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1.
Surface Preparation
Follow
the instructions below for specific material cleaning procedures:
Plastics and
Glass
Thoroughly wipe surface clean with a window cleaner. Remove any dried
matter such as tape or glue with a single edge razor blade. If you are planning
to use acrylic, remove the protective liner from the acrylic 24 hours prior to
application vinyl graphic. This will allow any air bubbles (outgassing) to
dissipate from the acrylic. If this is not observed you may find air bubbles
form under your graphic within a couple of days.
Painted Metals and Base Metals
These surfaces may be cleaned with a solvent such as Naphtha, Xylol or Lacquer
Thinner. Dry the surface with a lint free cloth before the solvent evaporates.
Freshly painted surfaces should be dry for at least 72 hours prior to
application of the vinyl graphics.
Interior Painted Surfaces
These surfaces may be
cleaned with any household cleaner such as Fantastic or 409. Wipe area clean and
dry with a lint free cloth before applying the vinyl graphics. Freshly painted
surfaces should be dry for at least 72 hours prior to application of the vinyl
graphics.
Temperature
Requirements
The temperature of the intended surface as well as the
surrounding environment should be between 45 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit for
best results. Very high humidity (above 90 percent) may effect the application
process.
2.
Materials Needed
Small
cutting knife or razor blade. (an Exacto Knife is ideal for the job) A Spray
bottle filled with a mixture of dish soap and water. The mixture ratio is; 3
drops of soap to 1 pint of water Plastic Squeegee (supplied) Dry Towel 1"
to 2" Roll of Masking Tape
The
graphic consists of three separate pieces. Pre-mask - Vinyl - Graphic
Liner
3.
Using small tabs of masking tape, tack the graphic to the intended
surface. Check for proper placement and adjust as necessary, before going
on to step 4.
4.
Apply a single horizontal strip of 2" masking tape to the top of the
graphic. The strip should be split between the graphic and the intended surface
with 1" on each side (as shown). This strip will be used as a hinge that
will insure the graphic does not move during the application process.
5.
Hold the bottom edge of the hinged graphic away from the intended surface and
remove the liner to reveal the sticky backing of the vinyl. If possible, you may
want to flip the graphic all the way up so it is stable while removing the
liner. Save this piece of liner for use later in the application process.
6.
To assist in proper placement, spray the intended surface with the mixture of
soap and water. (This coating of water reduces the tackiness of the vinyl,
letting you lift and re-place the graphic if necessary.
7.
While still holding the hinged graphic away from the intended surface (For large
graphics, use another person to help hold the graphic). Using the
squeegee and starting from the top, begin to put the graphic to the intended
surface. Work from top to bottom. Do not let the entire graphic fall onto the
intended surface. If lines or creases develop, lift and re-place the graphic.
away from the intended
surface.
8.
Once the graphic is in proper position and lying perfectly flat on the intended
surface, you can now start forcing the water out from beneath the graphic.
Starting from the center working outward, use firm strokes with the squeegee to
force the water out from beneath the individual letters or elements contained in
your graphic.
9.
After all letters and elements have had most of the water squeegeed out from
beneath them, it is now time to remove the pre-mask from the graphic and reveal
the final product. To remove the pre-mask without difficulty, spray with water
and soap mixture and wait a minute or two for the pre-mask paper to become
soggy. Gently peel back application tape. To prevent lifting the graphic, peel
the pre-mask at 180 degrees, pulling it back on itself.
.
10.
Finally, squeegee out any remaining water bubbles using the piece of left over
liner. Lay the piece of left over liner over the graphic, with shiny side of
liner facing you. Proceed to apply hard pressure to squeegee out any remaining
water or air bubbles. Using the liner will prevent damage and streaking.
Wet vs. Dry
Application
Generally, use the wet application as it's easier to squeegee out water
bubbles than it is to squeeze out air bubbles. When all the water evaporates out
from under the name in a few days, the vinyl will adhere as if it were going up
dry to start. If you're one of those daring pros, you'll use the dry
application because you know it's going to stick better right away. Dry
Application Notes
Do not let the exposed graphic prematurely touch the intended surface. The back of the
graphic is very tacky and will tightly adhere to the surface. If
the placement is not correct, removing the graphic for re-placement will be very
difficult or impossible without causing damage the vinyl. You may need to pop any bubbles with a pin or sharp
Xacto or razor blade and press out air.
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