Well, I wanted to break things up a bit, so I've gotten MINI's checkerboard sunroof vinyl.

I really like the look! Unfortunately, we've got ugly weather here, but thought I'd post some quick pix, nonetheless.

My MA did the application for free- service wanted nothing to do with it! Very happy with it. Accurate alignment is a you-know-what! Took about an hour and a half. He used a hair dryer/hand heater to improve the seal before removing the final skin or top layer. Supposed to make the edges stick better.

Will post more wants the weather lightens up - on to the mud flaps! (Well, driving the car to service tomorrow!)

 

Very spiffy. What's that do from the inside?


Sealy - Who wants to know if it only comes black and white or can you get it white and black to put on a white roof?

 

Well, interestingly enough, it is all white! The spaces that look black are simply the moonroof glass! So I think it would look exactly the same on a white roof! And it is a neat effect from the inside - will include some pix when the weather clears.

Each piece of film, front and rear, comes sandwiched between a bottom and top protectant layer. The MA took the bottom layer off the film, and we sprayed some soapy water on the roof to act as a lubricant to allow the film to be positioned accurately. After a few tries, got the front lined up all the way around, and he used a specially designed squeegee to "set" the film.

But as I said, he only squeegeed the white squares, since there are no black squares!

Repeat with the back.

Back to the front - Next, he tried to peel the top layer of film off - this is where he used the hair dryer. Sometimes a corner of a white square would look like it was not staying attached to the glass, wanting to peel off with the top layer of film. He'd re-squeegee and use the heat to help tighten the grip of the adhesive. Definitely slow going.

The look from inside is very cool. When you look up, the white squares are basically opaque, or pretty close. The black squares are simply the normal moonroof glass, so you see the normal view!

I figure this will also reduce heating of the interior - not to mention the solar film that you may notice on all the windows except the windshield. Definitely makes a difference!

The MA said it was harder than other MINIs because of the extra height of the car - he could reach across them without issue. With the CM, we opened the doors and stepped onto the running boards (not exactly the right term, but hopefully you get the idea) to more easily reach the roof.

 

Are you sure thats checkers


That's Checkers

 

Looks great!! Anxious to see the interior shots!!

 

looks AWESOME...If I send you my Mini will you do mine that way also....HEHE..Just kidding...Posting would be outrageous...Im wanting to do miniME in checkers also.

 

Looking very nice!!

 

An interesting optical illusion. What looks white when looking at the roof from the outside appears to be black when looking out, from within!

What looked black when looking from the outside, is now transparent when looking out from inside!



The blurry edges on the squares are due more to iPhone 4 low-res camera - I used the camera that would normally be used for FaceTime. That way, I could have the camera down and still see what the image would be like when taking the picture. Hope that makes sense.

 

The worst thing to do when applying vinyl to glass is use the "wet method" because it takes forever to squeegee out the fluid (soapy water) from under the vinyl. It's a phenomenon only related to glass surfaces.

Best thing to do is position the graphic exactly as you want it then use the "hinge method" using a piece of masking tape on one end and removing, peeling back, the liner from underneath as you go along and squeegee on the graphic.

Of course you would have already cleaned and preped the glass surface with acetone since it leaves no residue. On a painted surface you would prep with alcohol. I'd have that project done in under 20 minutes.

Believe me, I've been doing this for 20 years come January.

 

I don't doubt you - but unfortunately, you were not an option!

Good to know for the next time, though.

 

Wish I could have helped. I've taken a real laid back approach over the years to graphics application. I've found that it's really amazing how forgiving vinyl can be. Then again, not all vinyl is forgiving. Like anything else, there are different grades (i.e.; cast and calendared) and thicknesses.

I only work with the best, 3M Premium 2mil High Performance vinyl when I cut vinyl graphics. I also do digital printing, raised dimensional lettering, CNC carved signs, gold leaf, custom cast bronze plaques, etc.

Only reason I posted that was it reminded me of when I first went into biz and did the same thing on a storefront window. I was there for hours.

Today I'd be out of there (same project) in about 15 minutes or less.

 

It looks adorable!! I love the checkerboard pattern. If you get tired of this look,though, can you easily remove it? My CM will not have a sunroof, can I apply this to the regular roof?

 

Just like other films - supposed to come off pretty easily. Hopefully, I won't find out!

Don't know about putting these onto regular roof - I'll let someone else take that one.

 

Easily removed by heating with a hair dryer to soften the adhesive. Any adhesive residue left on the surface of the vehicle can be removed with "Goo Gone" or a citrus based adhesive remover.

 

Love your checkers!!!