Do-It-Yourself Installation for Vinyl
(This works for lettering, decals, wall art and simple vehicle graphics.)
Tools you will need for applying your vinyl:
- Masking Tape
- Level
- Application Spray
- Squeegee
- Pin or exacto knife (optional)
Temperature Recommendations:
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.
Adhesive becomes
brittle when it gets too cold and gummy when it gets too hot. Applications outside the recommended range
of 50 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit reduce the adhesives' ability to perform.
Preparation:
All surfaces must be clean and completely free from contamination. For best adhesion to any surface it is critical that you follow these procedures
in cleaning and preparing the surface prior to installation:
- Wash and rinse the area with liquid dish detergent and warm water.
- Dry the surface with a clean, lint-free towel or cloth.
- Finish 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!
Application:
You can choose to apply vinyl in one of two ways; dry or wet. If you are applying the vinyl graphics using the "dry" method,
remember, once the vinyl touches the surface, there is no removal without damage! If you apply vinyl graphics with application spray, you can remove
and reposition vinyl as needed for up to several minutes. To make "application spray" - take a spray bottle and add one drop of dish soap. When you shake the
bottle, you want to see a little suds. Very little suds. If there are a lot, empty it out and use less dish soap. OK, back to application!
Do not excessively stretch vinyl as you are applying. Vinyl is pressure-sensitive and squeegees should be used for all installations.
The purpose of using a squeegee is to remove the excess fluid and or air from behind the vinyl. You should always start the squeegee
from the middle and either use a straight up or down motion.
DIY Lettering:
Vinyl lettering and cutouts will adhere to most anything, like, Plastic, Metal, Painted Wood and Aluminum. If you are not sure if vinyl decals
will stick to your project, call us at 888-201-2249 and we can discuss your application, the best solution for your application and the best prices!
All Vinyl Letters and Cut-Outs are pre-spaced and aligned. Everything is ready to apply when you get it.
Step by Step:
- STEP 1: With the backing still in place, align your lettering on top of the surface you want to install it on.
Hold the lettering in place by securing it with masking tape along one of its edges.
- STEP 2: Fold the lettering over along the edge of the masking tape that is holding it in place. Note that the lettering's exterior will now be facing you.
- STEP 3: Remove the backing from the lettering, leaving the letters attached to the application tape.
- STEP 4: Carefully flip the lettering back over using the squeegee, press it firmly into place, smoothing out any wrinkles that may arise.
- STEP 5: Again, very carefully remove the application tape.
You can do your own letters and decals!
