HOW TO APPLY VINYL GRAPHICS
* 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 vehicle 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 re-contamination 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 graphics dry does not allow for any mistakes. Once the vinyl touches the surface, there is no removal without damage.
However, applying vinyl graphics 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. The purpose of using a squeegee is to remove the excess fluid and or air from behind the vinyl. You should always start the squeegee from the middle and either use a straight up or down motion. Allow the vinyl to set for 5 to 15 minutes.
* 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. The cutting or trimming of any stripe or graphic should be done using a very sharp knife and very little pressure.
HOW TO REMOVE VINYL GRAPHICS
Things You’ll Need:
* plastic razor blade
* "goo-gone" or similar product
* soap and water
* paper towels
* heat gun or blow dryer
Step1 Using a heat gun (preferably), or a hair dryer, heat the graphics you wish to remove. Heating them will help make them softer and will allow the adhesive to release easier. This is especially important with older graphics as they become brittle over time. Don't allow the heat gun to heat one place for too long as you can damage the substrate and/or burn your fingers.
Step2 Begin peeling vinyl with a plastic razor blade. Starting at an edge, slide your plastic razor blade under the vinyl until you have a piece large enough to hold with your fingers.
Step3 Once you have an edge started, pull by hand. Now you can begin peeling the vinyl with your hands. If the vinyl is fairly new, it may come off easily and in one piece. Most vinyl however, will break up into smaller pieces and you will need to pick at it with the plastic razor blade again to continue. If the vinyl is breaking frequently, try using the heat gun again to soften the vinyl.
Step4 Once your vinyl is completely removed, you will see much of the adhesive has been left behind. You will need to spray this residue with a product such as "goo-gone" to soften the adhesive. Allow this to set in for a minute or so before scraping the adhesive. Take your plastic razor blade and scrape the adhesive. It should come off in a jelly-like consistency. Be sure to remove ALL of the adhesive.
Step 5. Once you remove all the adhesive, you will need to wash the chemicals off that were left behind. It is very important that you get all of the chemicals off as vinyl will no longer stick in that area if you wish to replace your graphics. Use a spray bottle with a soap and water mix and wash an area larger than your old graphics to ensure that you clean the area entirely.
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