How To Apply a Vinyl Decal

Each decal has three pieces:

1. The top layer is the transfer tape or pre-mask.
2. The middle layer is the vinyl decal.
3. The bottom layer is the backing.

These decals come to you in three layers. 
The top layer is called transfer tape or pre-mask. It looks somewhat like regular masking tape or clear tape.
The middle layer is the actual decal.
The bottom layer is a backing paper treated with a release agent.

Quick Vinyl Application Tips....

• Do not apply in cold weather - adhesive may stick but will lift easily.
• Do not apply in extreme heat, apply in the shade - vinyl will get very soft and stretch.
• Do not use alcohol to apply - it will destroy the adhesive.
• Do not use ice scraper on the sticker/decal - may lift or break pieces off..
• Do not touch the adhesive backing - oils from your skin will prevent sticking.
• Do not point high pressure car wash nozzle at the edges of the sticker/decal for a long time - may lift or break pieces.
• Car washes are safe.
• Before application make sure there is no wax or rainx products on the surface - adhesive may stick but will lift easily.
• Don't apply wax over graphics, especially if the wax contains any petroleum distillates. 

1. Wash and rinse the area with liquid dish detergent and warm water.  Then dry the 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 recontamination 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 MUST 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 dry does not allow for any mistakes, and recommended for small decals.  Once the vinyl touches the surface, there is no removal without damage.  We suggest that all customers use the wet process for larger graphics.
Do Not use the wet method on Wallwords or reflective vinyl.


Wet Application Fluid:
You can make you own application fluid with 4 drops of dishwashing liquid (dawn, joy, or baby shampoo etc.) to 1 quart of water in a spray bottle.

Decal Installation

	1. Measure where you want you decal to be. Then tape in place on 1 side only to use as a hinge, using regular masking tape. Place your tape on the top, bottom or either side, however you feel more confortable.
	2. Peel the bottom LINER layer away from the DECAL and MASK LAYER starting at the opposite side of the masking taped hindge, and slowly remove it.
	3. Wet method is suggested for beginners and larger decals. To use the wet method placement, spray the smooth surface with a mixture of soap and water. Wet Application Fluid: You can make your own application fluid with 4 drops of dishwashing liquid (dawn, joy, or baby shampoo etc.) to 1 quart of water in a spray bottle.
	4. While still holding the PRE-MASK layer away from the smooth surface. Use a squeegee, credit card or any plastic straight edge to help in application. Start from the side with the tape and gently work away from the tape and squeege out all water and soap. (Note: if you do not have a squeegee use your fingertips or the sharp edge of a credit card, plastic ruler or similar object)
	5.User your squeege and apply pressure from the middle to the outward sides, this will remove all water and start the decal adhesion. Let sit for 5 minutes before removing. If your decal appear to not be sticking the fluid is still behine the decal, just squegee again and let sit for 10-15 minutes. TIP: If you find the transfer tape too hard to peel up, spray the solution on the entire decals wait a few minutes and the paper will peel off like butter. The decals have a pressure sensitive adhesive the harder you rub the harder it sticks, also the longer you let it sit the stronger the adhesive will adhere.
	6. Now your ready to pull off your PRE-MASK layer and view your decal. Gently pull it off, if you see some vinyl start to come up with the PRE-MASK then lay it back down, squeege, and wait a few minutes and try again.

Magnetic Sign Care !

Help My Magnetic Sign Blew Off.......This is one of the most common complaints that we hear about magnetic signs.  All of the time, this is caused by applying the sign to a dirty surface, applying a dirty sign, or applying the sign while it is cold.

Magnetic material becomes stiff and relatively inflexible when it is cold.  When the sign is applied while it is cold and stiff, it does not properly grip the vehicle surface.  Take a trip down the highway at high speed, and you could wind up losing your sign.

First and foremost, never apply your magnetic sign cold! It's ok to put the magnetic sign on in cold weather, but the sign itself must be warm.  That means you must store your magnetic signs in a warm place during cold weather or you must take the time to warm up your magnetic signs before applying them to your vehicle.  You can use your vehicles heater to warm up the signs before applying them.  Start up your car and turn on the heat.  After the cars starts to generate heat, place your magnet's in the car under a heat vent for about 15 to 20 minutes. Assuming your car has good heat, that should do it. Make sure the sign feels soft and flexible before applying it.

Also, the magnetic rips and tears very easily when it is cold.   Always be careful when handling a cold magnetic sign.

Always apply a clean sign to a clean surface. It's a good idea to wipe off the area you will be placing the magnetic sign on with a soft damp cloth to remove any loose dirt that might be there.  It's also a good idea to wipe off the back side of the sign too.  If both surfaces are clean, then you should have no problems getting a good strong bond between the magnetic and the vehicle.

It's also very important to store your magnet's flat.  Don't toss them in the trunk or the back of your pick up truck and pile other stuff up on top of them.  Magnetic signs tend to take the form of whatever they are up against.  If yours is in a folded, crumpled heap under a bunch of junk in your trunk or pick up bed, your 're going to have trouble flattening them out next time you want to use them.  If they are not flat when you apply them, they will not properly grip the vehicle surface.

Follow these simple tips and you should get years of service from a set of our magnetic signs.