Installation Instructions

Easy step-by-step decal installation instructions.

Wet application is the easiest method for bubble-free installation, but applying the decals dry will go much quicker. The basic method is the same for both. Wet adhesion should only be done during warm weather periods of at least 64 °F.

1 ) The most important step. Clean the surface with isopropyl alcohol and wipe it dry with a plain WHITE paper towel. Prints and inks from colored paper towels will deposit onto the surface and will compromise the adhesives. Gas bubbles may form between the film and the surface if any residue (wax, detergent cleaners, grease) remains as a result of improper cleaning or if the paint on the surface is too fresh. Allow at least three weeks to pass before adhering the film to new paint. Isopropyl alcohol is recommended as the cleaning agent as other agents may, under certain conditions, attack the paint or reduce the adhesive strength of the film.

For this demonstration we used a proprietary application fluid supplied to the industry for both cleaning and application. (we are professionals, but you can do this at home. Recipe for home-use application fluid at bottom of page)

	2) Arrange the film where you would like the graphic, measuring carefully.
	3) Place a piece of tape across the top of the graphic for a 'hinge'. this picture shows 'the hinge' in action. If applying wet apply the solution to the glass or mounting surface only, do not spray solution to the back of the decal, the natural rubber adhesives of the application tape will break down and the polyacrylate adhesives of the vinyl will react adversely and may cause bubbles under your decal.
	4) Always draw the release liner from the film, never the other way around.

	5) Squeegee down the graphic first with light, overlapping strokes. If you do not have a squeegee a credit card works as well. Notice he does not lay the decal down all at once but squeegee from the top hinge to bottom. This will avoid a large pocket of air or application solution from getting trapped under the vinyl.
	6) Once the decal is down squeegee again with firm pressure, if you are afraid of tearing your graphic place the backing paper over the graphic.
	7) Spray application tape with application fluid solution to wet, this will break down the natural rubber adhesive of the application tape and make the tape easier to remove. If decal is applied dry you may skip this step
	8) After a few minutes drying time, pull application tape slowly away from the film at a 180° angle, watch for lifting of the graphic. If the graphic does lift, carefully replace tape and squeegee harder. Drying time will depend on the temperature and what climate you live in, the warmer and dryer the faster it will dry.
	9) voila' Perfection! any small bubbles that remain should disappear within a few days in the sunshine. If temperature drops within the first 24 hours of installation the graphic should be treated with warm air from a heat gun or hair dryer

Homemade application fluid

need 1 quart spray bottle, preferably new. Solvents remaining in used bottles may affect solution performance and cause bubbles.

add 1/4 cup isopropyl alcohol, rubbing alcohol from the drug store or bathroom cabinet is fine as long as it does not have added moisturizers or perfumes.

2 drops dish soap, Joy, Ivory, Dawn, whatever you have on hand

fill to top with water and shake well.

Set spray mist to fine, the finer the better, saturating the graphic in application solution will only prolong the drying time.

Removing Permanently Bonded Graphic Films

The environment and surface temperatures must be at least 68 °F before these films can be removed. Using a knife, first lift up one corner of the film, then slowly draw the film from the surface at a 180° angle. Heating the film with a heat gun while pulling makes removal easier. If the film being removed is very old, a small amount of residue from the adhesive may remain on the surface. This can be removed easily with varnish thinner or any adhesive remover.

All items pictured, text, and creations on this page are copyright and property of Darkside Graphix and/or their respective copyright holders and used under license or permission by Darkside Graphix.