New Vinyl Wrapping Book Is a Valuable Training Resource

IN AN EARLIER EPOCH of my life with Signs of the Times, I managed the company’s tiny book division, and I’ve always had a thing for books. Recently, CarTech (Forest Lake, MN) sent me a copy of their new SA Design title, How to Vinyl Wrap Cars, Trucks & Motorcycles.

As a CarTech title, the intended audience tilts more to auto-specific professionals who likely are also involved with other aspects of vehicle services than it does to sign companies. For example, one small section is entitled, “Working with a Vinyl Print Shop.” Still, the authors (Tyler Copenhaver-Heath, Elliot Hutchens and Travis Hunt) do a good job presenting overviews of the wrap market, how applying vinyl graphics works, and most importantly, the actual step-by-step installation process — all painstakingly laid out in 455 photos.

With all the apparent little facets of wrapping well covered, this book would make a good resource for sign companies or wrap shops to give to new employees as a supplement to hands-on training — the best way to learn to wrap in the opinion of most wrap pros.

While I did not see any step-by-step photos for motorcycle applications, I still feel the book is fairly comprehensive and — reasonably priced at under $40 — it’s a solid investment for training.

Whatever Happened To ST’s Books?

In September 2020, SmartWork Media acquired Signs of the Times, all other publications and events from ST Media Group, including the book titles. With no way to administer a book division, all book inventory and rights were sold to Brown Technical (Houston), which continues to sell a number of ST book titles on Amazon — including Mastering Layout, Neon Techniques and ST’s version of Vehicle Wrapping. You can find these and more by searching within “Books” on amazon.com for “ST Media Group International.”