Vinyl Application Instructions

 Instructions for applying Vinyl lettering, graphics or "stickers".
Applying your custom vinyl graphics is easy to do. Small stickers or larger graphics... the procedure is the basically the same.

Needed Items: a tape measure and/or a level. You will want something to "mark" your target location & masking tape.
There are two items that are helpful in the installation of larger lettering and graphics. I highly recommend a quality squeeqee and vinyl application fluid, which I can provide to you.  An alternative to application fluid is a few drops of dishwashing soap mixed with water in a squirt bottle.

Temperature Considerations: 
Surface temperatures should be between 50 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit before attempting the installation. As a general rule, if the surface is "hot to the touch" it's over 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Too Hot or too Cold makes installation more difficult. Applications outside the recommended range of 50 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit reduce the adhesives' ability to perform.
Determine where you are going to place your graphic.  Take a little time to do your layout, measure and make guidelines with pieces of masking tape or an erasable marking pencil to direct you to your spot

Step One: ALWAYS!... CLEAN the surface. To ensure good adhesion to any surface it is important that you follow these recommended procedures to clean and prepare the surface prior to any vinyl product installation.

Wash and rinse the area with liquid dish detergent and warm water.  Then dry the surface with a clean, lint-free towel or cloth, I use paper towels.

Finish up the cleaning process by wiping down the entire area with Isopropyl Alcohol (rubbing alcohol) or vinyl application fluid.  To avoid recontamination during the final cleaning step, wipe the surface in just one direction, using a clean, lint-free towel or cloth.

You are now ready to apply the vinyl.
Application Procedures:
You can choose to apply vinyl in one of two ways; "Dry or Wet".

Applying vinyl graphics "Dry" is generally OK for small stickers, however it does not allow for any mistakes, Once the vinyl touches the surface, there is no removal without damage to your vinyl. 

Applying vinyl graphics "WET" with application fluid or the dishwashing soap mixture allows you the opportunity to reposition it as needed for up to a few minutes. For obvious reasons, this method is recommended for beginners.

There are two different methods to use when installing the vinyl:

1st method without masking tape:
To apply vinyl using the wet method, spray your CLEAN surface thoroughly. Next, remove the paper backing, then spray the adhesive side of your vinyl also.  An extra set of hands at this point is a good idea. Now simply apply your vinyl to the surface and squeegee out the fluid, you can use a "credit card" as a tool. Because vinyl has a pressure-sensitive adhesive, a good squeegee is best for installation. The purpose of using a squeegee is to remove the excess fluid and/or air from behind the vinyl, and to firmly press it down.  You should start the squeegee from the middle and work to the outside.  You can also perform this method using the dry method.

2nd method with masking tape:
Using masking tape place a strip along the horizontal edge of the graphic, with half of the tape on the graphic and the other half on the surface you’re adhering it to.  Lift the decal up as to hinge it and remove the back layer of paper from the decal exposing the sticky side of the decal.  You can spray the stick side with the application fluid or leave it dry depending on whether you’re using the dry or wet application.  Then work the squeegee from the top center of decal outward.

Next, allow the vinyl to set for 5 to 15 minutes before removing the application/transfer tape.

Removal: When removing the application tape, always pull it slowly, back onto itself, at a 180-degree angle, carefully watch that your graphic has adhered. If you should get a bubble that didn't squeegee out, it can be punctured using a pin. Do not slit the vinyl to release the air. If the vinyl is slit it will spread or gap.