Center Hinge Method for Large Decals
Tools
Needed:
Something
to use for a squeegee (bondo applicator, credit card, or vinyl squeegee),
scissors, masking tape, ruler, cleaning solutions (Dawn , rubbing alcohol),
lint free cloth, and maybe a helper (if you are inexperienced)
Surface Preparation:
Surface must be cleaned
thoroughly to remove any wax, dust, or other contaminants. Wash
with solution of Dawn (or similar grease-cutting detergent) liquid and
rinse. Then wipe down with rubbing alcohol and lint free cloth.
Do not use windex, 409, or any cleaner containing ammonia for the final
cleaning.
Environment :
Temperature should be between 55 and 85 Deg F. If outdoors, wind
should be calm. Decals should not be applied in dusty environments.
Disclaimer: The techniques described here are intended as an overview of the vinyl manufacturer's suggested installation and removal methods. GreythoundHut.com accepts NO responsibility for property damage, injury, or any other liability resulting from the use of these methods, or the installation of our decals on motor vehicles.
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STEP ONE: Remove any small pieces of masking tape from corners and edges of decal. Lay decal face up on a flat surface and firmly squeegee over the entire decal to ensure that the application mask is adhered to the graphics. |
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STEP TWO: Put a piece of masking tape on each end of your decal as shown and use a ruler to position the graphic. Anchor each end to the application surface with the masking tape. |
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STEP THREE: Place a vertical length of masking tape across the center of the decal to secure the vinyl transfer to the surface and create a center hinge. This step allows you to apply half of the vinyl transfer at a time. |
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STEP FOUR : Carefully peel the application mask back to lift the decal away from the release liner. You may stick the free edge of the mask to your ruler to make the handling easier, just be careful not to stick any part of the graphic to the ruler. Sometimes the graphic does not want to lift away from the liner, and remains stuck to it. Watch carefully for this! If you see it happening, you must stop, back up, and press the application tape against the stubborn graphic piece with your finger. |
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STEP FIVE: Stop peeling the decal short of the hinge, and cut away the exposed half of the release liner with scissors. Do not tear it, as you want as clean a cut as possible. Discard the removed liner. |
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STEP SIX: Begin to squeegee the decal onto the application site, starting in the center, working toward the free edge. Use short strokes, and keep enough tension on the mask to hold the rest of the decal away from the surface, and prevent air from being trapped beneath the decal. Work all the way to the free edge of the mask. |
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STEP SEVEN: Remove the vertical center hinge masking tape, and repeat STEPS FOUR & SIX on the other half of the decal. |
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STEP EIGHT: Firmly squeegee the entire decal. Use overlapping strokes, vertically, horizontally and diagonally to thoroughly burnish the graphic into the application surface |
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STEP NINE: Carefully peel the application mask at a sharp angle as shown. Watch for graphic pieces that have not adhered to the application surface, and are lifting with the mask. If this happens, you must back up and re-squeegee that area, or firmly press the graphic onto the application surface through the mask. (See STEP FIVE of the small decal example) Remove the entire mask. |
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STEP TEN: Inspect the decal for edges that are not fully adhered and press them into place with your finger. Bubbles may be removed by piercing them with a fine needle and pressing out the air with your finger. Do not squeegee after removing the mask or scratching will result. |
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