Vinyl Application Instruction for Small and Large Decals

Check out my Short Vinyl Decal Installation Video on my ABOUT ME page!

Are you a newbie to applying Vinyl Graphics? If so, please take time to read this short introduction “Common Mistakes”. I'll discuss many of the mistakes made by amateur applicators and how to avoid them. 

COMMON MISTAKES

The biggest mistake that one can easily make is not throughly cleaning your surface before application. Even if the area looks clean, you should consider it dirty. Many sign companies approve glass cleaners, like Windex, for prepping the surface but I disagree with this strongly. These cleaners can contain ammonia and if not allowed to dry fully, can break down the acrylic adhesive on decals. This could cause bubbles to form and premature release of vinyl. A mixture of 2 parts water and 1 part Isopropyl (Rubbing) Alcohol works great to remove dirt and grime. If this is not available, then 12 oz of hot water and one drop of dish soap will suffice. This soapy water mixture is also my formula for application fuild (IMPORTANT: DO NOT USE APPLICATION FUILD WITH REFLETIVE VINYLS!!!!) used during installation. Be sure to dry the area with a clean lent free cloth afterwards.

When applying decals outdoors, be sure the weather is nice. 55 degrees Fahrenheit or higher is ideal temperature and if winds are moderately strong, it might be best to wait for a calm day. This is especially true with decals over 18 inches. In the middle of winter, use a garage to apply decals. Just be sure the temperature is adequate and allow 12-24 hours for the surface temperature of the object to rise also.

Lastly, don’t rush and follow the application instruction outlined below. With just a little practice, you will be installing graphics like a Pro.

Instructions for decals measuring 18 inches or less

Tools needed:

Tape Measure or Ruler, Water soluble pencil, Masking tape, Squeegee (your driver's license can work)

Optional Tools:

Level, Laser eye marker (Really nice if you can splurge the money).

1.      After cleaning your surface good, use a tape measure and/or ruler to mark straight line(s) with a water soluble pencil on the object the decal will be applied to. Remember, the more time you spend making your reference line prefect the better positioned your decal will be in the end. It helps if these lines extend past the decal’s carrier paper slightly at each end.  On the decal’s transfer tape, draw a straight line across it which will be used to match up with your first line drawn.

2.      Place and align your decal, carrier paper and all, and match up the two lines. Tape both ends being careful not to move the decal while doing so. Stand back and make sure the decal seems straight to you. If not, pull out a tape measure and make adjustments.

3.      IMPORTANT: DO NOT USE APPLICATION FUILD WITH REFLETIVE VINYLS!!!! Once aligned, flipping the decal up and slowly remove the carrier paper. This is best accomplished by starting in one corner and rolling the paper back toward the other corner. Making sure the decal stays attached to the transfer tape. If a part of the decal doesn't stick to the tape then lay it over the tape again, press it down and carefully trying again. Once the carrier paper is removed, you can spray the surface and the sticky side of the decal with application fluid. Lay the decal back over, making sure there are no wrinkles in the transfer tape. Squeegee the decal down by starting in the middle and working your way to the edges. Press down firmly after going over it a few times lightly to work out any air bubbles and fluid still built up under the decal.

4.      Allow the decal dry for a few minutes before removing the transfer tape. It might also be a good idea to squeegee over the entire decal again right before you remove the tape. Carefully remove the tape by starting in a corner and working your way to the other end. If your decal still is not sticking, carefully squeegee it again and repeat step 4.

More Detailed Instructions for Large Decals Coming Soon and Pictures too!!! : )