General Vinyl Application Instructions: Watch Video
Skill Level of Installer
A handy person with proper instructions can install moderately sized Vinyl Decals. When installing decals larger than truck door- sized, it is suggested that an adequately experienced person do the installation. Please keep in mind that we will only warranty decals that have been determined to come from a defective lot of material. All other adhesion or installation related problems are assumed to be the fault of improper conditions or other installer related error. We strongly suggest you wait at least 60 days after painting a surface before applying any decal, because should you ever wish to remove the decal the paint will come off with it if the paint is not properly cured before application.
Learn the Terms. Each Decal at the time of purchase consists of 3 parts:
Please read this section carefully, especially if you are new to Vinyl Decal installations.
Application Paper
Application Paper is the Mask that we apply to your Decal that makes multiple letters stay together. It is necessary for us to apply this mask to make Decals ready for install. This Mask is either made of paper or plastic, depending on the characteristics of the decal.
Decal
This is the actual adhesive Decal that you have purchased. It is sandwiched between the application paper and the backing at the time of purchase. The Decal is what ends up installed to the surface.
Backing
The Backing is the wax paper that is applied to the sticky side of the decal. This Backing keeps the Decal from sticking to anything prior to install.
Surface Compatibility:
The Surface must be a Hard, Flat, and Non- Porous. Installation to any other surfaces is not recommended, unless you are an experienced Vinyl Installer. Special skills are needed to deal with major bodylines, complex curves, corrugated surfaces, etc. We strongly suggest you wait at least 60 days after painting a surface before applying any decal, because should you ever wish to remove the decal the paint will come off with it if the paint is not properly cured before application.
Surface Temperature and Weather Conditions:
Adequate Surface Temperature and Weather Conditions are necessary before attempting to install a Decal.
-The Surface Temperature must be between 60 F and 90 F, with 70 F to 80 F being the ideal range.
-It can t be Raining or even Drizzling. Decals must be kept absolutely dry until installed.
-Try to avoid installing Decals in Direct Sunlight. Surface Temperatures in Direct Sunlight often change rapidly and are difficult to judge.
-Make sure there is No Wind present, Wind or Gusts Will cause a problem.
Cleaning and Prepping Surface:
If surface is at all dirty, wash with soap and water rinse with water until there is no more soap or soap residue. Make sure Surface is absolutely dry before proceeding to next step.
Thoroughly wipe down the area of the Surface where Decal is to be applied.
Once the surface is clean, installation may begin. A clean Surface will help to insure that your Decal will stay in place for both the short and long run.
We strongly suggest you wait at least 60 days after painting a surface before applying any decal, because should you ever wish to remove the decal the paint will come off with it if the paint is not properly cured before application.
VINYL APPLICATION TUTORIAL
 Tack the to the surface using masking tape. Once you are satisfied with the positioning, tape the entire length of the top edge using one continuous strip of tape. This will create a "hinge" along the top.
 Peel the backing paper off carefully. Start at a corner on the hinged edge and peel back gently. Be sure that the lettering does not touch anything until it is burnished. Also watch to make sure that all letters stick to the application paper.
 Burnish with firm steady pressure. Start each stroke in the center and burnish in straight parallel strokes. Overlap each stroke to avoid bubbles and wrinkles. Be sure not to let the lettering touch the surface until the burnisher puts it there
 Carefully pull the masking paper at a sharp angle. Start at a top corner, and pull down as parallel to the surface as feasible.
Dealing With Bubbles
You will probably end up with some bubbles in your decal job. Small bubbles will go away in time (the film breathes, and will flatten out after a few weeks at an appropriate temperature). If you want to work on the bubbles immediately, apply moderate heat, then poke them with a pin, pressing the film down with your
thumb immediately afterwards. Have patience though, the film will lay flat on it s own in time unless the bubbles are unusually large.
Storage
Your decals must be kept clean, dry, and laid out on a flat surface. If storage is to be longer than 1 year, It is recommended that they be kept in an airtight container or bag. If you regularly use decals, make sure to rotate your stock.
Decal Removal
Decal removal can vary in difficulty, depending on a few things; the quality of the film to be removed, how long it s been on, if it s weather-beaten, etc. Move along the decal with a hair dryer or heat gun, while at the same time picking the letters or striping off as you go.
If there is glue left behind, clean it up with some petroleum naphtha (available at your local hardware store) applied to a rag. |
