Vinyl Application

Application fluid recipe
Make your own application fluid
Click Here for Vinyl Application Fluid Recipe

Take your time when applying vinyl graphic decals. Most problems occur when you get distracted.

All surfaces should be clean and wax free. Recommended surface temperature is 55° to 75°. Freshly painted surfaces must be allowed to dry fully.
Vinyl does not adhere well to porous surfaces such as concrete or unfinished wood.

Application fluid is recommended for wrinkle and bubble free installation. Application fluid is not required for application to interior walls unless a glossy finish has been applied to the wall.

Application fluid recipe: 1 drop of dishwashing soap in 1 cup of water. Mix well. It would be handy but not necessary to place the mixture in a spray bottle.

A squeegee can be helpful with vinyl application. If you don’t have a squeegee, a credit card, drivers license or a stiff piece of cardboard folded in half can be used in it’s place.

For easy application letters come as prespaced lines of text.

The decal is made of 3 layers:

The top layer is the transfer tape (kind of like masking tape)
The middle layer is the vinyl graphic, this is the finished decal
The bottom layer is the backing, it is attached to the sticky side of the decal

Long lines of text can be separated by carefully cutting between the letters after step 2 to make application more manageable.

1. Tape the graphic into position with small pieces of masking tape. Make sure the graphic is level and positioned exactly where you want it.

2. Apply masking tape across the bottom edge to serve as a hinge. Remove the tape from the top edge and allow the graphic to fold downward at the tape hinge.

3. Carefully remove the backing. (save for the last step) If the vinyl sticks to the backing, try peeling from another direction or use a pin or knife blade to help it separate. Flood the sticky vinyl surfaces with fluid making sure not to leave any dry spots.

4. Carefully squeegee the graphic on to the surface, forcing out the application fluid. Remove the tape hinge and firmly squeegee in all directions to remove bubbles and any remaining fluid. Wait a few minutes for the fluid to dry.

5. Remove the transfer tape by pulling it back 180 degrees. (fold it back on itself) If the the graphic starts to lift from the surface replace the transfer tape and re-squeegee. Some surfaces require more time to dry. After the transfer tape is removed, place the backing over the graphic, slippery side out and squeegee once more to insure proper adhesion.

Bubbles in the vinyl can be removed by poking with a pin and then working out the air.
A small pin hole will not be noticeable. Small bubbles will usually dissipate on their own.

HOW TO REMOVE VINYL
The vinyl is removable, however; it may not be reused or repositioned. Heat with a blow dryer, then simply lift an edge with your fingernail and slowly peel off the sticker.


Take your time when applying vinyl graphic decals. Most problems occur when you get distracted. All surfaces should be clean and wax free. Recommended surface temperature is 55° to 75°. Freshly painted surfaces must be allowed to dry fully. Vinyl does not adhere well to porous surfaces such as concrete or unfinished wood. Application fluid is recommended for wrinkle and bubble free installation. Application fluid is not required for application to interior walls unless a glossy finish has been applied to the wall.
Application fluid recipe: 1 drop of dishwashing soap in 1 cup of water. Mix well. It would be handy but not necessary to place the mixture in a spray bottle.
A squeegee can be helpful with vinyl application. If you don’t have a squeegee, a credit card, drivers license or a stiff piece of cardboard folded in half can be used in it’s place.
For easy application letters come as prespaced lines of text. The decal is made of 3 layers: The top layer is the transfer tape (kind of like masking tape) The middle layer is the vinyl graphic, this is the finished decal The bottom layer is the backing, it is attached to the sticky side of the decal
Long lines of text can be separated by carefully cutting between the letters after step 2 to make application more manageable.
1. Tape the graphic into position with small pieces of masking tape. Make sure the graphic is level and positioned exactly where you want it.
2. Apply masking tape across the bottom edge to serve as a hinge. Remove the tape from the top edge and allow the graphic to fold downward at the tape hinge.
3. Carefully remove the backing. (save for the last step) If the vinyl sticks to the backing, try peeling from another direction or use a pin or knife blade to help it separate. Flood the sticky vinyl surfaces with fluid making sure not to leave any dry spots.
4. Carefully squeegee the graphic on to the surface, forcing out the application fluid. Remove the tape hinge and firmly squeegee in all directions to remove bubbles and any remaining fluid. Wait a few minutes for the fluid to dry.
5. Remove the transfer tape by pulling it back 180 degrees. (fold it back on itself) If the the graphic starts to lift from the surface replace the transfer tape and re-squeegee. Some surfaces require more time to dry. After the transfer tape is removed, place the backing over the graphic, slippery side out and squeegee once more to insure proper adhesion.
Bubbles in the vinyl can be removed by poking with a pin and then working out the air. A small pin hole will not be noticeable. Small bubbles will usually dissipate on their own.
HOW TO REMOVE VINYL The vinyl is removable, however; it may not be reused or repositioned. Heat with a blow dryer, then simply lift an edge with your fingernail and slowly peel off the sticker.