Before you do anything ensure that the surface that you are going to apply the vinyl to is clean and free from polish or wax. Vinyl will not adhere to rust, or areas of the bumpers with deep scratches.

Always align the vinyl itself, NOT the application tape, you can carefully draw centre lines onto the application tape if you need to. NOTE if you apply too much pressure you WILL damage the surface of the vinyl. Another option is to draw faint lines to the surface using a chinagraph pencil or by using masking tape to line the vinyl up.

Before starting your application establish exactly where the graphic is to be located then tape the graphic into position using small pieces of masking tape. Use 50mm masking tape to create a hinge with half the masking tape on top of the graphic and the other half on the application surface. Squeegee the masking tape hinge firmly into position. To apply, lift the graphic away from the surface and fold back on the hinge. Peel off about 150mm of the backing paper then lower the graphic keeping the adhesive away from the application surface. Starting at the top center squeegee down and outwards towards each edge in turn. Remove another 150mm of backing paper and keep repeating the process using overlapping strokes until the graphic is completely applied (for large pre-spaced letters use the directions as above but cut between each letter so that every letter can be applied individually). Now carefully remove the application tape diagonally at 180 degrees. Air bubbles can be removed by carefully puncturing the bubble with a pin and squeegee the trapped air towards and out of the puncture. Finally hold the backing paper against the graphic (shiny side to the vinyl)and re-squeegee the graphic again paying particular attention to the top and leading edges. If the graphic is long and narrow, the same procedure can be adopted with the hinge on the edge of the graphic instead of the top.

This method is used when applying large or multi-coloured graphics and assists greatly in the elimination of air bubbles. It is a good method to use if you have never fitted a graphic before as it allows the graphic to be moved prior to the fitting. The application of a liquid to the adhesive forms a barrier, which temporarily neutralizes the adhesive and allows the legend to be repositioned several times.

Although a lot of companies may suggest that you use soapy water, we feel that normal water is better due to the adverse effects that some washing up liquids can have on the adhesive in the long term. Damp down the adhesive with a sponge or fine water spray (recommended). Alternatively wet the substrate with the solution. The graphic can then be floated into position. When correctly positioned dab the graphic down to hold it in place. Now firmly squeegee the graphic working from the center outwards towards the edges using a Union Jack type pattern. This should remove as much of the water solution as possible to enable adhesive action to commence. Leave the application tape in place for now. After allowing 30 to 60 minutes to pass re-squeegee the entire graphic to ensure maximum evacuation of the solution and thus maximum adhesion. Carefully remove the Application Tape diagonally at 180 degrees ensuring that sufficient adhesion has been reached by the graphic. Finally hold the backing paper against the graphic (shiny side to the vinyl) re-squeegee over the entire grapic again, paying particular attention to the top and leading edges.

Your graphic is now fitted, stand back and admire your handywork.

If you require further information for the fitting of you vinyl contact us