Preparing for Your Vinyl Decal Install
The best way to camp in the mountains, fly an airplane or simply install a vinyl decal is to be prepared. We strongly suggest keeping these four things in mind when preparing for either vinyl decal application method.
1. Texture
Surface texture is key when choosing where to put your vinyl decal. Our vinyl decals work best when applied to smooth, non-porous surfaces like glass, plastic, painted drywall, stainless steel and tile. We do not recommend placing our decals on brick, cement, or other porous, rough surfaces.
2. Temperature
Room temperature or 60 to 74 degrees Fahrenheit is the ideal temperature margin for vinyl decal application. Keep this in mind when applying car decals in a garage or outdoors.
3. Tools for Dry Install
You will need: light cleaning solution (warm soapy water), paper towels, masking tape, scissors, tape measure, and a squeegee, credit card or small, flat, hard edged object.
4. Tools for Wet Install
You will need: light cleaning solution (warm soapy water), paper towels or dry cloth, and a squeegee, credit card or small, flat, hard edged object.
How To Install a Vinyl Decal: Dry Install
Step 1: Clean & Dry Surface. Clean the intended surface with a light cleaning agent, like warm soapy water or rubbing alcohol. Using an absorbent paper towel, dry off the surface, and be sure not to leave any paper bits behind.
Step 2: Tape Decal to Surface. Grab your masking tape and use it as a temporary adhesive to hold the decal in place, kind of like a decal seatbelt.
Step 3: Level & Measure Decal. Once you have the decal secured to the intended surface, using a line of text as a place to measure from, level off the decal.
Step 4: Peel & Cut Bottom Half of Backing. Peel back and cut off the bottom half of the decal backing.
Step 5: Apply Decal to the Surface. Using your squeegee, press and apply the decal to the intended surface beginning on one side and working your way in a zig-zag pattern to the other side. Take your time working your way across the decal, otherwise air bubbles can occur.
Step 6: Remove the Tape. Once the decal is smooth and bubble free on the surface, gently remove the masking tape seatbelt.
Step 7: Peel & Remove Top Half of Backing. Carefully peel off the top half of the decal backing.
Step 8: Press and Apply. Using your squeegee, press and apply the decal to the surface with the same zig-zag motion as before. Take your time to avoid air bubbles. You are now done with your dry decal installation!
How To Install a Vinyl Decal: Wet Install
Step 1: Clean the Surface. Use a light household cleaning agent, like warm soapy water or rubbing alcohol to thoroughly clean the surface. Clear away any cleaner residue or debris with a dry cloth. Debris can weaken the adhesive, so make triple sure you don't have any clinging to your surface.
Step 2: Spray & Apply Decal. Prior to peeling away the decal backing, spray the surface with light soapy water or glass cleaner.
Step 3: Squeegee Out the Liquid. Use your squeegee to squeeze out any excess moisture. Start in the middle of the decal and move toward the outer edges, working out the liquid from behind the decal.
Step 4: Wipe Away Liquid & Dry Surface. Wipe away the liquid from around the decal and make sure the surface is dry. You are now done with the wet install application!
Please share if you found this helpful! Taking your time with the application process as well as using the right tools, will result in a well-applied, great looking decal. Enjoy!