Your decal will consist of three layers as illustrated
below.
There are two types of vinyl decal installation methods
and both have their advantages and disadvantages.
Dry Installation vs. Wet Installation
The most common way to install decals is the dry
method. The dry method will insure that your vinyl decal stays adhered to your
vehicle surface. This is because there is no chance of application fluid being
trapped between the vinyl decal and the vehicle surface leading to peeling
and/or water bubbles. The only disadvantage to the dry installation method is
you have only one chance to do the installation right leaving no room for
mistakes. Once the vinyl decal is applied to the vehicle surface, it cannot be
removed without damaging the vinyl. A lot of measuring and preparation is
required to have a successful dry installation.
The alternative method of installing your vinyl decal
is the wet installation method. The advantage for using the wet installation
method is you can re-position the decal on your vehicle surface multiple times
to get a desired position as long as the decal and surface is still wet. The
disadvantage is that if you do not get all the application fluid out from
underneath the decal and surface, your decal could peel and/or have water
bubbles. We recommend the dry installation method however we have installation
instructions if you prefer the wet installation method.
Pre-cautions before you start.
1. Do not install your vinyl decal in direct sunlight.
It is recommended you install your vinyl decal in a garage or building.
2. Room and installation surface temperature is
recommended to be 50°F or 10°C to reduce stretching or other un-desired
effects.
3. Your new decal is designed to be installed on the
exterior of your vehicle.
4. Do not store your vinyl decal in direct sunlight.
Materials Needed
- Installation squeegee (a credit card, body filler
spreader, or a flat edged rubber spatula work great for this)
- Masking tape
- Glass cleaner (non AMMONIA BASED)
- Paper towel
- Measuring tape or ruler.
- Scissors or Utility knife
Preparation
Remove all dirt, grease and/or wax from your vehicle
surface before you install your vinyl decal. This includes wax from car washes,
turtle wax, rain-x, compound, etc. Your new vinyl decal will NOT adhere properly
if you do not have a clean installation surface.
Caution! Do not use ammonia
based cleaner (Windex). It will out gas for a couple of weeks and create
bubbles under your vinyl decal.
STEP 1.
Using a squeegee on a table, press firmly over the whole
decal assuring the pre-mask is properly stuck to the vinyl decal. Once
finished, place your decal on the vehicle surface (pre-mask up and liner on
surface)
STEP 2.
Place pieces of masking tape on top of the decal
"pre-mask" and vehicle surface to hold the decal in place. Measure
with a ruler or measuring tape to make sure your decal is properly lined up.
Once in place, put a long piece of tape across the decal in the center as shown
below. Remove the masking tape from one side of the decal and vehicle surface
creating a hinged 'flap'.
STEP 3.
Raise the hinged 'flap', and begin to peel the
"liner" off the decal (NOT THE PRE-MASK) exposing the adhesive side
of the decal. Only peel the "liner" from the decal until you reach
the masking tape that crosses the whole decal.
DO NOT ALLOW THE STICKY PART OF THE
DECAL TO TOUCH THE VEHICLE SURFACE.
Using scissors or a razor, cut away the peeled
"liner" close to the long piece of masking tape that crosses the
decal. Do not allow the scissors or razor to touch the decal as it may stick
accidentally peeling the decal off the "pre-mask".
STEP 4.
Using your squeegee and starting in the middle where
your masking tape crosses the decal, begin to apply the sticky side of the
decal to the vehicle surface. Use horizontal strokes to apply the decal
equally. Continue smoothing out the decal from top to bottom with long
horizontal strokes assuring the decal is securely adhered to the vehicle
surface.
STEP 5.
Place a long piece of masking tape parallel to the
current piece of masking tape that crosses the decal on the decal side that you
just adhered to the vehicle surface. Then remove the original long piece of
masking tape that crossed the decal. This will secure the decal so you can peel
off the final piece of "liner". Also remove the small corner pieces
of masking tape. Slowly peel the final piece of "liner" off exposing
the adhesive side of the decal. Once again do not allow the sticky part of the
decal to touch the vehicle surface.
STEP 6.
Using your squeegee and starting in the middle where
your masking tape crosses the decal, begin to apply the final sticky side of
the decal to the vehicle surface. Use horizontal strokes to apply the decal
equally. Continue smoothing out the decal from top to bottom with long
horizontal strokes assuring the decal is securely adhered to the vehicle
surface.
STEP 7.
Remove the final piece of masking tape. Go over the
decal with the squeegee, with increasingly harder strokes assuring the decal is
securely adhered to the vehicle surface. Slowly begin peeling the
"pre-mask" covering the decal. Keep a close eye while removing the
pre-mask making sure no part of the decal is still attached to the
"pre-mask".
Final Check
Now that the "pre-mask" is removed, do a
visual check assuring all the vinyl decal is adhered to the vehicle surface.
More then likely you will see small air bubbles. You can prick into the vinyl
with a needle and use your squeegee to push the air out. Most air bubbles will
disappear in a few weeks due to the heat from the sunlight. Your new vinyl
decal is now installed! Please note if you live in a cold climate, be very
careful using an ice scraper as it can peel the vinyl.
Please note if you live in a cold climate, be very careful using an ice scraper as it can peel the vinyl.