From a standing start, Custom Coats’ Managing Director, Anthony Hall, has so successfully developed the new vehicle wrapping arm of his business that, in less than 12 months, he is already expanding his premises to accommodate the work he is now generating. And William Smith’s vehicle wrapping course and the materials available from William Smith have played a significant role in getting this business under way.
Custom Coats’ main business is spray-painting and panel beating. However, Anthony decided he wanted to diversify and did the wrapping course in order to help him achieve this.
He had not previously done any vehicle wrapping and, after looking at various wrapping course options, chose William Smith.
“It gave me a good basis to work from,” says Anthony. “I didn’t expect to learn everything but I did get the insight that I anticipated and the confidence to get started. From there I have been building my expertise and experience and am now very confident in what I am doing.”
Anthony is now planning to qualify as a 3M accredited vehicle wrapper in order to take his business to the next level.
From completing the first matt pink wrap in the North East – a Nissan Micra – for a dealership, Custom Coats now gets a lot of work from car dealerships and has also attracted the attention of a motorcycle dealership. In addition, they undertake colour change wraps for other sign companies. All of this followed from people seeing the pink Micra in the showroom, as well as personal visits to dealerships. Anthony is now directing the business towards prestige/executive cars and setting a high standard in terms of quality of work.
Recent work has included an Aston Martin in matt black and a Bentley Flying Spur in black gloss – a colour change from silver.
Anthony uses 3M 1080 series because of choice of colours available and confidence in working with it. “The Aston Martin was done in consultation with the owner,” he explains. “I showed him the materials and put samples on the car. He then chose the matt black for the main body. Black carbon highlights were used on the bumper, bonnet and diffuser, and a black gloss applied to the roof, to blend in with the vehicle’s dark tinted windows.”
3M 1080 Series is a long term, removable dual cast film that has been designed with sufficient rigidity to allow easy handling without the need for application tape. Featuring 3M’s Controltac Comply pressure-activated adhesive, 1080 Series is easy to reposition and ready to use straight from the box. With up to six years durability, these films offer excellent opacity and are highly weather resistant. 1080 Series is suitable for flat surfaces and simple curves. The range offers a choice of 39 matt, gloss and carbon colours.
Recognising the support and service available from William Smith, Anthony comments: “I’m totally committed to William Smith. I can talk to people as and when I need to and they respond quickly to any queries or problems. For example, when I experienced a problem with a wrap, I got instant support and a member of William Smith’s staff immediately came out personally with a replacement roll of film to help me get the job done on time.”
1080 Series is available as full, part or custom slit rolls and same day despatch is provided on full or part roll orders received up to 6.00pm.
For further information about 3M 1080 series or William Smith’s vehicle wrapping courses contact Chris Bradley at:
WILLIAM SMITH
Grove Works, Barnard Castle, County Durham, DL12 8JG
Telephone: 01833 694707 Free Fax: 0800 783 4829
E-mail: info@williamsmith.co.uk Website: www.williamsmith.co.uk
For more information about Custom Coats contact:
07581 642842 www.customcoats.co.uk