You will need:
- A Squeegee or similar tool (at a push, a credit/debit/store card with a microfibre wrapped around an edge can work well)
- Surface cleaner such as IPA Isopropyl Alcohol Cleaner which does not leave any residue.
- Masking tape to create your “hinge”.
- Application liquid in a spray bottle (water with a small squirt of dish soap/fairy liquid MIXED WELL works well)
1. The surface must be thoroughly cleaned and free of all oils, waxes, dust, and dirt
2. Trim the excess backing paper around your design leaving a couple of millimetres at the edge to help position the decal on the designed panel/window.
3. Place the lettering/graphic accurately on the surface. Use a wide strip of masking tape to stick a large straight edge to the surface. This then becomes your “hinge”.
4. With the hinge attached to the vehicle surface and your decal, lift the decal from the other end of the design and peel the backing away from a portion of the graphic CLOSEST TO THE HINGE, folding or tearing the backing away (take care if tearing as you do not want to tear the vinyl. Alternatively, a helper could cut the backing away with scissors at this point).
5. Spray generously the area where the vinyl is to be applied with your wetting solution. Spray the vinyl lightly (do not overdo it on the vinyl, and once wetted don’t leave it to sit as prolonged periods can cause the adhesive to de-laminate from the vinyl sheet).
6. Place the vinyl down on the prepared surface and continue the process as you move across the design. The vinyl can be moved and repositioned as long as the vehicle surface stays wet, you can top up as you go if you are worried the surface is drying.
7. When you are happy with the position use your squeegee to forces the bubbles and fluid out. Start at a centre point and work your way out. Be sure to squeegee as much solution as possible from under the decal. Be extra careful around thin/fragile parts of the design, you may prefer to use your finger to press these down and remove the fluid beneath as it is more accurate than the squeegee.
8. Take your time, because if not enough solution is removed from under the vinyl, it will not adhere to the surface.
9. Allow to dry for about an hour.
10. Remove any remaining air bubbles by puncturing the bubble at one edge with a pin, then squeegee the trapped air towards and out of the puncture. At this point you may use a small amount of heat to help expel the air from these bubbles.
11. Remove any remaining bubbles and fluid with a soft cloth and leave to dry for a couple of hours.