Avery Dennison Graphics & Reflective Products Division in partnership with GatorWraps, Inc., and Mossy Oak will give Staff Sergeant Jacob Karl a homecoming he will never forget. SSgt. Karl was greeted with a custom vehicle wrap for his 1997 Ford F-250 truck after returning home from his third tour in Iraq.

Avery Graphics donated its popular MPI 1005 EZ RS film and DOL 1100 matte overlaminate for the truck wrap. The wrap will be custom designed with the new Mossy Oak Break-Up pattern, printed and then installed by GatorWraps at its new location in Ontario, California. MPI 1005 EZ RS is a high-quality cast vinyl film ideal for a wrap project like the one for SSgt. Karl’s truck. The wrap can be adjusted or removed without damaging the truck’s original paint.

According to Tammy Karl, SSgt. Karl’s wife, her husband has a weak spot for the Mossy Oak Break-Up pattern. She contacted GatorWraps to see if it was possible to create the special wrap for her husband in time for his homecoming. Avery Graphics, GatorWraps and Mossy Oak didn’t hesitate to grant Tammy’s request and get the project started. “Being part of this project is very exciting. We are giving back to a soldier and his wife for the sacrifices they have made for our country. Ultimately what we are doing for SSgt. Karl is very little compared to what he has done for us,” said Joel Ross, Marketing Communication Manager for Avery Dennison Graphics & Reflective Products Division.

SSgt. Karl has been a U.S. Marine for almost 13 years. He has served as a recruiter and is currently in Iraq with a unit that trains Iraqi police forces. In his own words, he is doing something very important, being a part of the solution, helping Iraqis be able to stand on their own feet and live happy and safe lives in their own country. SSgt. Karl’s wife Tammy said, “I realize that he is not just our hero, fighting for our freedom and our way of life, but he is their hero too.”

The Avery Graphics wrap featuring the Mossy Oak Break-Up pattern will include a custom design by GatorWraps with the U.S. Marine Corps emblem and silhouettes of U.S. Marines. A shadow of a bull rider will symbolize SSgt. Karl’s love for the rodeo. The wrap will be completed free of charge, and the truck will be waiting for SSgt. Karl when he lands at Camp  Pendleton sometime between August and September 2008.

SkinzWraps, a full-service vehicle wrapping company, announced today that Wingstop has selected the company to be its national vehicle wrap vendor.

“Wingstop’s nationwide expansion (more than 550 restaurants either open or under development in 25 states) is outstanding. We are clearly excited to be selected as their national vehicle wrap vendor and are confident that we can meet their immediate needs and keep pace with their expansion goals,” says Peter C. Salaverry, Chairman & CEO of SkinzWraps.

SkinzWraps, headquartered in Dallas with locations in Los Angeles and Miami, is one of the nation’s premier full service vehicle wrapping companies. SkinzWraps pioneered the concept of “wrapping” vehicles and continues to push this type of outdoor marketing to a new level. Its clients include: Sony Records, American IronHorse, United States Marine Corps, Hooters, Scion of Dallas, Clear Channel Communications, the Dallas Desperados, Dallas Yellow Cab, and Earth Biofuels. For more information, visit the company’s website at http://www.skinzwraps.com.

More recognition for the vehicle wrapping trend has turned up in the Dallas Morning News as these rolling ads make their way north, south, east and west. Check out the article to get some good specs and a pulse on the market. If you want to get in on the game, be sure to tap into the knowledge available in our vehicle wrapping book.

Our books and materials discuss how to use application tape, but if you want to see a first-hand demonstration click here. R Tape is presenting a video called, “Tools of the Wrap Trade” that shows you some useful tools for vehicle wrapping.

You gotta love this article in the Wisconsin State Journal, extolling the virtues of vehicle wrapping. Here’s a quick excerpt:

Wrapped vehicles — boats to buses, sedans to semitrailers, enveloped in brightly colored graphics — are becoming popular marketing tools for businesses big and small.

“Companies are looking for more effective and unique ways of advertising and this is one of them, ” said Bruce Mendelsohn, director of communications for the Marketing Research Association. “I would suspect you ‘ll see more of it. “

We will see more of it, and we need more installers to serve the needs, ultimately. If you have been thinking about getting into vehicle wrapping, this is a good time. But you need some vehicle wrap training. You can get some good training from the PDAA, as well as check out our e-books on vehicle wrapping by clicking here.

Just how do you design a vehicle wrap. I graphic designer friend of mine does wonders with magazines and banners, but when he saw the vehicle template, he didn’t know what in the world to do with it. Here’s a good, very basic explanation of what goes into designing a vehicle wrap. Check back here soon for more detailed information on the topic.

There’s a good overview of color management for vinyl printing over at Digital Output magazine. Here’s a little excerpt”

Fewer proofs means less ink and paper waste and a more efficient production cycle. Efficiency is also realized through predictably. Implementing color management will give you an understanding of the gamut limits of monitors and printers, essential information that pertains to which colors can be accurately reproduced and which can�” says C. David Tobie, product technology manager, Datacolor. Armed with that knowledge, you’ll minimize mistakes.

Color management systems are vital if you are working with vinyl, especially if you are doing any work with major brands that have be be johnny on the spot with the color. Check out our e-book on colors and you’ll discover everything you need to know and maybe a little more.