Once you received your order, your decal will consist of three layers as illustrated below. Please be aware that depending on the type of decal you have purchased, and the surface it is going on, the following procedures may not be the proper application instructions. Any questions should be directed to a Decal Doctorz sales consultant by clicking HERE.
For die-cut (cut out) decals, there are two types of installation methods and both have their advantages and disadvantages.
Dry Installation vs Wet Installation
The most common way to install decals is the dry method. The dry method will insure that your vinyl decal stays adhered to your vehicle surface. This is because there is no chance of application fluid being trapped between the vinyl decal and the vehicle surface leading to peeling and/or water bubbles. The only disadvantage to the dry installation method is you have only one chance to do the installation right leaving no room for mistakes. Once the vinyl decal is applied to the vehicle surface, it can not be removed without damaging the vinyl. A lot of measuring and preparation is required to have a successful dry installation.
The alternative method of installing your vinyl decal is the wet installation method. The advantage for using the wet installation method is you can re-position the decal on your vehicle surface multiple times to get a desired position as long as the decal and surface is still wet. The disadvantage is that if you do not get all the application fluid out from underneath the decal and surface, your decal could peel and/or have water bubbles. We recommend the dry installation method however we have installation instructions if you prefer the wet installation method.
Click here for wet installation
Pre-cautions before you start.
1. Do not install your vinyl decal in direct sunlight. It is recommended you install your vinyl decal in a garage or building.
2. Room and installation surface temperature is recommended to be between 10°C (50°F) and 20°C (68°F) to reduce stretching or other un-desired effects.
3. Do not store your vinyl decal in direct sunlight.
Materials Needed
– Installation squeegee (obtainable in most hardware stores)
– Masking tape
– Glass cleaner (non AMMONIA BASED)
– Paper towel
– Measuring tape or ruler.
– Scissors or Razor
Preparation
Remove all dirt, grease and/or wax from the surface before you install your vinyl decal. This includes wax from car washes, turtle wax, rain-x, compound, etc. Your new vinyl decal will NOT adhere properly if you do not have a clean installation surface.
Caution! Do not use ammonia based cleaner. It will out gas for a couple of weeks and create bubbles under your vinyl decal.
STEP 1.
Inspect your new vinyl decal for any shipping damages. Any damage incurred during shipping must be reported to us within two business days. Using a squeegee on a table, press firmly over the whole decal assuring the pre-mask is properly stuck to the vinyl decal. Once finished, place your decal on the surface (pre-mask up and liner on surface)
STEP 2.
Place pieces of masking tape on top of the decal “pre-mask” and surface to hold the decal in place. Measure with a ruler or measuring tape to make sure your decal is properly lined up. Once in place, put a long piece of tape across the decal in the center as shown below. Remove the masking tape from one side of the decal and vehicle surface creating a hinged ‘flap’.
STEP 3.
Raise the hinged ‘flap’, and begin to peel the “liner” off the decal (NOT THE PRE-MASK) exposing the adhesive side of the decal. Only peel the “liner” from the decal until you reach the masking tape that crosses the whole decal.
DO NOT ALLOW THE STICKY PART OF THE DECAL TO TOUCH THE SURFACE YOU ARE APPLYING TO.
Using scissors or a razor, cut away the peeled “liner” close to the long piece of masking tape that crosses the decal. Do not allow the scissors or razor to touch the decal as it may stick accidentally peeling the decal off the “pre-mask”.
STEP 4.
Using your squeegee and starting in the middle where your masking tape crosses the decal, begin to apply the sticky side of the decal to the surface. Use horizontal strokes to apply the decal equally. Continue smoothing out the decal from top to bottom with long horizontal strokes assuring the decal is securely adhered to the surface.
STEP 5.
Place a long piece of masking tape parallel to the current piece of masking tape that crosses the decal on the decal side that you just adhered to the surface. Then remove the original long piece of masking tape that crossed the decal. This will secure the decal so you can peel off the final piece of “liner”. Also remove the small corner pieces of masking tape. Slowly peel the final piece of “liner” off exposing the adhesive side of the decal. Once again do not allow the sticky part of the decal to touch the surface.
STEP 6.
Using your squeegee and starting in the middle where your masking tape crosses the decal, begin to apply the final sticky side of the decal to the surface. Use horizontal strokes to apply the decal equally. Continue smoothing out the decal from top to bottom with long horizontal strokes assuring the decal is securely adhered to the surface.
STEP 7.
Remove the final piece of masking tape. Go over the decal with the squeegee, with increasingly harder strokes assuring the decal is securely adhered to the surface. Slowly begin peeling the “pre-mask” covering the decal. Keep a close eye while removing the pre-mask making sure no part of the decal is still attached to the “pre-mask”.
Final Check
Now that the “pre-mask” is removed, do a visual check assuring all the vinyl decal is adhered to the surface. More then likely you will see small air bubbles. You can make a small incision into the vinyl with a razor and use your squeegee to push the air out. Most air bubbles will disappear in a few weeks. Your new vinyl decal is now installed! Please note if you live in a cold climate, be very careful when using an ice scraper as it can peel the viny if applied to a vehicle window for example.[/learn_more]
Click here for dry installation
Pre-cautions before you start.
1. Do not install your vinyl decal in direct sunlight. It is recommended you install your vinyl decal in a garage or building.
2. Room and installation surface temperature is recommended to be between 10°C (50°F) and 20°C (68°F) to reduce stretching or other un-desired effects.
3. This method is not recommended for interior installs (on walls for example). Please use your judgement when considering the wet installation method.
3. Do not store your vinyl decal in direct sunlight.
Materials Needed
– Installation squeegee (obtainable in most hardware stores)
– Application Fluid in Spray Bottle (Mixture of 500mL (1/2 quart) of water, 250mL (1/4 quart) of 99% rubbing alcohol and 1 teaspoon of liquid soap)
– Glass cleaner (non AMMONIA BASED)
– Paper towel
– Measuring tape or ruler.
Preparation
Remove all dirt, grease and/or wax from the surface you will be applying the decal to before you install your vinyl decal. This includes wax from car washes, turtle wax, rain-x, compound, etc. Your new vinyl decal will NOT adhere properly if you do not have a clean installation surface.
Caution! Do not use ammonia based cleaner. It will out gas for a couple of weeks and create bubbles under your vinyl decal.
STEP 1.
Inspect your new vinyl decal for any shipping damages. Any damage incurred during shipping must be reported to us within two business days. Using a squeegee on a table, press firmly over the whole decal assuring the pre-mask is properly stuck to the vinyl decal. Once finished, flip the decal over (pre-mask down) and slowly peel off the “liner” exposing the decals adhesive side.
DO NOT ALLOW THE STICKY PART OF THE DECAL TO TOUCH THE ANYTHING.
Use application fluid to generously spray the surface area where your decal will be installed on. Make sure the surface area is completely sprayed down. Then generously spray application fluid onto the adhesive side of the decal.
STEP 2.
Place the decal (adhesive side down) on to the surface. While the decal is wet, you can measure and re-adjust the decal without damaging it. Once in place, go over the decal with the squeegee with firm strokes pushing the application fluid out and assuring the decal is adhering to the surface. Repeat this a few times until you remove most of the application fluid between the decal and the surface. Try not to move the decal during this step
STEP 3.
Depending on the temperature, wait between 30 minutes to an hour or more allowing the decal to dry and adhere securely to the surface.
STEP 4.
Once the decal is dry, start peeling off the “pre-mask” from the decal and surface. If the decal starts to peel off with the “pre-mask”, re-apply decal with squeegee (Step 2), and wait about 30 minutes before attempting to remove the “pre-mask” again.
Final Check
Now that the “pre-mask” is removed, do a visual check assuring all the vinyl decal is adhered to the surface. More than likely you will see small air or water bubbles. You can make a small incision into the vinyl with a razor and use your squeegee to push the air or water out. Most air or water bubbles will disappear in a few weeks. Allow a few days in the hot sun to allow the decal to completely cure before washing or waxing. Your new vinyl decal is now installed! Please note if you live in a cold climate, be very careful when using an ice scraper as it can peel the vinyl if applied to a vehicle window for example.[/learn_more]