--
How should I prepare the surface for the
decal?
Please
read these instructions all the way
through before starting your
application. The surface must be
clean, and free of all oils, waxes
and dirt. If decal is to be applied
to GLASS, use Windex or a comparable
cleaner to clean the glass. If you
use RainX, try Formula 409 to remove
it. On painted surfaces wipe with a
wax remover or alcohol if applying
on freshly waxed paint. These Decals
come to you in three layers. The top
layer is called the Transfer Tape.
It looks somewhat like regular
masking tape. The middle layer is
the actual Decal. The bottom layer
is a Backing Paper treated with a
release agent.
--
Dry method?
You
will need a needle, a laminated
drivers license or a similar type
squeegee.
Apply Decal at room temperature ( 55
to 75 degrees) or above. The warmer
it is, the better it works, but, try
to avoid direct sunlight.
Take the drivers license or squeegee
and flatten the Decal on both sides
by rubbing over it. If your Decal
was shipped rolled, lay it out flat
and let it relax for an hour or so.
The Decal will be easier to handle
if flat. Next, try to make sure the
air bubbles are removed as much as
possible. There should be only a few
bubbles at this point.
Double check to make sure that your
Decal(s) were meant for inside or
outside application. 99% of the time
they will be for the outside.
Turn the Decal upside down on the
transfer tape and pull backing off
SLOWLY. The backing is the heavier
gauge paper. Using a needle or
similar pointed object, hold edges
of letters and all small areas while
pulling away the backing. If a
letter moves, just position it back
into place by pushing backing down
and move letter back to original
position.
You are now ready to apply the
Decal. Hold the Decal over your
desired location and slowly apply
the Decal to the surface. Try to
touch the surface first at the
center of the Decal and then flatten
out to the sides. Next, use your
drivers license or squeegee again to
flatten as much of the Decal as
possible. The transfer tape will
allow you to rub the decal without
damaging it. .
Peel back an edge of transfer tape
SLOWLY. Watch the small letters and
corners, making sure they are
sticking to surface, and not to the
transfer tape. Remember, PATIENCE IS
THE KEY. DO NOT RUSH. Once the
transfer tape is removed, take your
fingers and rub gently over the
corners and points of your decal to
make sure they are adhered firmly to
the surface. If by chance you have
an air bubble(s), use your needle
and give the air bubble(s) a small
poke, this will create a small hole
for the air to escape. Press around
the air bubble, working the air to
the small hole. The bubbles may
disappear after a day or two.
REMEMBER Once the Decal touches the
glass or paint, it cannot be moved
again. PATIENCE IS THE KEY.
-- Wet
method?
--- (This
method should be used only on windshield
applications, unless you have installed
decals professionally.)
Mix a
gallon or so of water with a few
drops of dishwashing liquid. Use a
spray bottle and wet the area where
the decal is to be applied.
Trim away the transfer tape so that
the tape is about (within 1/2")
border, of your Decal. Remove the
backing paper the same as the Dry
Method instructions and place the
Decal, still attached to the
transfer tape, to the thoroughly
wetted surface. The decal can then
be gently moved and repositioned
correctly. Your Decal will slide on
the thin film of solution trapped
between the vinyl decal and the
surface. If you are doing a
windshield decal and need to curve
the letters, cut the transfer tape
with a pair of scissors between the
letters about 3/4 of the way from
the top of the Decal and position
the letters where needed. DO NOT cut
all the way through as this will
mess up your spacing between the
letters. When the decal is in the
final location, use a small squeegee
or drivers license to squeeze the
water and detergent solution out
from under the decal. The transfer
tape will protect the decal during
this process.
CAUTION
Be sure to squeegee as much solution
as possible from under the decal.
Take your time, because if not
enough solution is removed from
under the decal, the Decal will not
adhere to the surface enough to
allow the easy removal of the
transfer tape. Although a squeegee
is the recommended tool, the water
can also be removed by using your
fingers, or a soft cloth. When
through with the squeegee, the
transfer tape can be carefully
removed. Work the decal with your
fingers, and a soft, absorbent cloth
around the edges and corners to
remove any remaining solution. Warm
weather is best for this
application. If there are bubbles
present under the decal that cannot
be removed by working them to the
edge of the decal with your fingers,
then a small pin or needle can be
used to puncture the decal at the
bubble, to remove the air. A small
pin hole will not be seen after the
air bubble has been worked out with
the fingers.
--
Decal care
In
colder climates, decals on windows
of vehicles can be damaged by the
scraping of frost or ice from the
windows. Mild window cleaner may be
used to clean the windows without
damage to the decal.
On painted surfaces of vehicles,
care must be taken when waxing. Wax
will build up around the edges of
the decal, and will need to be
removed. Use a soft cloth, and take
your time, and be gentle. DON'T DO.
A brush, for example will force the
wax underneath the edge of the
decal, and the decal will begin to
peel. Your Decal will not be damaged
by normal use of car wash products,
or water. Although the decals will
withstand pressure washers and car
washes, these will reduce the life
and appearance of your Decal. The
decals will not last forever, but
will give you many years of
enjoyment if taken care of properly.
--
Decal removal.
On glass surfaces, with temperatures
between 70 and 80 degrees, a razor
blade scraper can be used. Decals
can be removed from painted surfaces
by using a heat gun or hair dryer to
warm the decal to the point to where
it peels off easily.
THE APPLICATION OF VINYL DECALS
REQUIRES A DEGREE OF DEXTERITY AND
CONCENTRATION. IF YOU FEEL THAT YOU
CANNOT APPLY THE DECAL YOURSELF, ANY
AUTO DETAILER, OR BODY SHOP CAN
APPLY IT FOR YOU. UNDERGROUND
GRAPHICS CANNOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR
REPLACING DECALS THAT HAVE BEEN
DAMAGED DURING APPLICATION.
--
Questions?
Underground Graphics
8616
Daffodil Suite B
Houston, Texas 77063
email @ glilly@swbell.net
work @ 713-783-GRFX
fax @ 713-783-4141
aim @ glillygrfx
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