VINYL APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
Vinyl Application
When it comes to applying vinyl, sometimes it can be tricky or difficult. At our shop, we use premium permanent vinyl to help achieve great results! By permanent, we do not mean it will stay forever, as no vinyl will without fading. Our permanent vinyl is guaranteed to last 5 years with proper installation. When applying this vinyl, there are two techniques that can be used. These are the Dry and Wet Methods. Each method is now detailed to help you apply your product!
Dry Method
The dry method is the easiest application method. First, clean the surface the vinyl will be applied to. Use soap and water or a detail spray to achieve maximum surface adhesion ability. Once clean and dry, the surface is ready for application. Take your vinyl, and slowly peel the white backing from the piece. If at first the vinyl does not come off the backing, slowly re-stick and pull off again. Now that the vinyl backing is removed, hover over the surface to be applied, and center the vinyl. Place one end on the surface and use a squeegee type device (old credit card, etc.) to push the air bubbles out as you apply the rest of the vinyl. Once laid, continue to press air bubbles out until flat. If you notice that your product is not centered, it is best to try and move it while the transfer tape is still attached. You can now peel the transfer tape off your product. If air bubbles are still present, you can attempt to lift your vinyl back up and try again but this is not advised as you may cause warping or stretching in your piece.
Wet Method
The wet method is a more involved application; however, greater results are usually achieved since the vinyl can be moved while on the surface. First, clean the surface the vinyl will be applied to. Use soap and water or a detail spray to achieve maximum surface adhesion ability. Once clean and dry, the surface is ready for application. Take your vinyl, and slowly peel the white backing from the piece. If at first the vinyl does not come off the backing, slowly re-stick and pull off again. Taking a spray bottle with water, spray the surface that will be applied. You can spray the adhesive side of the vinyl as well if desired. Now that the vinyl backing is removed and the surface is wet, hover over the surface to be applied, and center the vinyl. Place one end on the surface and use a squeegee type device (old credit card, etc) to push the air bubbles out as you apply the rest of the vinyl. Once laid, continue to press air bubbles out until flat. If you notice that your product is not centered, it is best to try and move it while the transfer tape is still attached. It is worth mentioning again, that since the surface is wet, your product should move more freely if you need to relocate. Once the position is perfect, take a heating element of your choice (heat gun, hair dryer, etc.) and start heating the vinyl to evaporate all water underneath. It is best to go in a back-and-forth pattern while also using an old card to keep bubbles out. It needs to be noted that if the heat is too extreme, it could lead to the vinyl possibly melting or cause it to tear when removing the transfer tape. Once fully dried, you can peel the transfer tape off your product. If air bubbles are still present, you can attempt to lift your vinyl back up and try again but this is not advised as you may cause warping or stretching in your piece. You can fold any excess over the edges of the applied piece.