How to install vinyl lettering & Decals
Decal Installation Surface Preparation
All surfaces must be thoroughly cleaned before applying your vinyl graphics. Follow the instructions below for specific material cleaning procedures.
Decals on Plastics and Glass
Thoroughly wipe surface clean with alcohol. Remove any dried matter such as tape or glue with a single edge razor blade. If you are planning to use acrylic, remove the protective liner from the acrylic 24 hours prior to application vinyl graphic. This will allow any air bubbles (outgassing) to dissipate from the acrylic. If this is not observed, you may find air bubbles form under your graphic within a couple of days.
Decals on Painted Metals and Base Metals
Dry the surface with a lint free cloth before the solvent evaporates. Freshly painted surfaces should be dry for at least 72 hours prior to application of the vinyl graphics.
Decals on Interior Painted Surfaces
Wipe area clean and dry with a lint free cloth before applying the vinyl graphics. Freshly painted surfaces should be dry for at least 72 hours prior to application of the vinyl graphics.
Materials Needed for Decal Installation
- Small razor blade or scissors
- Plastic Squeegee
- Dry Towel
- 2″ Roll of Masking Tape
- Alcohol
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Using small tabs of masking tape, tack the graphic to the intended surface. This is to ensure proper placement before the liner is removed.
2. Apply a single horizontal strip of 2″ masking tape to the top of the graphic. The strip of should be split between the graphic and the intended surface with 1″ on each side (as shown). This strip will be used as a hinge that will ensure the graphic does not move during the application process.
3. Hold the bottom edge of the hinged graphic away from the intended surface and remove the liner to reveal the sticky backing of the vinyl. Save this piece of liner for use later in the application process.
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 very difficult or impossible without causing damage to the vinyl.
4. While still holding the hinged graphic away from the intended surface. Using the squeegee and starting from the top, begin to marry the graphic to the intended surface.
- Work from top to bottom.Do not let the entire graphic fall onto the intended surface.
- If lines or creases develop, lift and re-place the graphic.
5. Once the graphic is in proper position and lying perfectly flat on the intended surface, you can now start forcing the water out from beneath the graphic. Starting from the center working outward, use firm strokes with the squeegee to force the air bubbles out from beneath the individual letters or elements contained in your graphic.
6. After all letters and elements have been applied, it is now time to remove the pre-mask from the graphic and reveal the final product. Gently remove the pre-mask. Be careful not to pull the graphic up with the pre-mask paper.
