Digital Designware and the International Sign Association (ISA) are hosting the American Wrap Star contest for the first time at ISA Expo in Orlando, Florida from April 8 – April 10.

The contest will award $250,000 worth of prizes. 3M announced that it is the platinum sponsor of the event, providing 3M product as prizes, on-site support and demonstration, along with 3M Controltac Wrap Film with Comply v3 Adhesive IJ180Cv3 and 3M Scotchcal Ultra-Matte Overlaminate 8915 which will be used in the competition.

Dirk Moebes, CEO of Digital Designware and event director, explained, “Last October we held a similar event during the Viscom show in Duesseldorf, Germany with huge success and immense response. We are more than happy to co-cost the event at ISA. And we’ve garnered strong support from key sponsors, such as 3M. Without 3M as the platinum Sponsor, an event like this would not take place.”

The competition will consist of five rounds during the three show days. Wrappers will compete on speed and quality and will be judged by a panel of international wrap experts. Participants who survive the first round will be promoted to the next until only two remain.

A maximum of 128 wrappers can participate in the contest and all participants, regardless of ranking, will receive a prize. The prizes awarded to the top winners will include a flatbed applicator, vinyl cutter with camera system and software, digital printer, 3M materials and laminator. Those who are eliminated after the first round will still be awarded a package of vouchers for vinyl, overlaminate and other supplies, software and wrap tools worth nearly $1,800.

The current list of event sponsors includes 3M, Summa, Rollsroller, HP, Mutoh, Royal Sovereign, Corel, Pro Vehicle Outline, Cadlink, Digital Art Solutions, Yellotools, Image1Impact, Wrap Expterts and many others.

Vehicle wraps are so 2009. With many boats sitting on the sidelines during the winter months, it’s the perfect time to hone up on your skills in the next big wrap wave - boats.

The opportunity is vast. U.S. recreational boating demand will grow 5.3 percent annually through 2011, according to market research firm Freedonia Group. Powerboats will lead the charge in the boat category. While the South offers the best opportunities for boat vinyl installations because of the large population of boats in the region, wrappers from across the country can get in on the action that is the $15.7 billion U.S. recreational boating industry.

Need to learn how to apply vinyl? Check out our e-book on Vinyl Application 101.

Beyond the sheer numbers, consider the repeat business. Even though boat wraps typically last a couple of years, many boat owners opt for a fresh wrap every year because the salt water is rough on the vinyl - and the gas spillage can cause some damage around the fuel tank. And if water seeps in, the wrap is, well, a wrap - if it’s not dried quickly. Even small tears can cause big problems for these on-water vessels.

“We’ve seen a tremendous increase in the number of inquiries for interested boat owners, and we expect the growth to continue for the foreseeable future” says Pete LoBrutto, owner of Impressions on the Go, a vinyl installation company in Austin. “It’s a lot less expensive than painting a boat, the boat doesn’t have to be transported to our location, and boat owners like the fact that they can design almost anything they want for their wrap.”

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The Avery Dennison Graphics & Reflective Products Division just rolled out the MPI 1005 Supercast Series, a line of next generation conformable cast vinyl films.

Supercast films feature enhanced conformability and stay down over complex curves and rivets with no tenting or lifting – a new option that is ideal for vehicle wraps, fleet graphics and architectural applications.

“I’ve been installing vehicle wraps for many years and the Avery MPI 1005 Supercast films are the most conformable films I’ve worked with and seen on the market,” says Justin Pate, a globally recognized graphic installer with 14 years of experience. “It’s like driving a super luxury car and did everything I have always wanted a film to do with the greatest of ease. The print quality is top shelf and wraps are faster and easier to install and the colors really pop.”

Need to learn more about vehicle wrapping? Check out our e-book, How to Wrap Vehicles.

MPI 1005 Supercast is available with Easy Apply RS, Easy Apply and Gloss Opaque LTR technologies to provide faster and easier application and long-term removability. Easy Apply air egress technology helps eliminate wrinkles and bubbles while Easy Apply RS provides repositionability and slideability, allowing the film to be moved easily before pressure is applied.

“These films offer the ultimate in print quality and conformability for a variety of applications,” says Elizabeth Parks, Global Products Manager at Avery Dennison. “Because MPI 1005 Supercast films feature Easy Apply RS and Easy Apply technologies, installation with these films is easier and quicker which reduces application time and lowers cost.”

Key features of the Avery MPI 1005 Supercast series include:

• Enhanced conformability allows the films to stay down over complex curves and rivets
• Expanded color gamut capability
• High gloss and smooth face make images and colors pop
• Consistent printability and enhanced image quality

By pairing MPI 1005 Supercast with Avery Graphics overlaminates, Avery says longer-term durability and rigidity are achieved.