So I have a friend that owns a tint shop as a second business and said he would provide me vinyl sheets at cost. I am planning on doing the fender panel that sits in front of the door in black (I have a Chili Red MCSm) and using excess to do some chrome pieces (belt line and grill surround specifically).

My question is if it is difficult to apply vinyl, are there any tips that people have to help me get this job done? I thought this would be a nice little DIY job.

On a side note: does anyone know if there is a standard red that matches chili red that I can ask my guy for? I have some ideas that i want to try to make happen in a body match color, as well as HL & TL rings

 

Get a normal size spray bottle and put (2 drops) of soap in it, shake well to mix it. Then spray alot of it on the area on your car, and in the vinyl.
Position the vinyl and then use a soft squeegy starting from the middle to the outside to get out the bubbles.
Allow at least 1 full day (min) in the sun to dry, 2 days would be ideal.

 

To answer your questions in order. No its fairly easy if you take your time and use the proper tools.

You will need a very sharp (brand new) razor blade to trim off excess once you get the part covered. Make sure you get a plastic squeegee from him, use a water and alcohol mix in a spray bottle on the back of the vinyl. The ratio controls the reposition time more water=more time. Do it in a clean environment the tiniest speck of dust/hair etc. will show massively—use a lot of the water mix to float anything stuck to the glue side and your razor blade to remove it. Stay out of the sun and out of the breeze.

One tip would be to go to your MINI dealer and buy a full complement of the clips for the fender arches. pop the arches off and replace any of the broken clips (they break easy). Otherwise you will have to take even more time and use care to get the vinyl under the arches. Watch where you go with your razor blade while trimming too, razor blades and plastic trim/paint don't get along.

Another tip when you get to the end of what is visible go at least a 1/4" beyond it in all directions and do not stretch the vinyl if you don't have to because it will eventually snap back. (It shrinks over time anyway).

Best thing to do is watch him apply vinyl to a vehicle. (I used to do it for a living a long time ago)

My cowl and fender:

 

I'm interested in doing some interior vinyl work too. What type of material is suitable to be wrapped? Basically anything? Or am I limited to the chrome/plastic parts?
I got a LsB but didn't get any of the interior trim options because PacBlue went away and nothing else really matched except the Polar Beige, but an all black interior with a splash of white on a blue car was a bit much for me. I'm thinking of just throwing a bit of blue around the interior, maybe the e-brake, some of the trim rings, the center armest, cupholders, etc. Not gonna do all of that, maybe 2-3 pieces of blue max, but I don't know which part would hold vinyl the best