Tools Needed: a squeegee,
scissors or x-acto blades, masking tape, Tape measuring,
cleaning solutions, lint free cloth, and maybe a
helper if graphic is large.
Surface Preparation: Surface
must be cleaned thoroughly to remove any wax, dust, or other
contaminants.
Wash area with grease-cutting
detergent and rinse. Then wipe down with cleaning solution and
lint free cloth.
Environment : Temperature
should be between 60 to 80 F. If outdoors, wind should be
calm.
Decals should not be applied
in dusty environments.
STEP ONE: Lay decal
face up on a flat surface and firmly squeegee over the entire decal
to ensure that the application tape is adhered to
the graphics correctly.
STEP TWO: Put a piece
of masking tape on each end of your decal as shown and use a tape
measure to position the graphic.
Tape each end to the application surface with the
masking tape.
STEP THREE: Place a
vertical length of masking tape across the centre of the decal to
secure the vinyl transfer
to the surface and create a center hinge. This
step allows you to apply half of the vinyl transfer at a time.
STEP FOUR : Carefully peel the
application mask back to lift the decal away from the release liner.
Sometimes the graphic does not want to lift away
from the liner, and remains stuck to it.
Watch carefully for this! If you see it happening,
you must stop, back up,
and press the application tape against the
stubborn graphic piece with your finger.
STEP FIVE: Stop peeling the decal
short of the hinge, and cut away the exposed half of the release
liner
with scissors or x-acto. Do not tear it, as you
want as clean a cut as possible. Discard the removed liner.
STEP SIX: Begin to squeegee the
decal onto the application site, starting in the center, working
toward the free edge.
Use short strokes, and keep enough tension on the
mask to hold the rest of the decal away from the surface,
and prevent air from being trapped beneath the
decal. Work all the way to the free edge of the mask.
STEP SEVEN: Remove the vertical
center hinge masking tape, and repeat STEPS FOUR & SIX on the other
half of the decal.
STEP EIGHT: Firmly squeegee the
entire decal. Use overlapping strokes, vertically,
horizontally and diagonally to thoroughly burnish
the graphic into the application surface
STEP NINE: Carefully peel the
application mask at a sharp angle as shown.
Watch for graphic pieces that have not adhered to
the application surface, and are lifting with the mask.
If this happens, you must back up and re-squeegee
that area, or firmly press the graphic onto the application
surface through the mask. Remove the entire mask.
STEP TEN: Inspect the decal for
edges that are not fully adhered and press them into place with your
finger.
Bubbles may be removed by piercing them with a
fine needle and pressing out the air with your finger.
Do not squeegee after removing the mask or
scratching will result.
With smaller graphics, you may find it just as
easy to hinge the graphic from the top or just to eye it in place.
