Installing vinyl is a pretty simple process. Below you will find what you need to install your new decals in no time.

• Squeegee, credit card, drivers license or other plastic rigid item for smoothing the decal
• Masking tape
• Ruler or measuring tape
• Rubbing alcohol
• Water (for wet install only)
• Spray bottle (for wet install only)

You can install the decal wet or dry. If you have never installed vinyl before wet is probably going to be easier for you. The choice is up to you. We usually do dry installs for smaller items and wet for larger ones.

Alcohol is used to clean the surface before you install. The devil is in the details as they say and having a clean surface is the most imporant part of the install process.

You'll need to use soap and water to clean the surface initially. Just a few drops of household dishwashing liquid in a bucket of warm water is fine. It won't take much. Rinse thoroughly, then rinse some more.

If possible have a covered area where you can work, at least something in the shade. The optimum temperature range installation is 60 to 80 degrees F.

If you do a dry installation just skip everywhere water is mentioned and hold the graphic taught just above the surface while you are squeegeeing.

The decal is covered with an application tape that allows you to transfer the decal to the application surface. The application tape is just a large masking tape, sometimes it will be clear.

Installation Methods

Horizontal Hinge

• Position decal on clean surface. Make sure to use the decal itself to center or level the decal since the application tape may not be perfectly cut. Tack to desired location with small pieces of tape.
• Apply a long piece of masking tape across the top of the lettering or graphic.
• Remove small pieces of tape.
• Cut lettering or graphic into smaller areas vertically. The hinge at the top holds the graphic and maintains the graphics spacing intact. You are basically just making the graphic smaller by installing smaller sections of it at a time. Be sure not to cut through any vinyl however.
• Starting at either side, flip one section over at a time and remove release liner.
• If you are doing a wet install, use the spray bottle and apply water to the surface and the sticky side of the decal.
• Lay the graphic on the surface pulling the corners to remove any bubbles and wrinkles, etc.
• Squeegee each section into place.
• Re-squeegee the entire line of lettering or graphic when complete.
• Allowed the decal to dry (a heat gun or hair dryer speeds up the process) then remove the application tape.

Vertical Hinge

• Position decal on clean surface. Tack to desired location with small pieces of tape.
• Apply a long piece of masking tape across one side.
• Remove small pieces of tape.
• Starting at the side with the masking tape, flip the graphic back and remove release liner.
• If you are doing a wet install, use the spray bottle and apply water to the surface and the sticky side of the decal.
• Lay the graphic on the surface pulling the corners to remove any bubbles and wrinkles, etc.
• Squeegee into place.
• Re-squeegee the entire line of lettering or graphic when complete.
• Allowed the decal to dry (a heat gun or hair dryer speeds up the process) then remove the application tape.

Center Hinge

• Position decal on clean surface. Tack to desired location with small pieces of tape.
• Run another piece of masking tape vertically through the center of the lettering or graphic, making sure it adheres firmly above and below the lettering as well. This will act as the center hinge.
• Remove small pieces of tape from one end.
• Lift graphic or lettering from that end and pull release liner away. Continue to pull liner away until you get close to vertical center hinge.
• Cut the release liner with scissors and discard it while holding the graphic and transfer tape away from the surface. Depending on the size of the decal two or more people would be helpful.
• If you are doing a wet install, use the spray bottle and apply water to the surface and the sticky side of the decal.
• Lay the graphic on the surface pulling the corners to remove any bubbles and wrinkles, etc.
• Starting from center vertical hinge, squeegee lettering down onto the prepared surface.
• Remove the tape on other end as well as vertical tape used as center hinge. Lay the remaining half over applied lettering or graphic.
• Remove the rest of the release liner, apply water if doing wet install and again, beginning from center, squeegee into place.
• Allowed the decal to dry (a heat gun or hair dryer speeds up the process) then remove the application tape.

Tips

• A heat gun or hair dryer can be use to stretch the decal around curved surfaces. Be careful not to overheat the decal as it can burn. This may be used in wet or dry installation.
• Small bubbles can be squeegee'd to the edge of the decal. For larger bubbles you may use a pin to pop them and then apply pressure.
• For extra durability clear fingernail polish can be added to the corners of the decal. This is highly recommended for decals that have small points (such as flames)
• Shadows, outlines, and fills are made by applying the shadow/outline/fill color to the surface first and then applying the main color on top of that. Large items will have diamond registration marks that you can use to line up the layers. Once you are finished with the install just peel the diamonds off of the surface.

If you have any questions about the install process just ask and we'll be happy to help you. If you are in the Atlanta, GA area we may be available to do the install for you. Contact us for details.