All surfaces must be thoroughly cleaned before applying your vinyl graphics. The goal is to get your surface as clean as possible. The cleaner your surface is the better the vinyl decal will adhere. This will greatly improve the life of you vinyl decal and will most likely adhere to your surface longer. Follow the instructions below for specific material cleaning procedures.
Plastics, Glass, Base & Painted Metals
We recommend first cleaning these surfaces with a soap
and water solution. Household dishwashing soap works
fine. Next you’ll need rubbing alcohol to remove
any residues. It helps remove residues that could be
left from the soap/water solution. Also if you use car
cleaning products such as car wax, Rain-X, or similar
products these could possibly effect the application
process of your decals. Rubbing alcohol can remove these
and other residues from the surface before applying
your decals. You canpurchase the rubbing alcohol at
alocal shopping store and is relatively inexpensive.
Always follow the instructions on the label. If it will
be used on a painted surface make sure the instructions
say it can be used for that purpose (or fiberglass if
it’s a boat) and test in an inconspicuous area.
You’ll want to dry the surface completely with
a clean cloth or paper towel before applying the decal.
Temperature and Weather Conditions
The optimum temperature range for vinyl graphic adhesion
is 60 - 80 degrees F. The air and surfaces should always
be above 40 degrees F. Very high humidity (above 90
percent) may effect the application process. Also if
possible, try to work in a covered area this will help
keep debris from landing on your surface and direct
sun light from heating the surface. This also helps
shield from wind that can become a big problem, especially
if your installing a very large vinyl graphic..
Installation
1. Lay the graphic face down on a flat work area.
Using a squeegee, credit card, or any flat item, firmly
rub graphic area starting from the center and moving
out toward the edges. This is to insure that the decal
is attached to the “PREMASK”.
2.Apply a single horizontal strip of 2" masking
tape to the top of the graphic. The strip should
be split between the graphic and the surface with 1"
on each side. This strip will be used as a hinge that
will insure the graphic does not move during the application
process.
3. Hold the bottom edge of the hinged graphic away from
the surface and remove the “LINER” to reveal
the sticky backing of the vinyl.
CAUTION: Do not let the exposed graphic fall
onto the surface. The back of the graphic is very tacky
and will tightly adhere to the surface. If the placement
is not correct, removing the graphic for re-placement
will be very difficult or impossible without causing
damage to the vinyl.
4. While still holding the hinged graphic away from
the surface. Use the squeegee or fingers and go from
top to bottom, begining to merge the graphic to the
surface.
Note: Work from top to bottom. Do not let the
entire graphic fall onto the surface. If lines or creases
develop, lift and re-place the graphic.
5. Once the graphic is in proper position and lying
perfectly flat on the surface, press useing firm strokes
going from the center working outward with the squeegee
or fingers to insure the decal is adhered to the surface.
6. Gently remove the “PRE-MASK” tape. Pull the “PRE-MASK” tape away at a sharp flat angle. Do not pull UP or at a 45 degree angle, if you do it may pull up the decal off of the surface. If a part of the decal starts to come up away from the surface rub it back down while the tape is still on, then proceed to remove the tape.
Chances are you’ll get bubbles in your installation
job, this happens with 90% of vinyl installations.
Use a pin needle to prick any large bubbles and press
out the air under the graphic. Smaller bubbles will
breath out and disappear after time.
