01 / Learn the technique
Instructions for Beginners
01 / Material preparation
01
Cut out the pieces of wrapping film before starting.
02
On a clean worktable, place the wrapping film liner-side down.
03
Set the stencil on top of the wrapping film. Using a Sharpie or dry-erase marker, trace the stencil outline onto the film.
04
Remove the stencil and cut out the piece on the inside of the marker outline.
05
Repeat until you have cut the required number of wrapping film pieces.
02 / TWI Bing Bing Plate protocol
01
Set the TWI Bing Bing Plate on a flat surface.
02
Connect the knife to the cable.
03
Remove the liner from the wrapping film and squeegee the film onto the main surface. Avoid bubbles and wrinkles.
04
Place the stencil directly on the wrapping film. Trace its shapes with a Sharpie, then remove the stencil.
05
Extend the blade and safely snap off the top segment into the blade safe box to ensure a sharp edge.
06
Reset the clock and the counter.
07
Have the scorecard ready, if you are using one.
08
When ready, start the clock and begin cutting.
09
Cut exactly on each marked line.
10
Move the Bing Bing Plate or adjust your body position as needed to make good cuts.
11
If a “bing” occurs, keep cutting and complete all the cuts.
12
When the cuts are complete, retract the blade and stop the clock.
13
Before removing the film, check whether any cuts went outside the marked lines. If using a scorecard, record the relevant points.
14
Remove the film and check whether it separates cleanly along the cut lines. Record any tears, incomplete cuts, or uncut lines.
15
Record the completion time, number of bings, off-line cuts, and tears/no cuts. Add up the points if using a scorecard.
TWI tip
Before applying the wrapping film, spray Triple S or a low-tack solution onto the main surface and polish it on. This can make the film easier to remove after cutting. Follow the product instructions and keep liquids away from electrical components.
Beginner recommendation
For beginners, the goal is to master correct cutting technique—not to race against the clock or count every point. Focus on clean cuts and blade control first. Speed and scoring can come later.
03 / Cutting tips
→
Click the blade before cutting. A dull blade makes pressure harder to judge and can cause poor results. A freshly snapped, sharp blade provides a more consistent feel, helping installers cut precisely.
→
Extend the blade. Extending it only one or two clicks can make it easier to press too deeply because of the knife’s weight. The recommended extension is 5–6 clicks, with your grip farther back on the knife, so the blade—not added hand pressure—does the cutting.
→
Maintain a 10-degree blade angle. A high angle (“peaking”) can drive the blade too deep. Keep the blade approximately 10 degrees from the surface. Adjust your body position or rotate the plate rather than forcing a cut.
→
Calculate and adapt before cutting. Film thickness, film type, and temperature change the pressure required. Assess them before each cut.
Thickness
Cast/cut vinyl: approximately 2 mil / 50 microns—typically needs less pressure. Calendered color-change film: approximately 8 mil / 200 microns—typically needs more pressure. Adjust based on the actual film being used.
Film types
PPF: polyurethane has a rubbery feel and generally needs more pressure than PVC. Textured or metallic films: can tear if the cut is too shallow; adjust pressure carefully.
Temperature
Cool workspace: film may be stiffer and need more pressure. Warm workspace: film may be softer and need less pressure.
04 / TWI Balloon cutting challenge
Balloon cutting is an exciting exercise for developing blade-pressure control. Goal: cut the film cleanly without popping the balloon. Use care when handling the sharp blade.
01
Inflate a balloon—not too little and not too much.
02
Take a scrap of wrapping film measuring about 1.5 × 6 inches (5 × 15 cm). Draw three lines from top to bottom with a Sharpie.
03
Place the film on the balloon and secure it as tightly as possible.
04
Snap the blade into the safe box so it is sharp.
05
Hold the balloon firmly with your free hand, keeping that hand clear of the cutting path.
06
Cut along the three lines.
07
Rotate the balloon as you cut to maintain the approximately 10-degree blade angle.
08
When finished, retract the blade.
09
Remove the film and pull along the marked lines to check whether the cuts separate cleanly.
If the balloon pops
Too much pressure may have been applied, or the blade angle may have been higher than 10 degrees. Try again.
If the film does not cut cleanly
If the film tears or does not separate, the cut may have been too shallow. Try again.