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Speciality Vinyl's (3 to 5 year minimum
lifespan):
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| brushed
aluminium |
carbon
fibre |
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holographic |
mirror
chrome |
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| reflective
(3M) |
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Application:
Even though our graphics are designed for easy fitting, we advise that you read the instructions below.
Topics covered are:
- Preparation
- Dry Application
- Wet Application
- Removal
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Surface Preparation
The surface of your vehicle must be clean and free of all oils, waxes and dirt.
Use a wax remover or alcohol on painted surfaces if applying on freshly waxed paint. Your decals have three layers: The top layer is called the transfer tape and looks similar to regular masking tape. The middle layer is the actual decal. The bottom layer is a backing paper treated with a release agent.
Dry Application
Items you will need: a pin, credit card or a similar type squeegee.
Apply decal at room temperature or above. The warmer it is, the better it works, but avoid direct sunlight.
Take the credit card or squeegee and flatten the decal on both sides by rubbing over it. If your decal was delivered rolled, lay it out flat and let it relax for an hour or more. The decal will be easier to handle if flat.
Turn the decal upside down on the transfer tape and pull backing off SLOWLY. The backing is the heavier gauge paper. If a letter moves, just position it back into place by pushing backing down and move letter back to original position.
Now you are ready to apply the decal. Hold the decal over the desired location and slowly apply the decal to the surface. Try to touch the surface first at the centre of the decal and then flatten out to the sides. Use your credit card or squeegee to flatten as much of the decal as possible. The transfer tape will allow you to rub the decal without damaging it.
Slowly peel back an edge of transfer tape. Watch the small letters and corners to make sure they are sticking to the glass and not to the transfer tape. Be patient and do not rush this process! Once the transfer tape is removed, take your fingers and rub gently over the corners and points of the decal to make sure they are glued firmly to the surface. If you have an air bubble, use your needle to poke the air bubble (pin) creating a small hole for the air to escape. Press around the air bubble, working the air to the small hole. The bubbles will totally disappear after a day or two.
NOTE! Once the decal touches the glass or paint, it cannot be moved again.
Wet Method (sunstrips, glass etc)
Mix a few drops of dishwashing liquid in about a litre (or so) of water. Use a spray bottle to 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. (The decal will slide on the thin film of solution trapped between the vinyl decal and the surface.) If you are doing a windscreen/glass 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. Note! 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 credit card to squeeze the water and detergent solution out from under the decal. The transfer tape will protect the decal during this process.
IMPORTANT!
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, it will not adhere to the surface enough to allow the easy removal of the transfer tape. Although a squeegee is recommended, you can use a soft cloth or your fingers to remove the liquid. When you have removed as much of the liquid as possible 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, use a small pin or needle to puncture the decal at the bubble to remove the air. A small pinhole will not be seen after the air bubble has been worked out with the fingers.
Caring for your decal
- Use care during wintertime as decals on windows can be damaged by scraping snow or ice from the windows.
- Use only mild window cleaners on your windows.
- Use care when waxing the painted surfaces of your vehicle. Wax can build up around the edges of the decal. Use a soft cloth and gently remove the wax around the decal. Never use a brush, which will force wax beneath the decal causing it to peel.
- Your Decal will not be damaged by normal use of car wash products or water. The extreme pressure of water from pressure washers and automatic car washes will reduce the life and appearance of your decal.
Removal
Glass surfaces: Use a razor blade scraper to remove the decal. It is best to do this when temperatures are between 15-20 degrees centigrade.
Painted surfaces: Use a heat gun or hair dryer to warm the decal until it peels off easily. |
