Applying Car Vinyl Decals - Do It Yourself!
Applying
car vinyl decals is easy enough to do by yourself. The following tools are
recommended when applying vinyl decals or lettering. Please note that
these instructions are NOT for rear window graphics. Please see
Rear
Window Graphic application instructions.
-
Masking
tape
-
Level
-
Squeegee
-
Application
spray
-
Pin
or exacto knife
Cleaning
Procedures:
All
surfaces are contaminated to some degree. To ensure good adhesion to any vehicle
surface it is critical that you follow these recommended procedures in
decontaminating and preparing the surface prior to installing any car vinyl decals.
1.
Wash and rinse the area with liquid dish detergent and warm water. Then
dry the surface with a clean, lint-free towel or cloth.
2.
Finish up the cleaning process by wiping down the entire area with Isopropyl
Alcohol (rubbing alcohol). To avoid recontamination during the final
cleaning step, wipe the surface in just one direction, using a clean, lint-free
towel or cloth. You are now ready to apply the car vinyl decals.
Temperature
Recommendations:
Surface
temperatures should be between 50 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit before attempting
the installation. As a general rule, if the surface is hot to the touch it's
over 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Adhesive becomes brittle when it gets too cold and
gummy when it gets too hot. Applications outside the recommended range of 50 to
90 degrees Fahrenheit reduce the adhesives' ability to perform.
Application
Procedures:
You
can choose to apply car vinyl decals in one of two ways; dry or wet. Applying vinyl
dry does not allow for any mistakes. Once the vinyl touches the surface,
there is no removal without damage.
However,
applying vinyl with application spray allows
you the opportunity to remove and reposition vinyl as needed for up to several
minutes. For obvious reasons, this method is recommended for both
beginners and experts. To apply using the application spray, spray the
surface thoroughly. Then lay the vinyl on a flat surface and spray the
adhesive side as you remove the backing. An extra set of hands is a good
idea. Then simply apply the vinyl to the surface.
Do
not excessively stretch vinyl during the application. This is the main cause of
end lift. Pull the vinyl only as taut as necessary to keep a straight line.
Because vinyl is a pressure-sensitive product, a squeegee should be used for all
installations. The purpose of using a squeegee is to remove the
excess fluid and or air from behind the vinyl. You should always start the
squeegee from the middle and either use a straight up or down motion.
Allow the car vinyl decals to set for 5 to 15 minutes.
(Pinstriping
can be laid down initially using your thumb. However, after the application tape
is removed, a squeegee must be used on all cut ends including door breaks as
well as the ends of the stripe.)
When
removing the application tape, always pull it slowly, back onto itself, at a
180-degree angle. Bubbles should be punctured using a pin. Do
not slit the vinyl to release the air. If the vinyl is slit it will spread or
gap.
The
cutting or trimming of any stripe or graphic should be done using a very sharp
knife and very little pressure.
This article on car vinyl decals is sponsored by www.CustomVinylGraphics.com… the Internet’s leading supplier of pinstriping, graphics, rear window graphics, custom designs, banners, lettering, magnets and more.

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