Here are a few helpful guidelines to trouble free fitting.

Some might not directly refer to how you should fit your decal, but the methods can be adapted to fit your needs.

Vinyl can be applied to most properly prepared non-porous surfaces. It does not adhere well to latex painted surfaces or materials with large pores, such as brick, stucco or unpainted wood. Be sure to test your surface for proper adhesion prior to application onto unfamiliar substrates.

Be sure to clean all surfaces properly before installing vinyl. If you are unsure how the surface will react to solvents, denatured alcohol is mild enough to safely remove contaminants from most materials. For automotive or enameled surfaces, a light rubbing compound is ideal, especially on oxidized surfaces. Wipe your surface with alcohol, then a paper towel or lint-free cloth prior to application to eliminate dust or other contaminates which may have settled since it was last cleaned.

The optimal temperature for vinyl installation is between 60 and 80 degrees. In conditions below 60 degrees, substrate preheating helps promote better vinyl adhesion. When temperatures are 80 degrees or higher, the vinyl adhesive becomes extremely aggressive and prone to bubbling, so a shaded or inside installation is recommended. Hotter surfaces.

Vinyl application squeegees should be made from Teflon, exclusively. The blade edge should be free of any nicks or imperfections which can cause bubbles or gouges in your material. Always replace squeegees which are in poor condition

Wet Application

Spray application fluid onto surface are where your intend to apply your image.

Position your image, then firmly squeegee all remaining application fluid from under the image working from the center outward; begin lightly, then repeat with increasing pressure until no fluid remains. Wait ten minutes, then slowly remove the application paper.

1 - With your grease pencil, mark the center and edge points along the baseline of your image area. Then mark your base line with a strip of 1/4" masking tape (on smaller jobs, simply draw the baseline with your grease pencil).

2 - Align the reference points on your vinyl with those on the substrate and secure your image in place with small pieces of masking tape. You can now remove the tape marking your baseline and clean any remaining tape residue or grease pencil marks.

3 - Apply a strip of 2"masking tape to one end of your image allowing for 1" of overhang, then remove the two small pieces of tape that are holding your image in place.

4 - Remove the backing paper and spray the application fluid onto your surface. Now holding your image away from your substrate - approximately 1" above the surface - squeegee the image with continuous, firm strokes

5 - Wait at least 10 minutes, then slowly peel away the application tape at a 180 degree angle from the surface starting in the upper right-hand corner and slowly pulling down and left. If the pre-mask does not release easily, spraying the outside with application fluid will help release it from the vinyl lettering or graphics.

Removing Bubbles & Wrinkles

Bubbles

If your image has tiny bubbles across the surface when you have finished your installation, most will disappear within a few days of exposure to the sun. For larger bubbles, you can make a tiny - barely visible - incision in the side of the bubble. The air can then be gently removed by rolling your finger over the bubble towards the incision. Be sure to use a razor-sharp knife when slitting the bubbles to avoid gouges which can remain visible after smoothing.

Wrinkles - interior

You can repair most interior wrinkles in the same way you would a bubble, since they both are essentially trapped air. Cut a small incision and slowly roll your fingertip towards the opening. If a "crease" develops (the adhesive backing is stuck to itself), applying warm air will loosen the material allowing it to be smoothed out with your finger or a squeegee. Note: when applying heat, be gentle (low setting on a hair dryer; if using a heat gun be very cautious).

Wrinkles - edges

Wrinkles which extend to the edge of your vinyl can often be removed by gently lifting the edge to allow an air passage, then smooth with your fingertip. If a "crease" remains, applying warm air to as described above.

Note: these techniques won't solve every problem. If creases or other imperfections remain visible, it is best to replace the effected letter or graphic element than to compromise your client's satisfaction.

Removing Vinyl

Vinyl graphics are easily removed within the material's recommended life-span (3 to 5 years for intermediate vinyl, 5 to 7 years for premium). Simply apply a small amount of heat to the area to be removed, such that the surface is warm to the touch. Peel the corner back with a knife or tweezers until it is possible to grasp the material in your fingers. Then slowly pull at a 90 degree angle; applying small amounts of heat if necessary. When you are finished removing the desired image, wipe down the surface with an adhesive remover recommended for vinyl. Be sure and test a small area to insure no damage to your finish.