Application Guides

Application Instructions

QUICK APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS (DRY) – MOST USED

All decals are covered with a clear or paper application tape which holds the decal in one piece.

To apply ensure the application surface is clean and dry and free from polish or grease. Cleaning the surface with methylated spirit will ensure good adhesion.

Ensure the temperature of the application surface is at least 10 deg C. Apply pressure to the surface of the transfer tape to ensure full contact with the decal beneath. Carefully peel back the paper backing making sure that the vinyl remains with the transfer tape.

Carefully position the decal in the desired location and press down working from one side to the other to expel any trapped air. The transfer tape can then be peeled back from the decal.

Large air bubbles remaining can be removed by pricking with a pin.

Although the vinyl used is 5/7 year quality material, we recommend that decals are lacquered over with a compatible coating if they are to remain permanent.

QUICK APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS (WET)

The decals are best applied wet using soapy water the same concentration as washing up water. Wet the area and float the graphic into place, remove the water by dabbing with a tissue or squeegee out clearing as much water as possible.

Chase any creases that appear to the corners, stretching the vinyl as necessary to suit the contours of the panel, as the water is expelled.

Small water bubbles that remain trapped will usually dry out within 7 days. Leave a few hours to dry before using the vehicle, or protect the decal by temporarily applying masking tape to the corners and long edges.

Although the vinyl us ed is 5/7 year quality material, we recommend that decals are lacquered over with a compatible coating if they are to remain permanent.

DETAILED GUIDE FOR THE APPLICATION OF DECALS

Please note for Chrome & gold chrome metallised vinyl decals – we strongly recommend that the decals are lacquered over after installation to preserve the mirror finish and to enhance longevity.

Dry Application - used in the majority of cases. Wet Application - used to apply large or multi-coloured images to difficult substrates e.g. convex or concave curvatures. Also recommended for application on to glass surfaces.

One of the secrets of good long-term application is to have optimum contact of the adhesive to the surface. Any gaps between the adhesive and the surface will inevitably, through time, lead to adhesive failure.

If the graphics are supplied as part of a set on a one piece backing, cut out each individual decal prior to application.

DRY APPLICATION - TOP HINGE METHOD: Before commencing establish exactly where the decal is to be located, then tape the sign into position using small pieces of masking tape. Use 2” masking tape to create a hinge with half the masking tape on top of the sign and the other half on the application surface. Squeegee / press the masking tape hinge firmly into position. To apply, lift the decal away from the surface and fold back on the hinge. Peel off about 6 ” of the backing paper then lower the decal keeping the adhesive away from the application surface. Starting at the top centre squeegee / press down and outwards towards each edge in turn. Remove another 6” of backing paper and keep repeating the process using overlapping strokes until the decal is completely applied (for large pre-spaced lettering do as above but slit between each letter so that every letter can be applied individually). Now carefully remove the application tape diagonally at 180 degrees. Air bubbles can be removed by puncturing the bubble with a pin and squeegeeing the trapped air towards and out of the puncture. Finally re-squeegee the sign again paying particular attention to the top and leading edges. If the decal is long and narrow, the same procedure can be adopted with the hinge on the edge of the decal instead of the top.

WET APPLICATION: This method is used when applying large or multi-coloured decals and assists greatly in the elimination of air bubbles. The application of a liquid to the adhesive forms a barrier, which temporarily neutralises the adhesive and allows the legend to be repositioned several times. Soapy water – make up a lukewarm solution of water and enzyme free washing up liquid, in the ratio of approx. one tablespoonful per bucket of water. Damp down the adhesive with a sponge or fine water spray. Alternatively wet the substrate with the solution. The decal can then be floated into position. When correctly positioned dab the decal down to hold the decal in place. Now firmly squeegee the image working from the centre outwards towards the edges using a Union Jack type pattern. This should remove as much of the water solution as possible to enable adhesive action to commence. After allowing 30 to 60 minutes to pass (some manufacturers recommend 24 to 48 hours) re-squeegee the entire image to ensure maximum evacuation of the solution and thus maximum adhesion. Carefully remove the Application Tape diagonally at 180 degrees ensuring that sufficient adhesion has been reached by the lettering. Finally re-squeegee over the entire decal again, paying particular attention to the top and leading edges.

USE OF HEAT: When applying to substrates with complex profiles e.g. rivets etc., best results will be obtained by using a heat-gun / hair-dryer to soften the film and make it more pliable. Squeegee the film onto and around the rivet so that the adhesive makes contact with the entire area of the rivet. Remove any trapped air by puncturing with a fine point and re-squeegee. This will ensure that the film makes full contact with the substrate.