How To Apply a Vinyl Decal
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Each decal has three pieces:
1. The top layer is the transfer tape or pre-mask.
2. The middle layer is the actual vinyl decal.
3. The bottom layer is the backing.
These decals come to you all together in three layers.
The top layer is called transfer tape or pre-mask. It looks somewhat like regular masking tape or clear tape. And is used to apply and protect you decal as you apply.
The middle layer is the actual decal. And this will come up with your transfer tape when your ready to apply.
The bottom layer is a backing paper with a waxy surface.
1. The top layer is the transfer tape or pre-mask.
2. The middle layer is the actual vinyl decal.
3. The bottom layer is the backing.
These decals come to you all together in three layers.
The top layer is called transfer tape or pre-mask. It looks somewhat like regular masking tape or clear tape. And is used to apply and protect you decal as you apply.
The middle layer is the actual decal. And this will come up with your transfer tape when your ready to apply.
The bottom layer is a backing paper with a waxy surface.
_Quick Vinyl Application Tips
- Do not apply in cold weather - adhesive may stick but will lift easily.
- Do not apply in extreme heat, apply in the shade - vinyl will get very soft and stretch.
- Do not use alcohol to apply - it will destroy the adhesive.
- Do not use ice scraper on the sticker/decal - may lift or break pieces off..
- Do not touch the adhesive backing - oils from your skin will prevent sticking.
- Do not point high pressure car wash nozzle at the edges of the sticker/decal for a long time - may lift or break pieces.
- Car washes are safe.
- Before application make sure there is no wax or rainx products on the surface - adhesive may stick but will lift easily.
- Don't apply wax over graphics, especially if the wax contains any petroleum distillates.
Cleaning Procedures:
_All surfaces are contaminated to some degree. To ensure good adhesion to any
vehicle surface it is critical that you follow these recommended procedures in
decontaminating and preparing the surface prior to any vinyl product
installation.
1. Wash and rinse the area with liquid dish detergent and warm water. Then dry the surface with a clean, lint-free towel or cloth.
2. Finish up the cleaning process by wiping down the entire area with Isopropyl Alcohol (rubbing alcohol). 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.
1. Wash and rinse the area with liquid dish detergent and warm water. Then dry the surface with a clean, lint-free towel or cloth.
2. Finish up the cleaning process by wiping down the entire area with Isopropyl Alcohol (rubbing alcohol). 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.
Decal Removal
- Begin by heating one corner of the marking with a blow dryer, heat lamp, hot water or heat gun until hot to the touch. Pick up an lift that area you just heated (use a razor only on glass surfaces). Slowly begin pulling back the decal, at less than a 90 degree angle. Continue applying heat to the area just before the area that is being removed.
- Once you have removed the marking, check to make sure that all of the adhesive residue has been removed. Remaining residue may be removed by using Isopropyl Alcohol (rubbing alcohol).