The short answer
You can wrap a car, truck or van in the middle of an Ottawa winter. Vinyl has to go on a warm, clean, dry surface, so we never install outside in the cold: every winter install happens inside our shop. Once it's on, the wrap handles cold, snow and salt fine.
Why the install has to be indoors
Vinyl adhesive needs warmth to grab properly. On a cold panel it doesn't stick well, it's stiff around curves, and edges can lift later. A vehicle that comes in covered in snow and salt is washed, dried and brought up to room temperature before we start.
Why winter can be a good time
The vinyl protects your paint from winter salt and the rust that comes with it, which is one reason our fleet customers wrap work trucks. Winter is also when many businesses are a little quieter, so it's a good time to have vehicles off the road and ready for spring.
Looking after a wrap in winter
Rinse the salt and slush off regularly, like you would with paint. Touchless car washes are fine. Brush snow off gently with a soft brush, and don't scrape the vinyl with an ice scraper: use it on the glass only.
Mobile installs in winter
Our mobile van installs decal kits, graphics and signage at your location. In winter, that works best indoors, in a heated garage or bay. If you don't have one, bring the vehicle to our shop in Kemptville.
