Support for Center Console Wrap (Gen. 1 & 2 Available) for Model 3 / Y

What NOT to Do:

• Don't pull straight down with your squeegee
• Don't squeegee at 45 degrees
• Don't try to force wrinkles out by pushing hard
• Don't rush the edges — going too fast creates permanent creases

The Right Technique:

• Think shallow angle: Use a very small angle, around 5 to 10 degrees
• Go side to side: You're "knifing" the vinyl in, NOT pushing downward
• Go slowly: Speed causes wrinkles
• Hold slight tension: Gently guide the vinyl while keeping it smooth
• Add heat if needed: Light heat softens the vinyl so it lays down cleanly
• Use wrap gloves: Better control on edges

What Good Technique Looks Like:

• Use firm, consistent pressure
• Overlap every squeegee stroke (think: brick-laying pattern)
• Use your hands only in valleys and only with even pressure
• After installation, lightly heat the panel to reveal any bubbles
• Push bubbles out or lift and reset the vinyl while it's still warm

What Happens When It's Too Cold:

• Vinyl becomes stiff and brittle
• It tears or cracks easily
• It won't stretch cleanly
• The car's metal surface stays cold, so the vinyl struggles to stick

Cold weather wrapping is not recommended. Gloss films get brittle the fastest.

What Happens When It's Too Hot:

• Vinyl gets gummy and overly soft
• It stretches even when you don't want it to
• Shapes deform easily, creating warped or uneven spots
• The constant heat keeps the vinyl from snapping back to its original memory
• Harder to control because everything is warm all the time

This makes clean installs MUCH harder.

Use the Right Squeegee:

• Don't reuse old, damaged, or dirty squeegees
• Replace the felt often (or use a new squeegee for every major job)
• If you drop it on the ground, swap it out immediately

A fresh edge gives you smoother glide and fewer scratches.

How to Hold the Squeegee:

• Use all four fingers along the back for stability
• Use your thumb to anchor your grip
• Avoid gripping with two fingers — it causes uneven pressure

The Best Angles:

• 45 degrees is the most common working angle
• 60 and 90 degrees are used occasionally depending on pressure needed
• The goal is a smooth, controlled glide

The Secret to Clean Installs: OVERLAP

• Never squeegee in separate, spaced-out passes
• Each stroke must overlap the previous one
• Overlap prevents air tracks and surprise bubbles
• Think of it like laying down bricks side by side

You can practice this by drawing angled lines on scrap vinyl and following them to build muscle memory.

The Pro Fix You Can Do at Home:

This method works for old or stubborn bubbles that won't squeegee out.

1. Use a syringe with a fine angled needle
   This lets you release trapped air without making visible holes.
2. Poke at an angle
   You want the needle to slip between the vinyl and air pocket, not down into the paint.
3. Add light heat
   Heat softens the vinyl and helps it settle after the air escapes.
4. Massage the area
   Use a wrap glove or microfiber to gently press the vinyl down over the bubble area.
5. Trim excess material if needed
   Too much extra vinyl around handles or corners can trap air and lift over time.
6. Repeat for remaining bubbles
   Large bubbles may need more than one release point.
7. Post-heat the area
   Use high heat to mimic sun exposure. If the vinyl stays flat while hot, it will stay flat long-term.