Beyond the Fold - How to Install Through the Crease

There's a saying that goes like this: "What you see is what you get". But when it comes to GunSkins, the end result is so much more than what you had when you first started. What really makes GunSkins worthwhile is the unique approach the operator takes when installing on their personal firearm. It's the DIY aspect that gives the firearm more personal value than if it came with a factory finish.

Our customers are aware that GunSkins come packaged in a cardboard sleeve with a window opening to showcase the pattern of choice. Many of our large templates, including the Rifle and Pistol Skin, come folded in order to fit into the packaging. For some, this is a cause for concern. Nobody wants to see the finish on their pistol grip with a wrinkle spanning across it.

Vinyl is Flexible

First and foremost, vinyl is a plastic material. It's synthetic and designed with flexibility in mind. It's not ridged or stiff, though it is very durable and scratch resistant. GunSkins is made from a very specialized type of vinyl adhesive that is heat activated. It's more accurate to call it a heat stretching material, not a heat shrink.

While it can be unsightly to see a large fold in the middle of the vinyl template, it is quite normal and absolutely necessary for packaging purposes. Larger sheets of vinyl purchased in bulk may come rolled to avoid creases such as these. Having the material come folded for smaller vinyl applications is not a deal breaker. At the end of the day, this minor inconvenience will not hinder the look of the gun when installed on your firearm.

Use Heat to Work it Out

When installing a piece of vinyl with a prior crease on it, all you have to do to fix the problem is peel it off the backing, let it hang freely, and hit it with a little bit of heat. This will cause the vinyl to become loose and soft to the touch. When left to cool, the vinyl will harden and become stiff life before but the crease will be no more. It has an internal memory and the heat will allow it to reset to its initial shape.

This technique is also helpful if you've pulled the vinyl too far. Although designed to stretch, there is such a thing as taking it too far. Over-stretching causes the color of the print to turn white as it thins out. The adhesive will likewise lose strength because it's covering a larger surface area than intended. If this happens, peel the vinyl and let it hang. Use a swaying motion with a heat gun on the lowest setting and watch as it pulls back in and reverts to its previous shape, ready for another go.

Don't be fooled by the initial appearance of the product. What comes as a flat and folded piece of vinyl has the power to take your weapon to the next level. GunSkins will conform to any shape and can be installed on virtually any surface. Don't let something like a crease stop you in your tracks. Hit it with heat and work through the wrinkle with your fingers, smoothing it out as you go and voilà, it just as easily disappears as if it was never there!

GunSkins is much easier to work with than most people imagine. Our vinyl is very forgiving, able to be peeled off and re-positioned as many times as needed until you have it just where you want it! Not every vinyl wrap is as accommodating as GunSkins. We believe in our product and that's why we offer a 60 Day Money Back Guarantee with every purchase.

"Just add heat and the vinyl goes on neat!"