Tommy Strader, founder and president of 360 Wraps, has worked in the graphics and installation industry for more than twelve years and his family has been in the automotive aftermarket business for two generations. While employed painting helmets for racecar drivers, Strader discovered Adobe software, digital graphics and printing, and he was hooked. 

360 Wraps most frequently decorates race helmets, creating a unique template for each one. The majority of helmet wraps installed are custom designs, which are digitally printed on AveryMPI 1005 Supercast with DOL 1460 gloss overlaminate. This combination provides the ultimate in conformability for graphics, as DOL 1460 Gloss is the most conformable overlaminate offered by Avery Dennison. It follows the most extreme 3D curves, corrugations and crevices while protecting the printed graphics. 

“The properties of a high quality cast film allow it to stretch, be heated and mold to the contours of a helmet,” says Strader. “We use Avery Dennison MPI 1005 Supercast films because of the films’ superior conformability. They’re much easier to work with, so it’s possible to complete a wrap 30 percent faster. Avery Dennison films don’t require a primer either, which makes the wrap easier to remove.” 

Strader believes that more businesses should consider the real cost of using inferior products versus premium films made specifically for the application. He comments, “Installation of less expensive films is more difficult and can take twice as long, with more risk of mistakes. This can end up costing the shop more money and risks leaving customers dissatisfied. 

“When my customer comes back to me in two years to remove a wrap and update the graphics, I’m still going to be in business because I’m using the best product for the job and one that’s going to be easier for me to remove,” Strader concludes. 

360 Wraps offers in-person and video training, helmet design templates and graphic design, production and installation for a variety of corporate and individual customers from its headquarters in Dallas, Texas. For more information, please visitwww.360wraps.com.