3M™ DI-NOC™ Carbon Fibre Vinyl Fitting Instructions and FAQs

What is all the buzz about 3M™ DI-NOC™ Carbon Fibre Vinyl, is it really that awesome?
3M™ DI-NOC™ Carbon Fibre Vinyl is a high end vinyl that looks so much like genuine carbon fibre it is often very difficult to tell it appart from the real thing.  Unlike cheaper carbon fibre vinyls it has a 3D texture that reflects light from different angles just as real carbon would and giving the look of expensive dry carbon look without the cost - and that's not even the best bit.

3M™ DI-NOC™ is easy to apply, even for a novice, it must be applied using a dry application method since DI-NOC™ adhesive is Comply™ based.  It has lots of tiny grooves on the adhesive side which allow air to escape as you apply it to prevent air bubbles and when gently heated it becomes pliable allowing installation on complex curves such as on car bumpers and interior trim.  If you wrinkle it while installing simply heat it and it will return to it's original shape.

How can I be sure 3M™ DI-NOC™ Carbon Fibre Vinyl is as amazing as you say?
We are so sure you'll want to place an order once you have seen 3M™ DI-NOC™ for real we offer a free sample for you to play with.  It's only small but it gets you an excellent feel for the quality.  If you want to try a larger piece there are sizes as small as 10 x 20cm available to order in our online store.

What sizes is 3M™ DI-NOC™ Carbon Fibre Vinyl available in?
We supply a range of sizes suitable for almost every application starting at 10 x 20cm.  We stock the vinyl on a roll that is 1220mm wide.  This is the widest dimension you can you can order.  The roll is 50 meters in length and we can supply sheets cut to any dimensions within this.  If you need to cover an area wider than 1220mm it is possible to join two sheets together seamlessly by matching the pattern of the weave on the vinyl.

Are there any hints for measuring the size I need to order?
You should always take the time to measure the item you wish to wrap with the 3M™ DI-NOC™ vinyl.  You need to remember to allow a little extra on all sides so that you have a margin for error when fitting.  It is also a good idea to make sure you have enough extra that you can practice with a small piece to get a feel for how the vinyl behaves and the amount of heat you need to use to allow it to begin to stretch and form over curves and round corners.  Lastly, remember that if you are measuring a curve you need to use a tape measure and let it flow along the curve, don't measure in a straight line to save time.

We've tried to give an indication of the possible uses for each size of sheet we offer in the descriptions in our store.

Who can fit 3M™ DI-NOC™ vinyl for me?
Most window tint shops and signwriters will be able to install the vinyl for you.

Can I fit 3M™ DI-NOC™ vinyl myself?
Anyone can fit the carbon fibre vinyl although the degree of skill and patience required increases with the complexity of the item you wish to wrap.  Wrapping a laptop or netbook lid is pretty easy as is fitting a carbon fibre sunstrip.  Wrapping a roof is also reasonably easy with the main difficulty being handling a large sheet of vinyl and reaching the roof.

The main things to consider before starting to fit the carbon fibre vinyl yourself are:

• Have a read through the 3M™ DI-NOC™ vinyl fitting instructions - there's a bit of dry reading in there but there are some good diagrams
• Get the correct tools - a hair dryer or heat gun, new craft knife and squeegee [flexible plastic tool used to press the vinyl onto your item and remove air bubbles while your are installing] are the essentials and you may also want to have a measuring tape, scissors and someone to help on hand depending on the job you are going to do
• Ensure you have somewhere clean and dry to work and plenty of time to do the job
• Plan what your moves will be before starting and take your time as you start to fit the vinyl

Can the vinyl be used outdoors like on a car or bike and how long will it last inside?
3M™ rate the vinyl with a 12 year indoor lifespan and up to 5 years outdoors dropping to 3 in desert sun.  Exposure to UV light is what causes the biggest problem so if your car is parked in the sun all day the vinyl won't last as long as if your car were garaged.  The vinyl is resistant to rain and snow giving you years to enjoy the carbon look and actually protects the paintwork from most stone chips.

Are there any special care instructions?
The vinyl can be cleaned using a non-abrasive soap and water.

What surfaces will the vinyl stick to?
The 3M™ DI-NOC™ vinyl fitting instructions give full details but the most common substrates our customers will apply to are painted metal, plastic and glass.  Other surfaces it will adhere to include wood, plaster board and concrete.

Should I use primer when applying to a vehicle?
A lot of websites have articles which talk about using a 3M Primer when applying Di-Noc vinyl.  3M recommends primer only for joins, edges, deep recesses and surfaces that offer low adhesion such as walls or where the application is to be permanent.  3M WP-3000 is best for this as it is water based and safe for use on plastic and painted surfaces.  The primer increases longevity and reduces chances of shrinkage.

3M Primer 94 is a solvent based primer intended for use with 3M Tapes and may damage paint or plastic.  It is not recommended for use with Di-Noc vinyl.

3M™ DI-NOC™ has a matt finish that looks like dry carbon fibre, is there any way to give it a glossy clear coat?
Some customers have asked if 3M™ make a gloss carbon fibre vinyl or if there is a way to make the matt carbon glossy.  Since 3M™ don't offer a gloss version there are two options - applying a gloss spray clear coat or wrap the carbon vinyl with a clear vinyl such as that used to prevent stone chips.  Although this sounds like a plan the reality is that the clear vinyl will take on the texture of the carbon fibre vinyl underneath making it difficult to achieve the look that you want.  The 3M Datasheets state that clear coating is possible using 3M Lacquer but it may not achieve the results you expect.  We have a big name company who are testing the Di-Noc with lacquer and they have reported good results.  More information will be added when they have shipped the results to us for inspection.

What if I want to remove the film?

DI-NOC™ vinyl film can be removed but in some cases can damage the substrate in the process. 3M™ offers the followig advice for removing the film but do say that the effort required and end result can vary:

• Cut the film with lines around 10cm apart - be very careful not to cut right through the film and damage the substrate
• Gently heat the film to be removed with a hair dryer or heat gun to soften the adhesive
• Pull the film down at an angle of 150 degrees quickly, before it cools
• Repeat heating and removing until finished

Any glue residue can be removed with tar and glue remover from a car accessories shop.

What warranty is offered?
We do not offer a warranty or accept returns unless the product is unused and in fully resalable condition or in the event of a manufacturing defect being found.  This means you cannot return the product if you have cut it, removed the backing paper or damaged it.  Durability cannot be guaranteed as this really depends on correct fitting.  Testing by 3M™ has shown the vinyl to be highly durable.

Do you ship to locations outside of the UK?
We ship internationally on a daily basis.  During the week this was written we have shipped to Finland, Portugal, Spain and Dubai.  Your vinyl is shipped in a protective tube to ensure it arrives safely.  Remember you are responsible for any import taxes or handling fees and please don't ask us to mark your goods as a gift or sample or a value lower than that of the actual item.

Are there any other colours?
Other colours include silver, white and grey.  We keep a small amount of the Arctic White [bright white] and Diamond White [very light silver] in stock.