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.

• Maskingtape
• Level
• Squeegee
• Applicationspray
• Pin or exacto knife

CleaningProcedures: 
Allsurfaces are contaminated to some degree.  To ensure good adhesion to any vehiclesurface it is critical that you follow these recommended procedures indecontaminating and preparing the surface prior to installing any car vinyl decals.  

1.Wash and rinse the area with liquid dish detergent and warm water.  Thendry the surface with a clean, lint-free towel or cloth.

2.Finish up the cleaning process by wiping down the entire area with IsopropylAlcohol (rubbing alcohol).  To avoid recontamination during the finalcleaning step, wipe the surface in just one direction, using a clean, lint-freetowel or cloth.  You are now ready to apply the car vinyl decals.

TemperatureRecommendations: 
Surfacetemperatures should be between 50 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit before attemptingthe installation. As a general rule, if the surface is hot to the touch it'sover 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Adhesive becomes brittle when it gets too cold andgummy when it gets too hot. Applications outside the recommended range of 50 to90 degrees Fahrenheit reduce the adhesives' ability to perform.

ApplicationProcedures: 
Youcan choose to apply car vinyl decals in one of two ways; dry or wet.  Applying vinyldry does not allow for any mistakes.  Once the vinyl touches the surface,there is no removal without damage.  

However,applying vinyl with application spray allowsyou the opportunity to remove and reposition vinyl as needed for up to severalminutes.  For obvious reasons, this method is recommended for bothbeginners and experts.  To apply using the application spray, spray thesurface thoroughly.  Then lay the vinyl on a flat surface and spray theadhesive side as you remove the backing.  An extra set of hands is a goodidea.  Then simply apply the vinyl to the surface.

Donot excessively stretch vinyl during the application. This is the main cause ofend 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 allinstallations.  The purpose of using a squeegee is to remove theexcess fluid and or air from behind the vinyl.  You should always start thesqueegee from the middle and either use a straight up or down motion. Allow the car vinyl decals to set for 5 to 15 minutes.

(Pinstripingcan be laid down initially using your thumb. However, after the application tapeis removed, a squeegee must be used on all cut ends including door breaks aswell as the ends of the stripe.)

Whenremoving the application tape, always pull it slowly, back onto itself, at a180-degree angle. Bubbles should be punctured using a pin. Donot slit the vinyl to release the air. If the vinyl is slit it will spread orgap. Thecutting or trimming of any stripe or graphic should be done using a very sharpknife and very little pressure.