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| Make
sure the area you will apply your graphic is clean. Use denatured alcohol
if the finish will not be adversely affected. If you're unsure, always test a small area
first.
To locate your graphic accurately we suggest using a length of low-tack tape for a guide line as shown. |
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| Use
a fine spray to moisten the area with a soapy water mixture. A couple of
drops of dishwashing liquid in a quart container works fine.
You can also use "Windex" or other similar light cleaning fluids. Avoid heavy-duty cleaning agents that may contain acetic acid (vinegar) or other aggressive chemicals. If you're the type that wants to use what the pros use, check with your local sign supply shop for vinyl "Application Fluid".
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| Lay
your vinyl graphic on a flat surface and begin peeling the transfer tape
from the backing sheet starting at the left end. The graphic should
come up with the tape.
If at any point the vinyl does not adhere to the tape, back up and rub the area aggressively to better adhere it to the tape, then continue peeling. If that doesn't work, use a flat-bladed tool to gently lift the edge of the vinyl from the backing sheet and press it to the tape. Continue peeling until the entire image has been separated from the backing sheet. |
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| Hold
the graphic about an inch above the surface visually lining it up with
the guide.
Be aware that the adhesive on the graphic is extremely aggressive and will stick to anything it touches. Avoid touching the surface until reasonably good alignment has been established.
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| Holding
the right side up, carefully
touch the left end of the graphic down to the surface checking that it's
still aligned with the guide.
Remain holding the right end above the surface while you work from left to right smoothing the graphic to the surface and working out wrinkles and bubbles as you go. The soapy water film will allow some adjustment and fine tuning to achieve perfect alignment.
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| When
the graphic is aligned to the guide, smooth it down by rubbing with your fingers, looking for any
wrinkles or bubbles that remain.
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| This step is optional but we find that a small trim roller available at paint stores or home improvement centers is very handy for working out excess moisture and bubbles and adhering the graphic to the surface. Very little investment for a super-handy tool that can be used over and over. |  |
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| Use
a plastic squeegee to work out any residual moisture. Use moderate
pressure to ensure the graphic is
well-adhered to the surface. For large graphics work from the center
outward.
Squeegees can be found at most paint stores or places that sell fiberglass products such as Tap Plastics. If you don't have one, use an old credit card or stiff piece of cardboard. |
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| If
your graphic was supplied with paper transfer tape, spray it with the
soapy solution and let it soak in for 5 - 10 minutes. This will make
tape removal easier and lower the risk of lifting the graphic off the
surface.
If your graphic was supplied with plastic (transparent) tape, spraying is not necessary. |
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| Carefully
remove the tape by peeling it back on itself to avoid lifting the
graphic. Do this slowly and with care!
If you find that the graphic lifts off the surface, put the tape back down and repeat Step 8 to work all residual moisture out from under the graphic and wait another 5 - 10 minutes. |
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| With
the tape removed the job is completed.
Any small bubbles or "pimples" will disappear over time. Any larger bubbles that remain can still be worked out with the finger or squeegee. If you need to do further smoothing, be careful not to slide the graphic out of registration as full strength bonding will not take place until the surface has completely dried. |
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