INSTALLING YOUR VINYL DECALS
Applying your vinyl graphics is simple if you follow some basic guidelines:
- Patience, good preparation, a steady hand, and good weather will produce the best results.
- The VINYL DECAL comes in one piece and is sandwiched between a clear layer of protective tape and a layer of waxy backing paper.
- Both the backing paper and the clear protective tape are removed during the installation process.
- The adhesive side of the decal is sticking to the backing paper and peels off easily.
- HOWEVER, the adhesive on the vinyl decal is EXTREMELY sticky, so be very careful when you peel it off.
- If you ordered your decals to be arranged in a group, they will come as one large display and will be mounted all at once.
- Apply decals to hard, smooth, non-porous surfaces (glass, metal, etc.) or properly prepared wood surfaces (sanded, painted/clear-coated and completely dried).
- Always install the graphics when the temperature is between 50-78 degrees F.
- Don't try to install in windy conditions.
- Make sure the surface where you are going to install your decals is absolutely clean and spotless.
DRY METHOD - When installing a small, one piece decal on a flat surface:
1. Rub decal with squeegee or credit card against flat surface
2. Peel off backing layer slowly.
3. Place decal where you want it.
4. Rub decal with squeegee or credit card.
5. Gently peel off clear protective tape from decal.
WET METHOD - When installing a medium to large, one piece decal:
1. If it is a large decal, before applying, flatten it out in a warm room.
2. Get a piece of hard plastic or "squeegee", or a plastic putty knife or credit card.
3. Mix very light soapy water in a spray bottle or mister (2 or 3 drops of dish washing liquid/quart).
NOTE: Use soapy water LIGHTLY - if you drown the surface or the sticky vinyl adhesive too much - it won't stick. The soapy water is the fail safe method for positioning your decal perfectly and for being able to remove bubbles
4. Spray installation surface LIGHTLY with soapy water. Peel off decal backing paper and expose the sticky side of the vinyl.
5. Starting at any one side (top, bottom, left, right), place edge of decal where you want it
6. Slowly lay rest of decal down on installation surface. If needed, gently move decal to exact position where you want it.
7. Using "squeegee", gently smooth out any air or water bubbles on decal, working from the center to outside edges. Do this to avoid trapping air or water bubbles. Allow 1 hour to dry.
8. Finish by peeling the clear protective tape very slowly back on itself. Don't just pull straight away from the surface. The slow motion will allow the vinyl to stay on the surface while removing the tape. You don't want to pull the vinyl off the surface. Pop any bubbles with a pin and press out the air or water. Any water bubbles will evaporate.
NOTE: Patience, good preparation, a steady hand, and good weather will produce the best results. To get the vinyl straight, start with a piece of tape on one corner, with the backing still on the graphics (try not to get ahead of yourself). Place it where you think it should go. Go ahead! You can always move it if you don't like the position.