Practical Information
Processing & Handling ORACAL® Premium 970RA
Wrapping Cast Films to Vehicles

Revised 10/2020
Page 1 of 8

Introduction
ORAFOL® films, ORACAL® 970RA Premium Wrapping Cast, Premium Shift Effect Cast, & Premium Special Effect Castfor application to vehicles (hereinafter also referred to as “ORAFOL® film”) are premium grade, self-adhesive film
products manufactured by ORAFOL Europe GmbH & ORAFOL Americas, Inc. (hereinafter also referred to as“ORAFOL”) for temporary vehicle decoration.
Please note that general graphic marking and wrap films are by nature more sensitive than automotive clear coats,and therefore require special care when applying and cleaning. To ensure maximum service life, please refer to andcomply with the current version of our Application Guidelines, Post Care & Maintenance, and Removal Guidelines
listed below.
Application and removal of ORAFOL® films should be carried out exclusively by qualified wrap installers (i.e. trainedand experienced ORAFOL Certified Wrap Installers.)
Inappropriate or incorrect application or removal of ORAFOL® films or use of film types unsuited for the application
may result in substrate surface damage on the vehicle or considerably reduced ORAFOL® film performance and/or
service life.

ContentsService Life
Application Guidelines
Post Care & Maintenance Guidelines
Removal Guidelines
Warranty Information

Service Life
The service life specified in the technical data sheets represents the maximum expected service life for vehicle
vertical outdoor exposure under normal conditions identified as Climate Zone 1 in the below Climate Zone diagram.
The expected service life will be reduced for Climate Zone 2 & 3 as shown in the below tables.
The following tables provide an overview of the expected reduction of maximum service life under deviating
environmental conditions and orientations, divided into three climate zones. Applications with a deviation fromthe vertical level of more than +/-10° are considered horizontal applications. The specific is valid for all ORACAL® solid
color, metallic, and special effect films suitable for vertical and horizontal wrap or general graphic applications (i.e.,
ORACAL® 970RA for full wrap or general graphic application, ORACAL® 975, 951, 851, 751RA, 751, 651 for generalgraphic applications).

ORAFOL Americas – GA
1100 Oracal Parkway
Black Creek, GA 31308
Phone: 888.672.2251

ORAFOL Americas – CT
ORAFOL Canada
120 Darling Drive
2831 Bristol Circle
Avon, CT 06001
Oakville, Ontario L6H 6X5
Phone: 800.654.7570
Phone: 888.727.3374
techsupport-americas@orafol.com – www.orafol.com

Practical Information
Processing & Handling ORACAL® Premium 970RA
Wrapping Cast Films to Vehicles

Revised 10/2020
Page 2 of 8

Expected Maximum Service Life in Years for Solid Color, Metallic, & Special Effect ORACAL® Films(Vertical & Horizontal Exposure)
Climate Zone 1* (Mild Climate)
VerticalHorizontal
Years
12
6
10
5
8
4
7
3.5
6
3
5
2.5
4
2
3
1.5

Climate Zone 2* (Humid/Warm Climate)
VerticalHorizontal
Years
10
5
8
4
6
3
5
2.5
4
2
3
1.5
2
1
1
.5

Climate Zone 3* (Dry/Hot Climate)
VerticalHorizontal
Years
8
4
6
3
4
2
3
1.5
2
1
1.5
.75
1
.50
.5
.25

Climate Zones Defined(The Americas & Caribbean)
Climate Zone 1
All of Canada
United States: (In order of West toEast):
Alaska, Washington, Oregon,
Northern California, Idaho, Montana,
Wyoming, Northern Utah, Colorado,
North Dakota, South Dakota,
Nebraska, Kansas, Minnesota, Iowa,
Northern Missouri, Wisconsin,
Illinois, Michigan, Indiana, Ohio,
Northern Kentucky, Pennsylvania,
Northern West Virginia, Maryland,
Delaware, New Jersey, New York,
Vermont, Massachusetts,
Connecticut, New Hampshire,
Rhode Island, Maine

Climate Zone 2

Climate Zone 3

United States (In order of West toEast):
Central & Southern California, Nevada,Central & Southern Utah, Arizona,
New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas,
Central & Southern Missouri,
Arkansas, Louisiana, Central &Southern Kentucky, Tennessee,
Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia,
Southern West Virginia, Virginia, North
Carolina, South Carolina, Northern &Central Florida

United States (In order of West toEast): Hawaii, Southern Florida

All of Mexico, All Countries
located in Central America, All
Caribbean Countries &Territories
South America: Southern Chile,
Southern Argentina

South America: Central & Northern
Chile, Southern Peru, Southern
Bolivia, Uruguay, Argentina

ORAFOL Americas – GA
1100 Oracal Parkway
Black Creek, GA 31308
Phone: 888.672.2251

South America: Colombia,
Ecuador, Northern Peru, Northern
Bolivia, Paraguay, Venezuela,
Guyana, Suriname, French
Guiana, Brazil

ORAFOL Americas – CT
ORAFOL Canada
120 Darling Drive
2831 Bristol Circle
Avon, CT 06001
Oakville, Ontario L6H 6X5
Phone: 800.654.7570
Phone: 888.727.3374
techsupport-americas@orafol.com – www.orafol.com

Practical Information
Processing & Handling ORACAL® Premium 970RA
Wrapping Cast Films to Vehicles

Revised 10/2020
Page 3 of 8

Climate Zone Map View

Note
The information on expected maximum service life does not justify claims under guarantees, warranties or for otherreasons. The information is based on practical experience under artificial and natural weathering under standard
conditions and is not strictly applicable to the calculation of expected maximum service life for all vehicles, since there
are so many possible influences that may cause perceived reduction in film performance, such as mechanical damage
from an automated car wash, chemical and caustic cleaning agents, environmental impacts - such as acidic dew(“Fallout”), lack of appropriate care and maintenance of the film – such as lack of proper routine cleaning, etc.
Application on boats is generally not recommended below the water line. No warranty is given for applications
under water.

Application Guidelines
Pre-Application GuidelinesThe surface of vehicle must be free of dust, grease, or any other contamination that could keep the film fromadhering properly.



The vehicle should be washed and allowed to dry for 24 hours before wrap installation.
oNooks and crevices that are likely to trap moisture, will result in poor adhesion.

ORAFOL Americas – GA
1100 Oracal Parkway
Black Creek, GA 31308
Phone: 888.672.2251

ORAFOL Americas – CT
ORAFOL Canada
120 Darling Drive
2831 Bristol Circle
Avon, CT 06001
Oakville, Ontario L6H 6X5
Phone: 800.654.7570
Phone: 888.727.3374
techsupport-americas@orafol.com – www.orafol.com

Practical Information
Processing & Handling ORACAL® Premium 970RA
Wrapping Cast Films to Vehicles


Revised 10/2020
Page 4 of 8

Wipe the vehicle with ORACAL® Pre-Wrap Surface Cleaner or isopropyl alcohol just before the installation toremove any soap residue or dust.
oChange cleaning rags often throughout the cleaning process for best results.

oNooks, crevices, and under rubber seals should also be cleaned with one of these agents to promote
proper adhesion into these areas.

o

It is also possible to go over these areas with a heat gun to help in drying these areas.

Keep the vehicle in a controlled environment at the minimum temperate of 59°F during the drying time.

The graphics must be stored in a controlled environment between 65°F & 75°F, for a minimum of 24 hours
prior to installation to promote an ideal application experience and performance.

Application Guidelines


Review Pre-Application Guidelines prior to proceeding to Application Guidelines.



Required Application Tools:
The following tools are crucial for applicationoApplication Squeegee with felt edge (soft, natural fiber-based felts are recommended)oWrap Sticks (various sizes and angles to assist with material tucking in to tight spaces)oCutting Tapeo

Sharp angled cutting and slitting bladeo

Mobile Heat Source (Heat Gun, Infrared Station, PodSteamer, or Propane Torch)oInfrared ThermometeroBlue ORACAL® WrapGlove™ or White ORAFOL® GHOST™ Glove
Wet Application Notice:o

Wet application is possible for decorative striping and lettering on flat or slightly curved surfaces, but onlywith non-air-egress adhesive films, i.e., ORACAL 975, 951, 851, 751, 651.

oFilms with air-egress (ORACAL 970RA) (751RA) (RA = RapidAir®) should only be applied using a dry
application and never using a wet application.

For best results the film should be installed in an enclosed climate controlled environment, kept between
65°F & 75°F for proper film and adhesive performance.

For optimal results the installation environment and vehicle surface temperature should remain between
65°F & 75°F.
o

The colder the temperature, the more brittle the film and less tacky the adhesive will perform.

o

The warmer the temperature, the more pliable the film and more aggressive the adhesive will perform.

oEither of these described conditions will result in the need to alter the installation process and require
more time to complete the installation.

ORAFOL Americas – GA
1100 Oracal Parkway
Black Creek, GA 31308
Phone: 888.672.2251

ORAFOL Americas – CT
ORAFOL Canada
120 Darling Drive
2831 Bristol Circle
Avon, CT 06001
Oakville, Ontario L6H 6X5
Phone: 800.654.7570
Phone: 888.727.3374
techsupport-americas@orafol.com – www.orafol.com

Practical Information
Processing & Handling ORACAL® Premium 970RA
Wrapping Cast Films to Vehicles


Revised 10/2020
Page 5 of 8

It is important to keep the vehicle in a temperature controlled environment throughout the installation forbest results and reducing the risk of complications.



If the surface temperature of the vehicle is below 59°F, it is recommended to heat up the vehicle surface witha mobile infrared heating station to help improve adhesion properties.



After the initial application of the film, post heat full web of the film to a temperature of approximately 150°F
to allow the adhesive to begin to acclimate to the large flat sections of the vehicle body. This will also reveal
any remaining air bubbles that may have been missed during application.
oMultiple rounds of heat and pressure are recommended for deep recesses and corrugations toassist in developing the film’s new contoured memory.

o

All Edges, Recesses, Tucked Areas must be post-heated to a temperature of 230°F to 248°F to help
collapse and effectively anchor the film and adhesive in these areas.

oAllow the film to cool back down to room temperature.

oApply pressure to intended area where cutting/trimming will eventually take place with finger orsqueegee pressure. The material should be completely smooth where applied to the vehicle surface,
and free of wrinkles, “fingers”, or air bubbles.

oTrim the material using the cutting tape or cutting blade, taking care not to cut into the vehicle clear
coat, glass, light fixtures, plastic trim, etc.

oAfter the film has been trimmed, post heat once more to a temperature of approximately 150°F.


If the material begins to lift or pucker in the areas where trimming occurred, the material
was not properly set by the installer.



Using the WrapGlove®, apply gliding finger pressure to the area of the film that was
trimmed to press it back into place. The assistance of edge seal tape or clear laminate strips
may be required to anchor the edge of the material back into place.



If this is not applicable, the material may need to be removed, and a new panel installedwith appropriate adjustments being made to the installation method.

Post-Application Guidelines

The vehicle must remain in a temperature controlled environment for a minimum of 24 hours after
installation for the film to adequately begin to acclimate to the application surface.
o Full acclimation of the film may take upwards of 72 hours, depending on the environment.
Prior to delivering the vehicle back to the owner, perform one last inspection to identify any areas where air
bubbles or edge lifting may have occurred and take corrective action.
o Pay close attention to:Corners
Recesses
Termination points where cuts were made, such as:Window and wheel well edges
Side view mirrors

ORAFOL Americas – GA
1100 Oracal Parkway
Black Creek, GA 31308
Phone: 888.672.2251

ORAFOL Americas – CT
ORAFOL Canada
120 Darling Drive
2831 Bristol Circle
Avon, CT 06001
Oakville, Ontario L6H 6X5
Phone: 800.654.7570
Phone: 888.727.3374
techsupport-americas@orafol.com – www.orafol.com

Practical Information
Processing & Handling ORACAL® Premium 970RA
Wrapping Cast Films to Vehicles



Revised 10/2020
Page 6 of 8


Bottoms & side edges of doors and tailgates
24 hours after installation is complete, apply a coat of the ORACAL® Long-Lasting Sealo The ORACAL® Long-Lasting Seal provides a long-term protection of your car wrapping film.

The version developed for glossy car wrapping films will provide an extremely smoothsurface with a unique deep gloss. Contains PTFE.

The version developed for matte car wrapping films is a water-free product with very highcarnauba wax content.
o Achieve the highest possible degree of protection with ORACAL® cleaning and care agents.

Post Care & Maintenance Guidelines

Remind the vehicle owner:o To wait a minimum of 72 hours to wash their vehicle.
o For general maintenance, every 2-3 weeks hand wash with a simple mixture of mild detergent andwater or ORACAL® Shampoo and water mixture with clean, soft-microfiber cloth rags. Rinse and drywith clean soft-microfiber cloth rags.
o Try to avoid pressure washing. If pressure washing is unavoidable hold the nozzle least 15 + inches
away, at a 45° angle, with a water temperature of 67°-77°F. Avoid the film edges.
o Pressure washing too closely to a film edge will cause pre-mature failure such as edge lifting,chipping, cracking. This is not a material failure and is not warranted by ORAFOL Americas, Inc.
Using aggressive, caustic cleaners and mechanical brushes and other aggressive cleaning procedures will
result in reduction of the film’s performance life, damage to film overlapping seams/edges, and add overall
frustration.

Removal Guidelines
ORAFOL® films are equipped with high-quality adhesive with permanent final adhesion. Refer to the specific producttechnical data sheet for specific information regarding adhesive type.


ORACAL 970RA Premium Wrapping Cast, Shift Effect, & Special Effect, as well as ORACAL® 975 Premium
Textured films offer an adhesive formulation that is remarkably easier to remove from vehicle surfaces withthe assistance of heat with minimal to no residue being left behind.
o

ORACAL® 975 Premium Textured films may remove in smaller sections due to the embossed textured
structure of the film.



ORACAL® 951, 851, 751RA, 751, and 651 marking films have permanent final adhesive with no guarantee
regarding the amount of adhesive residue being left behind on the vehicle surface.

In any case, it is possible for some adhesive residue to remain on the vehicle surface when removing the film.
Such residues can be removed with a silicone-free citrus-based adhesive remover. Be sure to rinse away any
remaining residue with a mild detergent and water mixture.

ORAFOL Americas – GA
1100 Oracal Parkway
Black Creek, GA 31308
Phone: 888.672.2251

ORAFOL Americas – CT
ORAFOL Canada
120 Darling Drive
2831 Bristol Circle
Avon, CT 06001
Oakville, Ontario L6H 6X5
Phone: 800.654.7570
Phone: 888.727.3374
techsupport-americas@orafol.com – www.orafol.com

Practical Information
Processing & Handling ORACAL® Premium 970RA
Wrapping Cast Films to Vehicles

Revised 10/2020
Page 7 of 8

For Best Removal Results:Removal should be performed within the stated durability period for the specific vinyl.
Optimal removal results will occur within the first (4) four years of the service period or once film discoloration
or fading begins to appear.
Environment and surface temperature must be at least +68°F before ORAFOL® films can be removed.
o

For colder month climates, bring the vehicle surface temperature to at least +68°F. If not brought tothis temperature prior to removal, an excessive amount of adhesive residue is likely to remain on thevehicle surface.

First, warm the surface area of the graphic with a heat gun, propane torch, infrared heat station, or industrial
PodSteamer to a temperature between +104°F & +140°F



Carefully lift up one corner of the ORAFOL® film with a fingernail or plastic blade.

Then slowly draw the film from the surface at a 90° to 180° angle.



Heating the film moderately throughout the removal process is recommended. Maintaining a temperature
between +104°F & +140°F while pulling makes removal considerably easier.



Removing behaviour is also markedly affected by the type and texture of the surface and the conditions of use.

Warranty Information
In the event of non-compliance with the information outlined throughout this document, any warranty or liability
shall be void. The service life of ORAFOL® films applied to any automobile or vehicle type is determined by following
the Processing & Handling Guidelines outlined throughout this document. Application and Removal of ORAFOL®
films shall only be done by trained specialists (i.e. skilled and experienced vehicle wrap application specialists). With
the stated information throughout this document, the trained wrap specialists are responsible for the quality of wrap
or graphic application and removal, while general day to day maintenance and care for the vehicle wrap lies on thevehicle owner. The information provided in the Processing & Handling instructions is based exclusively on our current
knowledge and experience. It constitutes neither a warranty of certain properties nor a quality or durability
guarantee with regard to our ORAFOL® films. We are not responsible for costs incurred for the removal of our films.
ORAFOL will enter into project-related warranty agreements with verified, qualified vehicle wrap production andinstallation companies. For information pertaining to custom warranties, please contact an ORAFOL Regional SalesManager for more information. For additional information related to application, removal, or general care andmaintenance, please contact an ORAFOL Product Technical Support Specialist.

Note
Surfaces to which the material will be applied must be thoroughly cleaned from dust, grease or any contamination
which could affect the adhesion of the material. Freshly lacquered or painted surfaces should be completely cured. The
compatibility of selected lacquers and paints should be tested by the user, prior to application of the material. Films
with structured surface are naturally more sensitive than the unstructured. Accordingly, these films are to be treatedcarefully both in processing and in cleaning. Impurities affect the appearance of structured films and require more

ORAFOL Americas – GA
1100 Oracal Parkway
Black Creek, GA 31308
Phone: 888.672.2251

ORAFOL Americas – CT
ORAFOL Canada
120 Darling Drive
2831 Bristol Circle
Avon, CT 06001
Oakville, Ontario L6H 6X5
Phone: 800.654.7570
Phone: 888.727.3374
techsupport-americas@orafol.com – www.orafol.com

Practical Information
Processing & Handling ORACAL® Premium 970RA
Wrapping Cast Films to Vehicles

Revised 10/2020
Page 8 of 8

frequent cleaning. Furthermore the application information published by ORAFOL is to be considered. The batch
traceability according to ISO 9001 is possible on the basis of the roll number.
IMPORTANT NOTICEAll ORAFOL® products are subject to careful quality control throughout the manufacturing process and are warranted
to be of merchantable quality and free from manufacturing defects. Published information concerning ORAFOL®
products is based upon research which the Company believes to be reliable, although such information does notconstitute a warranty. Because of the variety of uses of ORAFOL® products and the continuing development of new
applications, the purchaser should carefully consider the suitability and performance of the product for each intended
use, and the purchaser shall assume all risks regarding such use.
All specifications are subject to change without prior notice.

ORAFOL Americas – GA
1100 Oracal Parkway
Black Creek, GA 31308
Phone: 888.672.2251

ORAFOL Americas – CT
ORAFOL Canada
120 Darling Drive
2831 Bristol Circle
Avon, CT 06001
Oakville, Ontario L6H 6X5
Phone: 800.654.7570
Phone: 888.727.3374
techsupport-americas@orafol.com – www.orafol.com