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Installation Instructions
General Instructions for applying vinyl graphics
Surface Preparation
All surfaces must be thoroughly cleaned before applying your vinyl graphics. Follow the instructions below for specific material cleaning procedures.
Thoroughly wipe surface clean with Isopropyl alcohol or denatured alcohol. Remove any dried matter such as tape or glue with a single edge razor blade. Allow to air dry before applying vinyl graphic. If you are planning to use acrylic, remove the protective liner from the acrylic 24 hours prior to applying 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.
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.
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.
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. It can't be Raining or even Drizzling. 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.
Instructions on Decal Application to Bodywork
Materials Needed
• Small cutting knife or razor blade. (to separate the elements in the decal if necessary)
• Plastic Squeegee (or a credit card works well also)
• 2" Roll of Masking Tape • soap & water solution (only if required)
• Hair Dryer or Heat Gun
Step 1
Thoroughly clean panels with Isopropyl alcohol or denatured alcohol and kitchen paper towel. Do not use other cleaners or solvents, nor cloth towels or commercial paper towels.
Step 2
Spray panels with the soap & water solution (only if required.) Peel backing off decal and place on panel. For best results peel back half of the backing and place into position. Our vinyl accommodates for easy application without requiring any type of solution to effectively install the decals.
Step 3
Align decal. Use squeegee, using a good deal of pressure and working from the center out toward the edges in all directions. If lines or creases develop, lift and replace the graphic as required until they clear. For slightly curved surfaces, lift and replace graphic to appropriate position of curve and using a blow dryer or heat gun gently apply heat while working the vinyl to fit the curve if necessary. Continue to work out the vinyl until smooth in all directions.
Instructions on Trailer Application
Materials Needed
• Small cutting knife or razor blade. (to separate the elements in the decal if necessary)
• Plastic Squeegee (or a credit card works well also)
• 2" Roll of Masking Tape • soap & water solution
• Hair Dryer or Heat Gun
Step 1
Thoroughly clean panels with a window cleaner and kitchen paper towel. Do not use other cleaners or solvents, nor cloth towels or commercial paper towels.
Step 2
Spray panels with the soap & water solution. Peel backing off decal and place on wet panel. You may spray adhesive side of decal. For best results peel back half of the backing and place into position.
Step 3
Align decal. Use squeegee to remove fluid, using a good deal of pressure and working from the center out toward the edges in all directions. If lines or creases develop, lift and replace the graphic as required until they clear. For slightly curved surfaces, lift and replace graphic to appropriate position of curve and using a hair dryer or heat gun gently apply heat while working the vinyl to fit the curve. For better fit remove the bolts from the panels in the area of which the decal is being applied. Once you have positioned the decal replace the bolts into the panels for a cleaner fit with no air pockets around them. Continue to lift and reposition vinyl until smooth working out in all directions.
Working with Decals
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.
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 striping off as you go. Another method that works well is to spray the decal with a window cleaner and use a razorblade to scrap the decal from the surface. The window cleaner will allow the blade to remove the glue and vinyl without damaging the surface.
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.