Side
Hinge Method for Small 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. Use a ruler to line up and position the decal on the application site. Anchor one edge of the decal with a horizontal length of masking tape, to form a side hinge. |
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STEP TWO: 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, but 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 onto the stubborn graphic piece with your finger. (See STEP FOUR of the Large Decal example) Discard the release liner. |
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STEP THREE: Begin to squeegee the decal onto the application site, starting on the hinge side. 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. Also, avoid creating wrinkles in the mask and decal. Work toward the free edge of the mask until the entire mask is adhered to the surface. |
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STEP FOUR: 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 FIVE: 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. Remove the entire mask. |
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STEP SIX: 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. |