Applying Decals
Applying Decals - Graphic Kits
Tools Required: Sharp X-acto knife or utility knife, squeegee, spray bottle, a heat gun or hair dryer, and a helping hand (not required but it will help).
- Fill your
spray bottle with water (preferably distilled) and add a few drops
of dish soap. (do not use too much soap)
- Clean the
surface of the vehicle where the graphics will be placed. Alcohol
works great. The cleaner the better.
- Pre-fit
the graphics to know how it will fit and where you want to place
it. You can mark where the graphic will go with tape or a grease
pencil to aid in proper placement of the graphic.
- Using the soapy
water solution thoroughly wet down the area of the vehicle that the
graphic will be applied.
- Peel the backing
paper off the graphic as you spray the sticky side of the graphic.
- Place the graphic
on the vehicle making sure that there is still plenty of the soapy
water solution on the vehicle and the graphic.
- Squeegee the water
out by using strokes from the center to the outside of the graphic.
Take your time and do a thorough job. Time taken here will show in
the end.
- After a few minutes
spray the transfer tape with the soapy water solution and use the
squeegee to carefully rub it into the tape.
- Starting in on
corner begin to slowly remove the tape at a sharp angle. Use caution
to keep from pulling up the graphic.
- Now take the time
to squeegee out and more bubbles. Trim all the seems such as window
moldings, door edges, fenderwell openings, etc. You can use the hair
dryer or heat gun to help tuck the edges and work out any bubbles.
This will also help cure the graphic but care must be taken not to
use excessive heat. This could distort the graphic. Any remaining
bubbles can be popped with a pin or X-acto knives
NOTE: Heat from a hair dryer or heat gun can help to slightly stretch the vinyl on compound curves or surface irregularities.
- For best cure,
leave the vehicle indoors for 24 hours and refrain from washing or
waxing and driving in any harsh weather.
NOTE: It maybe necessary to check edges for
adhesion for the first day or two. Use a hair dryer or heat gun as
necessary and rub down the edges with your finger as you heat it.
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Applying Decals -
Windshield Decals
Tools Required: Sharp X-acto knife or utility knife, squeegee, spray bottle, a heat gun or hair dryer, and a helping hand (not required but it will help).
- Fill your spray
bottle with water (preferably distilled) and add a few drops of dish
soap. (do not use too much soap)
- Clean the windshield
where the graphics will be placed. Alcohol works great. The cleaner
the better.
- Pre-fit the graphics
to know how it will fit and where you want to place it. You can mark
where the graphic will go with tape or a grease pencil to aid in
proper placement of the graphic.
- Using the soapy
water solution thoroughly wet down the area of the windshield were
the graphic will be applied.
- Peel the backing
paper off the graphic as you spray the sticky side of the graphic.
- Place the graphic
on the vehicle making sure that there is still plenty of the soapy
water solution on the windshield and the graphic.
- Squeegee the water
out by using strokes from the center to the outside of the graphic.
Take your time and do a thorough job. Time taken here will show in
the end.
- Heat with a hair
dryer or heat gun to aid in proper adhesion. Do not get the decal
too hot.
- Trim around the
edge with a sharp X-acto knife. Pop any bubbles that are left with
a pin.
- If you have a graphic or words to go over the windshield banner, install them the same way as the instructions say for installing graphic kits.
NOTE: Hey guys! This is not rocket science but care and patience must be used to get the best possible outcome.