VEHICLE GRAPHICS INSTALLATION

What you will need

 

  • A spray bottle
  • Unscented dish soap
  • Water source
  • Sharp Exacto knife
  • Squeegee
  • Measuring tape / ruler
  • Friend
  • Optional items (heat gun, grease pen, roll of masking tape)

 

 

*** Mix your solution by adding a drop or two of the dish soap to the spray bottle full of water. Spray the mixture on your hand to test it. The solution should have a slightly “slimy” feel to it…if not add more soap. If it feels really slimy than add some more water. Too much soap will make the decal hard to stick down and to little will make repositioning difficult and will not allow the solution to escape as easily resulting in more small bubbles.

***There are pre mixed solutions on the market such as Rapidtach that are ready to go. We are an authorized distributor of several of these mixtures so if you would prefer to use them please call us for pricing.

 

 

Prepping the vehicle

 

 

  • To start you should wash the vehicle that the graphics will be applied on.
  • If you are a heavy waxer it is best to wipe the car down with alcohol to insure a good adhesion with the painted surface.
  • Open the doors and clean the door jambs where the vinyl will wrap into them.
  • If your car is more than a few years old it might not be a bad idea to clay bar the finish. Anything rough on the surface may show through the vinyl and can help trap air and water under the material leaving tons of tiny bubbles.
  • Let the car sit in the shade for an hour or two. Do not attempt to install graphics on a blistering hot surface…it will shrink and melt the vinyl.

 

 

Installation for full length graphics packages

 

 

  • Start by laying the vinyl against the vehicle and taping it up. This will help you visualize where it will be sitting and will allow you to make adjustments to avoid handles and moldings.
  • Once you have the position you like mark the paper and the vehicle with a grease pen or tape to help you align it. (this step is optional)
  • Start by pulling back the backing from the decal carefully.
  • Once the backing is removed apply a good mist of solution over the adhesive side of the graphic.(Make sure you do not get the outside of the masking tape wet in the process, this can make the install hell if you do)
  • Spray the same solution generously over the area in which the graphic is to be applied.
  • Flip the graphic with the adhesive facing the car and position it into place (the graphic should “float” on the fluid at this point allowing it to be repositioned)
  • Once you are happy with the position of the decal you may begin working out the solution with a squeegee. It is best to work from the middle outwards in most cases. On some contoured surfaces it may be necessary to cut relief slits into the mask to allow the vinyl to conform to the surface.
  • Take your time and make sure you have worked every inch of the graphic from all directions. Don’t rush this step…it will show in the end product if you do.
  • Once you are content that you have gotten all the solution out you may begin spraying the mask generously with the solution. This will help break down the adhesive and make the removal less work. Use your Squeegee to work it over a few times and make sure it’s all nice and smooth.
  • At this point you should be ready to remove the outer mask. Begin by pulling it from one end and slowly working it down exposing the graphic.
  • Once the entire mask is removed you should inspect the graphics for any bubbles. If you find some it is best to try working them out before resorting to poking them. The best method is with a squeegee. Make sure to wrap it in a piece of wet paper towel fist to avoid scratching the vinyl. Gently push the water towards the edge if possible.
  • When all else fails….Pop them. A sharp hobby knife or pin will work fine. Be careful not to make the holes noticeable and not damage the painted surface below in the process.
  • Now its time to trim out any door handles and door edges that the graphics may have gone through. My best advice for trimming around door handles is to use a brand new Exacto knife and take your time. Don’t press any harder than needed.
  • On the door seams just run the blade down the door edge making a clean cut. Take the excess material and tuck it into the door jamb leaving a nice clean look.
  • If necessary go back over the edges with a heat gun. Make sure not to get to close as the vinyl can and will melt.
  • If you are adding a second color just line up your registration marks and repeat the steps above. If not than move on to the second side. Make sure to measure properly to assure the sides match. If their not exactly perfect don’t worry about it too much…no one sees both sides at the same time.

You should have recieved a printed copy of these instructions with your purchase. If you did not recieve one you can print this online version. Below are a few pictures of an install we did. The images are in order starting at the beginning of the install. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact us at 702-260-7472 for more help.