DRY INSTALLATION
Pre-cautions before you start.
1. Do not install your vinyl decal in direct sunlight. It is recommended you install your vinyl decal in a garage or building. 2. Room and installation surface temperature is recommended to be between 10°C (50°F) and 20°C (68°F) to reduce stretching or other un-desired effects. 3. Do not store your vinyl decal in direct sunlight.
Materials Needed
- Installation squeegee (obtainable in most hardware stores) - Masking tape - Glass cleaner (non AMMONIA BASED) - Paper towel - Measuring tape or ruler. - Scissors or Razor
Preparation
Remove all dirt, grease and/or wax from the surface before you install your vinyl decal. This includes wax from car washes, turtle wax, rain-x, compound, etc. Your new vinyl decal will NOT adhere properly if you do not have a clean installation surface.
Caution! Do not use ammonia based cleaner. It will out gas for a couple of weeks and create bubbles under your vinyl decal.
STEP 1.
Inspect your new vinyl decal for any shipping damages. Any damage incurred during shipping must be reported to us within two business days. Using a squeegee on a table, press firmly over the whole decal assuring the pre-mask is properly stuck to the vinyl decal. Once finished, place your decal on the surface (pre-mask up and liner on surface)
STEP 2.
Place pieces of masking tape on top of the decal “pre-mask” and surface to hold the decal in place. Measure with a ruler or measuring tape to make sure your decal is properly lined up. Once in place, put a long piece of tape across the decal in the center as shown below. Remove the masking tape from one side of the decal and vehicle surface creating a hinged ‘flap’.
STEP 3.
Raise the hinged ‘flap’, and begin to peel the “liner” off the decal (NOT THE PRE-MASK) exposing the adhesive side of the decal. Only peel the “liner” from the decal until you reach the masking tape that crosses the whole decal.
DO NOT ALLOW THE STICKY PART OF THE DECAL TO TOUCH THE SURFACE YOU ARE APPLYING TO.
Using scissors or a razor, cut away the peeled “liner” close to the long piece of masking tape that crosses the decal. Do not allow the scissors or razor to touch the decal as it may stick accidentally peeling the decal off the “pre-mask”.
STEP 4.
Using your squeegee and starting in the middle where your masking tape crosses the decal, begin to apply the sticky side of the decal to the surface. Use horizontal strokes to apply the decal equally. Continue smoothing out the decal from top to bottom with long horizontal strokes assuring the decal is securely adhered to the surface.
STEP 5.
Place a long piece of masking tape parallel to the current piece of masking tape that crosses the decal on the decal side that you just adhered to the surface. Then remove the original long piece of masking tape that crossed the decal. This will secure the decal so you can peel off the final piece of “liner”. Also remove the small corner pieces of masking tape. Slowly peel the final piece of “liner” off exposing the adhesive side of the decal. Once again do not allow the sticky part of the decal to touch the surface.
STEP 6.
Using your squeegee and starting in the middle where your masking tape crosses the decal, begin to apply the final sticky side of the decal to the surface. Use horizontal strokes to apply the decal equally. Continue smoothing out the decal from top to bottom with long horizontal strokes assuring the decal is securely adhered to the surface.
STEP 7.
Remove the final piece of masking tape. Go over the decal with the squeegee, with increasingly harder strokes assuring the decal is securely adhered to the surface. Slowly begin peeling the “pre-mask” covering the decal. Keep a close eye while removing the pre-mask making sure no part of the decal is still attached to the “pre-mask”.
Now that the “pre-mask” is removed, do a visual check assuring all the vinyl decal is adhered to the surface. More then likely you will see small air bubbles. You can make a small incision into the vinyl with a razor and use your squeegee to push the air out. Most air bubbles will disappear in a few weeks. Your new vinyl decal is now installed! Please note if you live in a cold climate, be very careful when using an ice scraper as it can peel the viny if applied to a vehicle window for example.