Installation of Vinyl Graphics

 

Decal Installation

For optimum results, surface temperature should be above 5 and below 20 degrees. If necessary, move vehicle to a location where the temperature can be within installation guidelines. You will also need a ruler, masking tape, scissors, application squeegee, lint free cloth, and a surface cleaner (Meths is recommended for vehicles.)

 

Step 1 Clean the Surface

After determining the location for your graphic, clean the surface using a strong cleaner that will not harm the sign surface, wipe the entire area and beyond. Wipe the area again with a very mild detergent or just plain water to remove any residue. Wipe the surface dry with a lint-free cloth. After doing this you should get a squeaky sensation when lightly dragging your fingers across the surface.

 

Step 2 Align the Vinyl Graphic

Place the graphic where it is to be installed. Use masking tape along the top edge of the sheet to help hold graphic in place. With the backing paper and application tape still attached, position the vinyl graphic so that it is properly aligned and level.

 

Step 3 Tape the Graphics in Place

Using the squeegee stick the masking tape to the sign surface to hold it in place Use care to make sure the sheet with the graphics is not wrinkled.

 

Step 4 Cut Long Sheets to Size (optional)

Graphics which are too long to handle can easily be cut vertically with scissors in spaces between objects. Cut through the Application Tape and Backing Paper, leaving each piece of the sheet attached to the surface with the masking tape.

 

Step 5 Remove Backing Paper

Flip the sheet up using care not to peel the masking tape away. Remove the wax coated backing paper by slowly peeling it away. Be sure the vinyl graphic remains on the application tape. Keep only enough tension on it to avoid wrinkles.

 

Step 6 Apply Vinyl Letters

Starting at the edge, firmly slide the squeegee side to side to seal the graphic to the surface. Slowly work your way to the bottom of the sign. Use moderate pressure to insure good adhesion. Do not let the vinyl touch the sign surface until the squeegee passes over the area.

 

Step 7 Remove Application Tape

Slowly peel away application tape by pulling at a 180 degree angle. Make sure that the entire graphic is sticking properly and not lifting from the surface. If the graphic seems to be lifting, gently push the application tape back in the opposite direction that you were removing it and re-squeegee the area. In the case of very small air bubbles, usually they will pass through the vinyl within a couple weeks. Larger bubbles may need to be removed by puncturing them with a pin or a needle at the edge and softly pushing the air out towards the puncture with a squeegee.

 

 

 

Hinge Method

 

* Align graphic as described above.

 

* Place two strips of masking tape (slightly overlapping each other) vertically in the approximate centre of the graphic. Known as the hinge method this will allow you to install half of your decal at a time.

 

* Remove the masking tape strips from one end of the decal and slowly peal the backing paper away, taking care not to touch the adhesive side of the graphic. Use scissors to remove the backing paper and discard.

 

* Slowly swing the exposed part of the decal to the surface, keeping only enough tension on it to avoid wrinkles. As the decal meets the surface, squeegee from centre to ends using semi circular, overlapping motions to push the air from underneath. Use moderate pressure to insure good adhesion. Slowly remove the centre hinge and very carefully peel the remaining backing paper away. Just as before swing the decal over and squeegee it down using the same motions described above. Re-squeegee the entire surface of the graphing to ensure all areas have adhered.

 

 * Remove application tape as described above