Vinyl Installation

SURFACE PREPARATION

Before installation, thoroughly clean the application surface.

  • Remove any additional residual residue such as tape with a razor blade.
  • Plastics and glass surfaces should be cleaned with window cleaner such as Windex. Wipe the surface with a lint-free cloth until dry.
  • Painted metals and base metals should be cleaned with solvent cleaners such as Xylol Xylene or lacquer thinner.  Wipe the surface with a lint-free cloth until dry.
  • Allow newly painted surfaces to dry for at least 72 hours before installing vinyl graphics.
  • Painted surfaces should be cleaned with household cleaners such as Fantastic or 409. Wipe the surface with a lint-free cloth until dry.

APPLICATION TEMPERATURE

The optimum temperature range to install vinyl is 60°F (16°C) – 90°F (32°C).

INSTALLATION

Vinyl graphics have three components, the pre-mask which is the top surface, the vinyl graphic and the wax paper liner which is the bottom surface.

  1. Attach the vinyl graphic to the application surface with small pieces of masking tape.
  2. Place a strip of masking tape across the top of the graphic. Half of the tape should be on the graphic and the other half should be on the application surface.  The tape will act as a “hinge” which will keep the graphic in place during application.
  3. Hold the bottom edge of the vinyl graphic away from the application surface and carefully remove the wax paper liner. Do not let the adhesive side of the graphic touch the surface yet.
  4. Hold the vinyl graphic away from the application surface. Starting from the top working your way to the bottom, firmly squeegee the vinyl to the surface working from the center out. Do not let the entire graphic fall onto the surface. If creases develop, carefully lift and adjust the graphic as needed.
  5. Carefully peel the pre-mask from the graphic at a 180-degree angle back over itself.
  6. If there are any remaining air bubbles in the vinyl, put a piece of leftover liner over the graphic with the shiny side facing outwards and press down firmly with a squeegee to remove the bubbles