If the vinyl arrives in a tube, lay it flat on a table for an hour before applying.
If you are applying large decals, it's a good idea to have a friend help you. Relax and take your time is most important!
You will need:
masking tape, squeegee (burnisher or credit card), soap and water, degreaser, dry soft cloth, exacto knife with a new blade.
The vinyl arrives in a 3-layer sandwich:
Top layer-protective layer. Middle layer- final product. Bottom layer- Backing paper.
If removing old graphics, heat with hair dryer until soft, then peel.
To insure good adhesion to any surface, it is critical you follow instructions in preparing surfaces. All dirt, wax and grease must be removed.
If your vehicle is a freshly painted surface, it must be fully dry and cured prior to applying decals.
Windows- use rubbing alcohol to clean.
Do a small test to make sure your cleaner is compatible, with a degreaser (not a petroleum based) or lacquer thinner to remove all wax. Wipe dry with clean towel. Clean once more with soap and water.
TEMPERATURE RECOMMENDATIONS
Surface temperature should be between 50 and 80 degrees. Basically if it's too hot to touch- it's too hot. If it feels cold- it's too cold.
You can choose to apply in one of two ways, wet or dry. Wet allows you to reposition, but takes longer to dry. Using dry application, if it touches the surface, there is no removal, but it's dry and ready to go immediately. We suggest small flat decals are fine to go on dry, larger ones and decals that have to form around body curves, use the wet method.
Hold decal to surface where desired with the backing paper still on, use 2 pieces of masking tape to hold in place. Stand back and look at it...like it? Okay, continue..
Tape across decal in the middle to create a center hinge.
For smaller decals, tape on just one edge to create a hinge.
Peel off backing paper on 1/2 of decal- don't touch the sticky part.
Cut backing off up to tapeline. Don't let the decal to touch the surface until you are ready.
Using a squeegee (burnisher or credit card),
work from tapeline from the center out towards the edges, working out any bubbles .
Peel the masking tape off carefully.
Peel the rest of the backing paper off the 2nd half of the decal.
Squeegee rest of decal.
Run squeegee firmly over entire decal to assure it is flat and firmly adhered.
Peel off top protective layer at 180 degrees against itself.
Trim any edges, extra material or body panel breaks with a sharp exacto knife.
Peel off backing paper and spray surface entirely with a mix of 3 drops soap to one pint water. Hold decal onto surface where desired. Use two pieces of masking tape to hold in place. Do not stretch vinyl. Using a squeegee start from the middle and work your way toward the edges, working out the air and water bubbles.
Use soft cloth to soak up extra water. Let dry before peeling off protective layer. Peel off at 180 degrees against itself.
Let dry overnight before driving your vehicle and several days before washing.
Bubbles can be punctured with a pin (not an exacto knife-you don't want a slit, just a pinhole) and pressed flat.
Bubbles usually dissipate in 2 weeks in the sun.
Careful using a snow scraper on window decals.
Careful with gasoline. If a spill occurs, wash with water immediately.
Do not clearcoat over.
Do not use a petroleum-based wax.
Hand wash is best- power washes tend to be too harsh especially in the cold weather.
Then, enjoy!!