All surfaces must be thoroughly cleaned before applying your vinyl graphics. Follow the instructions below for specific material cleaning procedures.
Plastics and Glass
Thoroughly wipe surface clean with a window cleaner. Remove any dried matter such as tape or glue with a single edge razor blade. If you are planning to use acrylic, remove the protective liner from the acrylic 24 hours prior to application vinyl graphic. This will allow any air bubbles (outgassing) to dissipate from the acrylic. If this is not observed you may find air bubbles form under your graphic within a couple of days..
Painted Metals and Base Metals
These surfaces may be cleaned with a solvent such as Naphtha, Xylol or Lacquer Thinner. Dry the surface with a lint free cloth before the solvent evaporates. Freshly painted surfaces should be dry for at least 72 hours prior to application of the vinyl graphics.
Interior Painted Surfaces Surfaces may be cleaned with any household cleaner such as Fantastic or 409. Wipe area clean and dry with a lint free cloth before applying the vinyl graphics. Freshly painted surfaces should be dry for at least 72 hours prior to application of the vinyl graphics. Temperature Requirements, The temperature of the room and the temperature of the intended surface should be between 45 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit for best results. Very high humidity (above 90 percent) may effect the application process.
Materials Needed
Small cutting knife or razor blade. (an Exacto Knife is ideal for the job) A Spray bottle filled with a mixture of hand soap and water. The mixture ratio is; 3 drops of soap to 1 pint of water Plastic Squeegee (supplied) Dry Towel 2" Roll of Masking Tape
VINYL GRAPHIC INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
Wet Method Sometimes vinyl graphics should be installed “wet” using an application uid to allow the graphicto be easily repostionable during installation. In warmer weather, wet applications will help preventthe graphic’s adhesive from “grabbing” onto the application surface too quickly. A wet application isalso useful in preventing air from getting trapped underneath the graphic during the installation process.
Surface Preparation
The vehicle surface must be properly prepared prior to installation of the graphics.All surfaces MUST be cleaned prior to any application of vinyl graphic/striping products. See the following steps: For best results, the application should be made in temperatures ranging from50 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Do not install graphics outdoors if winds exceed 10 mph.Blown dirt, dust or other contaminates can interfere with the bonding of the graphic adhesive to the vehicle during installation.Wash the vehicle surface with detergent and water, then thoroughly rinse the surface with water and dry completely. WARNING: Do not use any aromatic solvents such as acetone, M.E.K., toluene, paint thinner; lacquer thinner, gasoline or ammonia-based cleaners to clean the vehicle surface. Wet a clean cloth with isopropyl alcohol and wipe the surface of the vehicle where the vinylis to be applied to remove any contaminates such as silicone, wax, or adhesives.Dry the surface with a lint free paper towel.
Graphic Installation
Prior to installation, be sure to use the following tools: 1 - squeegee or firm credit card 1 - Exacto knife or sharp razor blade Application Fluid consisting of a water and soap solution. Fill as spray bottle with water and add a few drops of liquid hand soap (no dish washing liquid.) Add one teaspoon of rubbing alcohol. It is also recommended you use 3⁄4” masking tape for properly placing and installing your graphics. Placement of Graphics 1. Tape the graphic onto the side of vehicle to determine exactly where you want the graphic installed. 2. Apply a strip of tape vertically through the center of each component and lightly tape each end of the graphic panel to the vehicle. 3. Remove the positioning tape on either side of the center hinge from the graphicand peel the liner paper away from this portion of the graphic. Lightly tape the graphic to the vehicle surface (as illustrated in Step 4). 4. Temporarily secure the end of the graphic to the vehicle surfaceand cut the backing paper off near the center hinge using a sharp knife blade. 5. Wet the vehicle surface with your mix of soap and water. 6. Lay the graphic onto the wet application surfaceand firmly squeegee the graphic using short, overlapping strokes.7. Remove the tape hinge from the center of the graphic. Remove the remaining backing paper and spray the water and soap solution on the vehicle surface.8. Squeegee the remaining half of the panel onto the vehicle using the same method as outlined in step 6. 9. If the graphic has a paper pre-mask covering it, thoroughly wet the surfaceof the masking with the application solution and wait a minute or two. The liquid will help break down the masking adhesive. 10. With the adhesive weakened, is will be easier to remove the maskingby pulling the masking away from the application surface at a 180 degree angle.If the pre-mask is plastic, carefully pull it away from the application surface at a 180 degree angle.11. Gently wipe away any remaining application fluid and carefully examine the graphicto make sure no bubbles remain under the surface of the graphic.11. Gently wipe away any remaining application fluid and carefully examine the graphicto make sure no bubbles remain under the surface of the graphic. 12. If any small bubbles appear during installation, they can be easily removedby pricking the base of the bubble with the knife blade and squeezing any trapped solution out with the tip of your finger. To remove decals use heat gun or hair dryer to warm old decal and peal off with finger nail or plastic squeegee. No Exacto knife on paint or it could scratch paint, after that use isopropyl alcohol to remove any glue left over........Have fun!!!