- Installation tips / tricks -
Each Decal at the time of purchase consists of 3 parts:
Please read this section carefully, especially if you are new to Vinyl Decal installations.
Application Paper
Application Paper is the Mask that we apply to your Decal that makes multiple letters stay together. It is necessary for us to apply this mask to make Decals ready for install. This Mask is either made of paper or plastic, depending on the characteristics of the decal.
Decal
This is the actual adhesive Decal that you have purchased. It is sandwiched between the application paper and the backing at the time of purchase. The Decal is what ends up installed to the surface.
Backing
The Backing is the wax paper that is applied to the “sticky” side of the decal. This Backing keeps the Decal from sticking to anything prior to install.
Surface Compatibility:
The Surface must be a Hard, Flat, and Non- Porous. Installation to any other surfaces is not recommended, unless you are an experienced Vinyl Installer. Special skills are needed to deal with major body lines, complex curves, corrugated surfaces, etc. We strongly suggest you wait at least 60 days after painting a surface before applying any decal.
Surface Temperature and Weather Conditions:
Adequate Surface Temperature and Weather Conditions are necessary before attempting to install a Decal.
-The Surface Temperature must be between 60°F and 90°F, with 70°F to 80°F being the ideal range.
-It can’t be Raining or even Drizzling. Decals must be kept absolutely dry until installed.
-Try to avoid installing Decals in Direct Sunlight. Surface Temperatures in Direct Sunlight often change rapidly and are difficult to judge.
-Make sure there is No Wind present, Wind or Gusts Will cause a problem.
Cleaning and Prepping Surface:
If surface is at all dirty, wash with soap and water rinse with water until there is no more soap or soap residue. Make sure Surface is absolutely dry before proceeding to next step.
Thoroughly wipe down the area of the Surface where Decal is to be applied with alcohol. Glass cleaners or other ammonia-based products are not recommended for this purpose, even with glass installations.
Once the surface is clean, installation may begin. A clean Surface will help to ensure that your Decal will stay in place for both the short and long run.
We strongly suggest you wait at least 60 days after painting a surface before applying any decal, because should you ever wish to remove the decal the paint will come off with it if the paint is not properly cured before application.
Dealing With Bubbles
You will probably end up with some bubbles in your decal job. Small bubbles will go away in time (the film breathes, and will flatten out after a few weeks at an appropriate temperature). If you want to work on the bubbles immediately, apply moderate heat, then poke them with a pin, pressing the film down with your
thumb immediately afterwards. Have patience though, the film will lay flat on it’s own in time unless the bubbles are unusually large.
Storage
Your decals must be kept clean, dry, and laid out on a flat surface. If storage is to be longer than 1 year, It is recommended that they be kept in an airtight container or bag. If you regularly use decals, make sure to rotate your stock.
Decal Removal
Decal removal can vary in difficulty, depending on a few things; the quality of the film to be removed, how long it’s been on, if it’s weather-beaten, etc. Move along the decal with a hair dryer or heat gun, while at the same time picking the letters or striping off as you go.
If there is glue left behind, clean it up with a product called opps or goo be gone (available at your local hardware store) applied to a rag.