Instructions

How to guides.

How to Apply Vinyl


DEC 16th

2014

By   Sign Dynamics

NOTE:
Do NOT install graphics when it is really cold (below 60 degrees) or really hot (above 90 degrees) as this may affect the application process.

Installing side to side or Top to bottom:
Depending on the size and shape of your graphics as well as the surface you are applying your vinyl to, you may want to either apply the graphics from top to bottom or from side to side. Long narrow graphic should always go from side to side, while smaller decals are easy to apply top to bottom. Some vehicle doors have a curve from top to bottom so the vinyl should be applied to follow the curve.


Applying vinyl from top to bottom

  • Clean the surface of where the decals is going. Removing all dirt, oil and grease. (recommend: denatured alchol)
  • Tape decal in postition with masking tape
  • Using a tape measure or level to make sure the graphics is centered and level
  • Once the decal is in the exact position, apply a single horizontal strip of masking tape to the top of the graphic. The tape should be half way on the intended surface, and half on the graphic. This creates a hinge. Be sure to use 1.5" tape or wider, or use multiple strips of tape.
  • Lift the bottom edge of the graphic away from the intended surface and remove the backing paper to reveal the back adhesive side of vinyl. You can pull the back off halfway (from the top hinge section to the middle), or remove the back all the way off.
  • 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 nearly impossible without causing damage to the vinyl.
  • While still holding the hinged graphic away from the intended surface. Using a squeegee and starting from the top, begin to push the graphic to the intended surface. Squeegee all along the top edge starting in the center and working your way to the left and to the right; always working from top to bottom. (Do not let the graphic fall onto the intended surface.)
  • Once the entire decal has been squeegeed, push the squeegee on it one more time, to make sure it is firmly adhering to the surface.
  • Now spray water on the front to get the transfer tape a little soggy.
  • Begin removing the transfer tape, be carefully not to lift the graphic. If the graphic is lifting, re-squeegee and let it sit for 30 minutes.
  • Now stand back and admire your handy work. You're done.

Applying Side to Side

  • Clean the surface of where the decals is going. Removing all dirt, oil and grease. (recommend: denatured alchol)
  • Tape decal in position with masking tape
  • Using a tape measure or level to make sure the graphics is centered and level
  • Once the decal is in the exact position, apply vertical strips of masking tape to the top and bottom of the decal (in the center).
  • Lift the right edge of the graphic away from the intended surface and remove the backing paper to reveal the back adhesive side of vinyl. Pull it back until you get to the hinge.
  • Now cut the backing paper off with a clean vertical cut.
  • 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 nearly impossible without causing damage to the vinyl.
  • While still holding the hinged graphic away from the intended surface. Using a squeegee and starting from the middle to the right, begin to push the graphic to the intended surface. Squeegee all along the middle hinged edge starting in the center and working your way to the top and to the bottom; always working from center to right side. (Do not let the graphic fall onto the intended surface.)
  • Once the once the right side is all squeegeed, begin removing the tape hinge.
  • Lift the left edge of the graphic away from the intended surface and remove the entire backing paper to reveal the back adhesive side of vinyl.
  • While still holding the hinged graphic away from the intended surface. Using a squeegee and starting from the middle to the left, begin to push the graphic to the intended surface. Squeegee all along the middle hinged edge starting in the center and working your way to the top and to the bottom; always working from center to left side. (Do not let the graphic fall onto the intended surface.)
  • Once the entire decal has be squeegeed, push the squeegee on it one more time, to make sure it is firmly adhering to the surface.
  • Now spray water on the front to get the transfer tape a little soggy.
  • Begin removing the transfer tape, be carefully not to lift the graphic. If the graphic is lifting, re-squeegee and let it sit for 30 minutes.
  • Now stand back and admire your handy work. You're done.

Tools Required:

  • Plastic Squeegee
  • Masking Tape
  • Scissors
  • Tape Measure
  • Spray Bottle Filled with Water
  • Paper Towel
  • Cleaning solution for surface, such as denatured alcohol

The vinyl graphic consists of three separate pieces layered together.

  • Top Layer: Transfer Tape
  • Middle Layer: Vinyl Graphic
  • Bottom Layer: Backing Paper

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