Tack the to the surface using masking
tape. Once you are satisfied with the positioning,
tape the entire length of the top edge using one continuous
strip of tape. This will create a "hinge" along
the top.
Peel the
backing paper off carefully. Start at a corner on
the hinged edge and peel back gently. Be sure that
the lettering does not touch anything until it is burnished.
Also watch to make sure that all letters stick to the
application paper.
Squeegee with
firm steady pressure. Start each stroke in
the center and squeegee in straight parallel strokes.
Overlap each stroke to avoid bubbles and wrinkles.
Be sure not to let the lettering touch the surface until
the squeegee puts it there.
Carefully
pull the masking paper at a sharp angle. Start at
a top corner, and pull down as parallel to the surface
as feasible.
Application
Paper
Application Paper is the Mask that we apply to your Decal
that makes multiple letters stay together. It is necessary
for us to apply this mask to make Decals ready for install.
This Mask is either made of paper or plastic, depending
on the characteristics of the decal.
Decal
This is the actual adhesive Decal that you have purchased.
It is sandwiched between the application paper and the
backing at the time of purchase. The Decal is what ends
up installed to the surface.
Backing
The Backing is the wax paper that is applied to the “sticky”
side of the decal. This Backing keeps the Decal from sticking
to anything prior to install.
Surface Compatibility:
The Surface must be a Hard, Flat, and Non - Porous. Installation
to any other surfaces is not recommended, unless you are
an experienced Vinyl Installer. Special skills are needed
to deal with major bodylines, complex curves, corrugated
surfaces, etc. We strongly suggest you wait at least 60
days after painting a surface before applying any decal,
because should you ever wish to remove the decal the paint
will come off with it if the paint is not properly cured
before application.
Surface Temperature
and Weather Conditions:
Adequate
Surface Temperature and Weather Conditions are necessary
before attempting to install a Decal.
-The
Surface Temperature must be between 60°F and 90°F, with
70°F to 80°F being the ideal range.
-It can’t be Raining or even Drizzling. Decals must be
kept absolutely dry until installed.
-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.
Cleaning and
Prepping Surface:
If surface is at all dirty, wash with soap and water rinse
with water until there is no more soap or soap residue.
Make sure Surface is absolutely dry before proceeding
to next step.
Thoroughly
wipe down the area of the Surface where Decal is to be
applied.
Once
the surface is clean, installation may begin. A clean
Surface will help to insure that your Decal will stay
in place for both the short and long run.
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.
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. If you regularly use decals, make sure to rotate
your stock.
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 picking the letters or striping off as you go.