DECAL INSTALLATION & CARE



Surface Preparation

All surfaces must be thoroughly cleaned before applying your vinyl graphics.  Follow the instructions below for specific material cleaning procedures.  Always test your cleaner on a small area of the intended surface.

Plastics and Glass
Thoroughly wipe surface clean with a window cleaner.  Remove any dried matter such as tape or glue with a single edge razor blade.  Glues can be removed with rapid remover or goo-be-gone products.  A final cleaning with isopropyl alcohol is advised for glass surfaces.  Wipe area clean and dry with a lint free cloth before applying the vinyl graphics.

If you are planning to use acrylic, remove the protective liner from the acrylic 24 hours prior to application vinyl graphic.  This will allow any air bubbles (out-gassing) to dissipate from the acrylic.  If this is not observed you may find air bubbles form under your graphic within a couple of days.  Wipe area clean and dry with a lint free cloth before applying the vinyl graphics.

Painted Metals and Base Metals
These surfaces may be cleaned with any standard metal cleaner.  Dry the surface with a lint free cloth before application. Freshly painted surfaces should be dry for at least 72 hours prior to application of the vinyl graphics.

Interior Painted Surfaces Surfaces
These surfaces may be cleaned with any household cleaner such as Fantastic .  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.

Temperature and Weather Conditions
The temperature of the room and the temperature of the intended surface should be between 40° and 100° F (10° to 32° C) for best results.  Very high humidity (above 90 percent) may effect the application process.  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 as wind gusts will cause a problem.
 

 

Instructions on Decal 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
  A scissors for larger graphics

The graphic consists of three separate pieces.
· Pre-mask
· Vinyl Graphic
· Backing paper
 

 



1. Lay the graphic face down on a flat  table or work area.  Using a squeegee, credit card, or any flat item, firmly rub the pre-mask area starting from the center and moving out toward the edges.  This is to insure that the decal is attached to the pre-mask.
Apply a single horizontal or vertical strip of 2" masking tape to the edge of the graphic on the pre-mask side.  The strip should be split between the graphic and the intended surface with 1" on each side (as shown).  This strip will be used as a hinge that will insure the graphic does not move during the application process.

Larger graphics may be completed in 2 steps by applying the masking tape hinge through the middle of the graphic which requires half the backing paper to be cut away.

 


2
. Hold the bottom edge of the hinged graphic away from the intended surface and remove the backing paper  to reveal the sticky side of the vinyl and  pre-mask.  For larger graphics flip over the hinged graphic and gently peel back approximately 12 inches of backing paper at a time. 

CAUTION: Do not let the exposed graphic touch the intended surface. The back of the graphic is very tacky and will tightly adhere to the surface. If the placement is not correct, removing the graphic for re-placement will be very difficult or impossible without causing damage to the vinyl.

3. While still holding the hinged graphic away from the intended surface, use the squeegee and  begin to press the graphic to the intended surface.

Notes: Do not let the entire graphic fall onto the intended surface.  If lines or creases develop, gently lift and re-place the graphic.

4. Once the graphic is in its proper position and lying perfectly flat on the intended surface, starting from the center working outward and use firm strokes with the squeegee to insure the elements adhere to the surface.

5. Gently remove the pre-mask.  Be careful not to pull the graphic up with the pre-mask  paper.

How should I care for my decal?

In colder climates, decals on windows of vehicles can be damaged by the scraping of frost or ice from the windows.   Mild window cleaner may be used to clean the windows without damage to the decal. On painted surfaces of vehicles, care must be taken when waxing.   Wax will build up around the edges of the decal, and will need to be removed.  Use a soft cloth, and take your time, and be gentle.  DO NOT USE something such as a brush. It will only force the wax  underneath the edge of the decal, and the decal will begin to peel. Your Decal will not be damaged by normal use of car wash products, or water.   Although the decals will withstand pressure washers, car washes, these will reduce the life and appearance of your Decal.   The decals will not last forever, but will give you many years of enjoyment if taken care of..

 

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