How to install vinyl graphics and
stickers.
There are two methods of installing vinyl graphics. With either
application method, you will be concerned with two things. One is
getting the graphic on straight, and the other is getting it to lay
flat with no bubbles under it. We will discuss dry installation and wet
installation using application fluid or a soap and water solution. Your
application will determine which method is appropriate for a successful
installation. This is intended as a simple self-help guide, and
obviously is not intended as an all-encompassing instruction manual. If
you need help with your application, please
contact us, and we'll do
our best to get you going.
Dry Application
Clean the surface with an appropriate cleaner and allow it to
dry. Cut off approximately 1/2 inch of the backing paper from one side
or top or bottom of design, whichever is most appropriate. For example,
with long horizontal stickers, tear off backing paper from either end.
For tall vertical stickers, tear off either a top or bottom section.
This is done so that you can press the application tape onto the
surface once you get the sticker where you want it and get it
straight. with one edge stuck, your sticker will stay straight
and maintain position and you can turn it over and peel off the rest of
the backer. Start from the end you previously stuck, hold the
other end up, and squeegee the sticker down from one end to the other.
This will prevent air from being trapped under the sticker and give you
a professional looking installation. Carefully peel off the application
tape starting with one corner and pull it back flat on top of itself.
Make certain all of the vinyl releases from the application tape and
remains on the surface you stuck it to. If it starts to lift some
vinyl, back up and stick it back down with the squeegee, then resume
pulling off the application tape. If there are any bubbles left after
you remove the application tape, they can be removed by piercing the
vinyl with a needle and working the air out of the hole. You may see
some very small bubbles that will probably weep out in a few days. It's
best to give it some time on these small bubbles and see if they
disappear.
Wet Application
For wet applications, you can either use an application fluid,
or make your own solution from cheap dish soap and water. Use just
enough soap in the water so that it starts to feel slippery. Make sure
you use a plain dish soap such as Joy. Newer detergents with additives
such as fragrances and skin conditioners can leave an oily residue that
will cause your vinyl not to stick very well. You'll need a spray
bottle for your application fluid and a squeegee. Clean the surface
thoroughly and remove any dirt, oil or residue. Spray the surface with
application fluid until the entire area for the sticker is wet. Now
peel the backer off the sticker and spray it also until it's nice and
wet. Put the sticker onto your surface being careful not to press it
down. Grab your sticker by the corners of the application tape and
slide it around until it is centered and straight. Step back and take a
look if necessary. Once you are satisfied with your positioning, you
can begin to squeegee the application fluid from under the design.
Start at the top for vertical designs or one end for horizontal
designs. Work your way down or across the design as appropriate and
squeegee all the fluid from under the design. Use slow firm strokes and
make sure you get all the bubbles out. Give it a few minutes to dry and
test a corner to see if you can remove the application tape without
lifting the sticker. If so, spray the application tape until it is wet.
This will help lessen the hold on the vinyl and allow the application
tape to come off a little easier without lifting the design. Start at
one corner and peel the application tape back on itself, keeping it
flat on the surface until you have removed the entire sheet. Check for
any vinyl that has lifted and squeegee it back down as necessary. Allow
to dry thoroughly before driving down the road if you are doing a
vehicle application. Remove any bubbles by piercing the vinyl with a
needle and work the fluid or air out of the hole. Small static bubbles
may disappear in a few days.
Installation Tips and Tricks
Sometimes you may run into situations where vinyl won't stretch around
an irregular object, such as a body line on a car, or a convex or
concave object. In these situations, you may end up with a wrinkle, or
an area that just won't lay flat. You can resolve this by using a heat
gun on low heat, or a hair dryer on high.) The vinyl will
become very pliable with a little heat and you can stretch it to fit.
Be careful not to stretch it too far, as you will deform the vinyl. A
little more heat will cause the vinyl to shrink and pull out wrinkles
and small bubbles. Be careful not to overdo it though, as the vinyl
will become hard and brittle after it cools if you use too much heat.
Removing old Vinyl
Old vinyl is best removed in a warm environment. If it's cold,
the vinyl will be less pliable and more brittle, and it will tend to
break often. If possible, you'll want to do this inside at room
temperature. If this is not possible, you can use a hair dryer or heat
gun to warm the vinyl so that it comes off easier. A hair dryer is
generally ideal, as a heat gun tends to overheat the vinyl and make it
stretch too much. Once you remove the
vinyl, you may be left with some adhesive. The best way to remove this
is denatured alcohol. Alternatively you can use isopropyl alcohol which
you probably have in your medicine cabinet. You'll have to keep your
rag saturated as you wipe the glue, and it will melt away a little at a
time. For stubborn vinyl removal, you should be able to use a plastic
razor blade without damaging paint or other surfaces.
If you have other questions, or you need help with your application,
don't hesitate to contact us using the links at the top of the page.
