How to Install Pressure Sensitive Vinyl Decals

How to Install / Apply Vinyl Graphics  By Decal-FX

Cleaning Procedures: 

Vinyl Decal Installation Instructions

1. Pre-fit your decal to the surface. This will help to eliminate any install placement errors.

2. Measure where you want your decal to be. Then tape in place on 1 side only to use as a
hinge, using regular masking tape. Place your tape on the top, bottom or either side, which
ever you feel more comfortable with. (Fig. 1)

3. Peel the bottom WAXY LINER layer away from the DECAL and PRE-MASK LAYER
starting at the opposite side of the masking taped hinge, and slowly remove it. (Fig. 2)

4. Wet method is suggested for beginners and larger decals. To use the wet method
placement, spray the smooth surface with a mixture of soap and water. Be sure that the
surface is clean and free from residue. Find center of decal and the surface on which you
want to apply it. Hold the decal in place desired and mark two top corners with pencil. Spray
or sponge your application fluid onto adhesive surface only. (Fig. 3)  DO NOT wet the
liner/backing.

Start separating the decal at one corner and pull it back slowly, keeping the adhesive wet as
you go. Wet the surface (Fig. 3) with the same solution mixed previously and position the
decal to the marks established in (Fig.1). Wet hands with solution and rub over decal lightly,
smoothing out any wrinkles. Work out water with plastic squeegee and dry excess liquid with
a soft cloth or paper towel. Squeegee the decal from top to bottom beginning at the center. 
Proceed right from center, and left from center overlapping strokes 50%. Prick any air bubbles
with a pin and rub down. Be sure that outer edges of decal are rubbed down smoothly and all
liquid is forced out. This is essential for proper adhesion. Decal must dry out for 24 hours
before adhesion is complete.

Wet Application Fluid: Wet method is how you install larger decal to reduce the chance of
getting bubbles in it. The wet method allows you to squeegee out the air bubbles trapped
inside before it adheres to the surface. You can make your own application fluid with 4 drops
of dishwashing liquid (dawn, joy, or baby shampoo etc.) to 1 quart of water in a spray bottle.
(Glass Plus or other non-ammonia window cleaner may also be used).  NEVER use the wet
method when applying decals to any textured surface. An example of this type of surface
would be non-painted Ski-Doo ® side panels.

5. While still holding the PRE-MASK layer away from the smooth surface, using your supplied
squeegee, start from the side with the tape and gently work away from the tape and squeegee
out all water and soap.(Fig. 4) 

6. Use your squeegee and apply pressure from the middle to the outward sides (Fig. 5), this
will remove all water and start the decal adhesion. Let sit for 5 minutes before removing. If 
your decal appears to not be sticking the fluid is still behind the decal, just squeegee again
and let sit for 10-15 minutes. The decals have a pressure sensitive adhesive, the harder
you rub it down the better it sticks. Also, the longer you let it sit the stronger the adhesive
will adhere.

7. Now you are ready to pull off your PRE-MASK layer and view your decal. Gently pull it off,
if you see some vinyl start to come up with the PRE-MASK  lay it back down, squeegee, and
wait a few minutes and try again. Prick any air bubbles with a pin and rub down. Be sure that
outer edges of decal are rubbed down smoothly and all liquid is forced out. This is essential
for proper adhesion. (Fig. 6)

8. Now that the PRE-MASK is removed the final step is to use your squeegee and apply
pressure from the middle to the outward sides like (Fig. 5) This helps the pressure sensitive
adhesive set.