Applying Your Custom Vinyl Graphics - Do It Yourself!
Applying your custom vinyl graphic is easy enough to do by yourself. We recommend the use of the Installation Kit, it includes:
| 1 - 4oz. Bottle of Rapid Tac |  |
| 1 - Pumpkin Squeegee | |
| 1 - "Good" Snappy Knife | |
| 1 - Instruction Sheet |
You can find the Installation Kits as well as many other usefull tools and supplies under the Tools/Supplies Catagory to the left.
Cleaning
Procedures:
All surfaces are contaminated to some degree. To ensure good adhesion to any
vehicle surface it is critical that you follow these recommended procedures
in decontaminating and preparing the surface prior to any vinyl product installation.
1. Wash and rinse the area with liquid dish detergent and warm water. Then dry the surface with a clean, lint-free towel or cloth.
2. Finish up the cleaning process 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.
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.
Application Procedures:
You can choose to apply vinyl in one of two ways; dry or wet. Applying vinyl
dry does not allow for any mistakes. Once the vinyl touches the surface, there
is no removal without damage.
However, applying vinyl with application spray allows you the opportunity to remove and reposition vinyl as needed for up to several minutes. For obvious reasons, this method is recommended for both beginners and experts. To apply using the application spray, spray the surface thoroughly. Then lay the vinyl on a flat surface and spray the adhesive side as you remove the backing. An extra set of hands is a good idea. Then simply apply the vinyl to the surface.
Do not excessively stretch vinyl during the application. This is the
main cause of end lift. Pull the vinyl only as taut as necessary to keep a straight
line. Because vinyl is a pressure-sensitive product, a squeegee should be used
for all installations.
(Pinstriping can be laid down initially using your thumb. However, after
the application tape is removed, a squeegee must be used on all cut ends including
door breaks as well as the ends of the stripe.
When removing the application tape, always pull it slowly, back onto
itself, at a 180-degree angle. Bubbles should be punctured using a pin. Do not
slit the vinyl to release the air. If the vinyl is slit it will spread or gap.
