STEP 1: PREP WORK
Clean the surface thoroughly before applying vinyl. PLEASE USE FILTERED, NON-CHLORINATED WATER ONLY. DO NOT USE ANY ALCOHOL SOLUTION OR CHEMICAL CLEANERS to clean the surface! After this is done, clean it again with filtered water. Keep the area and film free from dirt, debris, or any contaminants. The adhesive loves to stick to everything. Wash your hands thoroughly before handling the vinyl then always keep your fingers saturated/wet during the install to prevent permanent fingerprints in the adhesive.
STEP 2: LIGHT MIST
IMPORTANT: ONLY SPRAY A VERY LIGHT MIST OF FILTERED, NON-CHLORINATED WATER ONTO THE SURFACE (1-2 SPRAYS MAX). JUST ENOUGH FOR TINY DROPLETS, BUT NOT DRIPPING!
Do not over-saturate, as doing so will prevent the adhesive from gripping! The vinyl should not slide or float a lot. If it does then you have too much solution! In this case, pull the film off and let air dry before reinstalling.
STEP 3: PEEL N’ TACK
Before you begin the actual installation, take the time to think about how you will apply and maneuver the vinyl across any compound curved areas. The objective is to keep the film from bunching up or wrinkling in any one area. You want to evenly and smoothly distribute the film, so as to prevent any wrinkles (fingers). After misting the surface, remove the backing liner then align the vinyl (with the transfer tape still attached) to the surface. (NOTE: Some decals may come WITHOUT transfer tape, as they seem to be easier to install without it since they will go into the indents for the emblems and won’t have much wiggle room) NOTE: It is best to start at the flattest areas with the longest straight lines then work to the more difficult or curved sections. Align the vinyl as accurately as possible during this step as it will effect the alignment of the rest of the installation. After getting the alignment right, just lightly tack the vinyl down. If the alignment is off, just pull it back up and re-tack until alignment is near perfect.
STEP 4: SQUEEGEE
IMPORTANT: USE OF A BLOW DRYER OR HEAT GUN TO SOFTEN & WARM THE FILM MAY BE NECESSARY FOR DIFFICULT INSTALLATIONS!
After the film is aligned and tacked down, it’s time to squeegee! Always use smooth, sweeping windshield-wiper like motions. This is especially important in the curved areas! To force the water out from underneath the film, squeegee towards the outside edges of the vinyl. Do this across the remainder of the surface. NOTE: The vinyl will move and shift according to your squeegee direction and pulling pressure or angle. So be aware of this and try to be gentle with it. If any large air bubbles are present or the vinyl is becoming misaligned, you may pop the bubbles and squeeze the air out once the transfer tape is removed!
STEP 5: TRANSFER TAPE REMOVAL
Once the vinyl is laid down, and all of the air and water has been pushed out, you may begin to remove the transfer tape. Take your time so that you do not rip the vinyl. Start from one corner, and slowly peel the tape off of the vinyl, keeping the transfer tape as flat as possible against the surface while pulling it back. If any large air bubbles are present you may pop the bubbles and squeeze the air out once the transfer tape is removed!