that is SEMA then you know this week is the industry’s wildest of the year.  To make it easy, here is a quick list of what is going on each night after the show.  There will be many private appreciation events happening but here is a nice selection of industry open fun!

 

Tuesday, October 30th – Avery Dennison – Beer Park at the Paris Hotel – 6:30pm-8:30pm

  • Invitations are required so be sure to stop by Avery’s booth #12659 and try to snag your invite fast

 

Tuesday, October 30th – Wrappy Halloween – 8pm to Midnight – (IBOW, WrapperMapper, ColorReal, Car Wrapper, MagStrapz)

 

Thursday, November 1st – WWWrap Party – Paint is Dead and presented by Fellers

 

 

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 by Tim Evans

Avery Dennison blows out this year’s SEMA booth with designs, demos, Paint is Dead and the winner of 2017 Wrap Like a King!

What do you get when you combine a phenomenal convention in Las Vegas, high quality wrapping films from Avery Dennison, world class wrap design talent from Joffery van Der Jagt, stellar install training from Justin Pate and an all-star wrap demo team…?  In short, you get an amazing booth at SEMA 2017!

Visitors to the convention floor at SEMA this year were treated to multiple wrap demonstrations at the Avery Dennison booth on a classic Chevy truck.  The wrap installation team consisted of Justin Pate (The Wrap Institute), Jim Miller (Miller Decals), Chad Parish (Graphiti Wraps) and Joffery van Der Jagt (Pro Wrap Netherlands) who worked tirelessly all week long wrapping, removing and re-wrapping all of the custom designs from the mind of Joffery van Der Jagt.  Avery Dennison Supreme wrapping films, chromes, specialty laminates and finishes were combined to creative and awesome effect.

Avery Dennison also allowed a full Paint is Dead takeover as the PiD crew swept in to do a full press strip and speedy re-wrap.

Finally, the industry was treated to a visit from the 4 finalists of the global Wrap Like a King contest with the winner being announced live on the show floor.  Congratulations to the 4 finalists and a big congrats to this years winner, returning champion from Australia, Exotic Graphix… click here to see this year’s finalists and winner.

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 by Tim Evans

Installer Teams to Wrap a Pair of McLaren 57OS Models in the 1080 Live Wrap Competition at 3M’s 2017 SEMA Booth

Installer Teams to Wrap a Pair of McLaren 57OS Models in the 1080 Live Wrap Competition at 3M’s 2017 SEMA Booth

Visitors to booth #12145 will choose the winning design

 

The wrap industry’s best and brightest will face off at SEMA 2017 to showcase the creative possibilities of 3M™ Wrap Film Series 1080 and 3M™ Knifeless Tape on two models of the McLaren 570S. SEMA attendees are invited to watch the action unfold as the twelve teams compete, and will have an opportunity to vote for their favorite designs on Thursday, November 2.

 

“The event is an exciting opportunity for graphics installers to flex their creative muscles and push the boundaries of what 1080 and Knifeless Tape can do. It’s also a great opportunity for car enthusiasts to gather some new ideas and inspiration,” said Janelle Pizzi, Marketing Supervisor, 3M Commercial Solutions. “We can’t wait to see what the teams create and which design will win the most votes.”

 

3M’s booth schedule for the 2017 SEMA Show is as follows:

  • Tuesday, Oct. 31 – Day 1 of live competition: 9:30-11:30 a.m., 12-2:00

p.m., 2:30-4:30 p.m.

  • Wednesday, Nov. 1 – Day 2 of live competition: 9:30-11:30 a.m., 12-2:00 p.m., 2:30-4:30 p.m.
  • Thursday, Nov. 2 – Contest voting open until 3:30 p.m. in the 3M booth, winning team announced at 4 p.m.
  • Friday, Nov. 3 – Live demos

 

Voting during the 1080 Live Wrap Competition will be based on photos of the designs created by each team. More than $32,000 in total prizes will be awarded, which will include 3M Wrap Film Series 1080, 3M Knifeless Tape, Geek Wrap® Tools and Master Appliance Proheat heat guns. A photograph of the winning car design will also be featured on the 3M™ Design Line Knifeless Tape package.

 

After the contest wraps up, booth visitors can also watch live demos of 3M Wrap Film Series 1080, Knifeless Tape and 3M™ Automotive Window Film Crystalline.

 

For more information on the 3M 1080 Live Wrap Competition, visit 3M.com/WrapContest. To learn more about the 2017 SEMA Show, visit semashow.com.

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 by Tim Evans

Ever set your truck on fire? …wrapping safety is no joke! – written by Steve Reininger

 

 

 

OK SO NOW THAT I HAVE YOUR ATTENTION WITH THESE PICTURES. Please take few minutes to read this article as it could prevent future damage or loss of life.

I was recently going through my phone looking for some pics of a job I did last summer. When all of a sudden, there it was, a burned up tool pouch, a destroyed ladder, a melted cooler and cart.

These items were a result of an installer who was not only careless, but could have cost the lives of 4 four men. While this may come across as pretty dramatic everyone needs to understand the seriousness of not following safety guidelines. This fire was caused by an installer who didn’t follow safety procedures and take the 15 seconds to remove a torch head from the tank. It is one of the most commonly used torches we have in our industry. The smaller ones with the trigger.

So here’s what happened. Our crew and I were leaving for a job at about 5:30 a.m. We loaded the back of a pick-up with all our tools, ladders, cart, 20 lb. propane tank and torch and 3 cases of water. We knew it was going to be hot that day so it’s important to keep everyone hydrated. They closed the cap on the bed and the four of us piled into the truck and headed out. Now with good traffic it takes about 1.5 hours to reach downtown. Somewhere between the time when we left the shop and we entered the parking area, the installer’s torch clicked on. The first thing to catch fire was the tool pouch which in turn caught the plastic cart on fire causing the melting plastic to drip onto the flooring of the truck bed. Meanwhile, everyone is in the cab and totally unaware of what is going on in the back.

When we arrived at the job site we got out and went to unload the truck, the first thing I hear is “Hey! I think there is a fire in the back.” Before I could say don’t open it, he threw the door open. This caused the fire to flare up. I yelled for our fire extinguisher. When I got to the back the fire almost put itself out. What had happened was the bottles of water melted and were putting out the flames. I grabbed a couple more bottles of water and put the fire out. I knew immediately what had happened because the torch was right there in front. When
I asked why procedures were not followed to disconnect the torch, the response was “I forgot.”

By now everyone has calmed down and we begin to see what is good and what is junk. As we come to the end of unloading it all, I reach to pull out the 20 lb. tank of propane. It was so hot I couldn’t touch it. I poured several more bottles of water on it to get it cooled down. It was then that I realized how lucky we were.

I cannot emphasize enough that common sense and safety procedures need to be in place. This could have ended in a much different way. People could have died. All because someone forgot and did not follow the rules. I encourage everyone to take a few minutes at the beginning of a work day to check for these simple but potentially dangerous possibilities.

Have your crews remove these torch heads. Tie down your equipment and graphics. Make sure they understand safety procedures. These few minutes could make a huge difference on how their day could turn out.

Re-posted with permission – Original article written by Steve Reininger in the March 2017 UASG Newsletter.

 

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 by Tim Evans

3M Hosts 1080 Live Wrap Competition at SEMA 2017

3M Hosts 1080 Live Wrap Competition at SEMA 2017

More than $32,000 in prizes for competing teams using 3MTM Wrap Film Series 1080 and 3MTM Knifeless Tape 

 

  1. PAUL, Minn. – (July 31, 2017) –3M invites attendees of the 2017 SEMA Show in Las Vegas to unleash their creativity in a live wrap competition on the tradeshow floor. Teams can register with two to four participants and will compete using their design skills with a combination of 3M™ Wrap Film Series 1080 and the 3M™ Design Line Knifeless Tape.  Registration for the contest is now open, with space for a total of 12 teams (up to 48 installers) to join.

 

The 3M 1080 Live Wrap Competition kicks off at the 3M booth #12145 on Tuesday, Oct. 31, 2017, and runs through Thursday, Nov. 2, 2017.  On Nov. 2, show attendees can vote live in the 3M booth, and the winning team will be announced at 4 p.m.

 

“With so much talent under one roof at SEMA 2017, we wanted to create an atmosphere where creative energy from both contest participants and attendees will produce very exciting designs,” said Janelle Pizzi, product marketer, for 3M Commercial Solutions Division. “The 3M 1080 Live Wrap Competition is a great opportunity for installers to show off their unique talents while using Wrap Film Series 1080 and Knifeless Design Line Tape.”

 

Team contestants will have a chance to win a slice of more than $32,000 in prize money and merchandise; including Wrap Film Series 1080. Additionally, the winning team will gain bragging rights by having a photo of their team’s design incorporated into the Knifeless Design Line Tape packaging.

The 2017 SEMA Show takes place Tuesday, Oct. 31 through Friday, Nov. 3 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

 

For more information on how to register for the 1080 Live Wrap Competition and a complete list of contest rules, please visit www.3M.com/wrapcontest.

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 by Tim Evans

WINNER!!! Ivan Tenchev Bebo pulls off the win in FESPA Eurasia 2017 Hexis Wrap Battle

Congratulations to the FESPA Eurasia 2016 Hexis Wrap Battle winner Ivan Tenchev Bebo!  Hosted by Head Judge Ole Solskin, and powered by Hexis films, the FESPA Eurasia Show brought in wrappers from all over to Istanbul Turkey.  Check out the video with Ole as he highlights the competition.

 

 

 

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 by Tim Evans

SEMA 2016 and the Wrap Industry Combine for Massive Effect in Vegas!

Amazing wraps and world class wrappers wowed crowds as Las Vegas, Nevada USA  played host to the 2016 SEMA show.  Literally from the edges of the parking lot, attendees were treated to beautiful custom wraps of all sorts on vehicle after vehicle.  Whether your preference is massive trucks, low riders, classic cars, american muscle or the gorgeous street builds, the SEMA 2016 show was a virtual smorgasbord of all things wrap.

Big kudos to the exhibitors who brought in tremendous resources to support the industry…  3M unveiled several new wrap films as well as Knifeless Tape demonstrations by Phil Aquin, Rick Tallman and a host of others.  3M also conducted a final demo on musical instruments with the winners of the Wrap2Wrap contest Chad Monroe (Get Graphic) and Jeremy Conners (Who Did That !?! ).

Avery Dennison brought together industry greats Justin Pate (The Wrap Institute), Jim Miller (Miller Decals), Joffrey Van Der Jagt (Pro Wrap) and John Duever (Vinyl Images and Design) for 3 custom designed full wraps every single day of the show.  The prize for the Avery Dennison “Wrap Like a King” contest was awarded to Australian shop Exotic Graphix for their “Toxic Rat” project.

Hexis spent the week of the show running their custom wrap contest with competitors from all over the globe.  Each wrapper was challenged to use the Hexis films to create a custom wrap, on-the-fly, during their assigned day & time slot.  Congratulations go out to the final winner Gabe Hin (Savage Wraps) as he walks away with the $5,000 grand prize.

Not to be outdone… KPMF, SOTT, MUTOH and others all had great wrapping demonstrations, new films and products to show the crowds.

Las Vegas and SEMA would definitely not be complete without a party or two!  The week started off with Avery Dennison’s blow out as well as Carl Brewer’s “The Big Reveal”.  Wednesday saw the industry’s first major wrap network collaboration party as Paint Is Dead teamed up with Masters of Branding for a extravaganza to be remembered!  Thursday evening was capped off with 3M’s musical gift as they brought the house down with their custom wrapped instruments and a killer cover band at the incomparable House of Blues.

An amazing time was had by all!

 

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 by Tim Evans

3M Launches 6 New 1080 Series Colors including 3 Color Flips

Project: Nicholas Lowry with Brand Ink

Project: Nicholas Lowry with Brand Ink

3M Introduces Six New Colors Including Three Color Flip Films in the 3M™ Wrap Film Series 1080

All six additions will be featured at the 2016 SGIA Expo and the 2016 SEMA Show.

 

St. Paul, Minn. – (Sept. 14, 2016) – 3M is proud to introduce six new additions to the flagship 3M™ Wrap Film Series 1080 line, including three revolutionary color flip options featuring Gloss Flip Electric Wave, Satin Flip Caribbean Shimmer and Satin Flip Glacial Frost.  Along with the three color flip options, the expansion of 3M Wrap Film Series 1080 also includes Gloss Storm Gray, Satin Gold Dust Black and Satin Frozen Vanilla.

The trio of color flip shades, Electric Wave, Caribbean Shimmer and Glacial Frost, exhibit lively polychromatic effects that create unique, multi-color dimensions that shift under different viewing angles and lighting. These iridescent films refract vibrant hues of purple, deep teal and soft blue, creating an invigorating prismatic finish for fresh new vehicle wraps and graphics.

“For graphic installers, nothing is more important than the wrap films and vinyl products that help bring their visions to life, which is why 3M is pleased to introduce these six additions,” said Janelle Pizzi, product marketer, 3M Commercial Solutions Division.

The expansion of 3M Wrap Film Series 1080 also includes Gloss Storm Gray, Satin Gold Dust Black and Satin Frozen Vanilla. These additions bolster Series 1080 with a unique twist on classic, neutral tones, offering installers the ability to capture beautiful textured sparkles with the Black and Vanilla Satin finishes, and a vibrant sheen with the Gloss Storm Gray.

3M Wrap Film Series 1080 is made in 60”-wide rolls, so installers can easily cover vehicle sections without seams. The new color flip options possess excellent dimensional stability, repositionability, high durability, and permanent adhesive. Finally, backing by the 3M™ MCS™ Warranty gives installers confidence that the films will live up to their guarantees.

For more information, visit 3M.com/1080films, and view all available colors here.

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 by Tim Evans

Huge milestone reached with over 1,000 wrap shops on WrapperMapper.com!

 

 1000-Wrap-Shops-Announcement_WrapperMapper

 

We are so pleased to announce a major milestone in the life of WrapperMapper.com!  As of July of 2016 we have crossed the threshold of having over one thousand professional wrap shops from 38 countries listed on “The original, world’s largest, and easiest way to find Professional Wrap Installers.”

What started in 2014 as a simple idea to connect and locate professional wrap installers has steadily grown into a word-wide wrap industry phenomenon.  WrapperMapper.com has been truly fortunate to be involved with the wrap industry and has focused all efforts on one singular goal… growing the perception of wraps and wrappers around the globe.

To celebrate this occasion we are giving away a free 1 Year Premium Level membership.  Everyone who uses social media to share and tag this article and/or image will be entered into a drawing to win.  Help us continue to spread and promote amazing projects from shops all over the world.

Follow and share these feeds for spectacular projects: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wrappermapper/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wrappermapper

Twitter: https://twitter.com/WrapperMapper

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/wrappermapper/

We still firmly believe that the wrap industry is sorely unnoticed to the world at large.  There are still a multitude of people who do not know that wrapping exists are unaware that they see some of our industry’s best work drive by them every day.  WrapperMapper.com will continue to strive to be a voice and advocate for the industry as we continue to promote and expose wraps to the planet.

 

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