Joined Oct 2008
411 Posts | 0+
middlesbrough
Ok been asked a few times about fitting so heres a guide.
Vinyl manufacturers typically recommend application in temperatures of 15º to 40º being the optimum range. The room and surface temperature can greatly impact your application. A high temperature will make the film softer and more pliable. The higher temperatures will also make the adhesive more aggressive and "grabby" which certainly isn't helpful and can lead to pre-tack and increased stretching if you try to reposition the film. Lower temperatures will make the film more rigid and brittle and reduce the tack of the adhesive. Applying in either of these extremes can make your application more difficult,
Tools..Suitable cleaning fluids and rags Tape measure Sharp cutting knife Masking tape Suitable squeegee
Step 1:
Ensure the surface is clean
It is vital that all surfaces are clean and free from grease and grit. If you are applying film to a dirty vehicle, the adhesive from the graphic will adhere to the dirt and not the vehicle itself, which will result in failure later on. There are many cleaning solutions available which will do the job. The best procedure is to clean with a commercial detergent followed by a light clean with a suitable solvent such as methylated spirit not white spirit it leaves an oily residue..(always check the solvent won't harm the surface before applying in any great quantity).
Step 2:
Measure the graphics into place
While it is tempting to often stick graphics on "by eye", spending a little time with a trusty tape measure will ensure the best job. Use masking tape to hold the graphic in position while you measure, and adjust the position of the graphic until it is straight and square (or however it needs to be). Remember, once the backing sheet is removed you only have one chance to stick the graphics correctly, so it is worth spending a few extra minutes getting this stage right!...
Step 3:
Remove the backing sheet and apply the graphic
Run a line of masking tape along one or the centre edge of the graphic to create a "hinge". Hold the graphic up away from the surface and slowly peel off the backing sheet, if hinged in the centre of the graphic you will now need to cut the backing sheet with a SHARP knife, IF THE KNIFE IS NOT SHARP THE EDGE OF THE BACKING PAPER WILL FEATHER AND TRANSFER ONTO THE GRAPHIC. . Then using a suitable squeegee, start in the middle of the graphic & slowly squeegee the graphic to the surface using a "Up & down " so middle up, middle down etc, making sure you overlap the stroke previous to minimise air bubbles. You should also maintain tension by firmly holding the end of the graphic. On very large graphics, more than one pair of hands may be a good idea.
Step 4:
Removing the application paper
After the graphic is applied, the next step is to remove the low-tack application paper by pulling it back on itself at a 180º angle. Using this method to remove the application paper will reduce the chances of pulling the graphic back up and possibly causing air bubbles or edge lifting. Once you have removed the application paper, it is imperative to go back and resqueegee the graphic. This extra step will help to ensure that all of the edges of the graphic are in contact with the surface.
Step 5:
Final touch
Once the graphic is firmly stuck to the surface you may wish to prick any remaining air bubbles to expell the air. To do this, use a pin to prick a small hole and then gently push the air out with your finger. Finally, give the new graphic a gentle wipe with meths to remove any excess glue from the application paper. Please make sure if you are applying printed graphics that they have been laminated or you may find yourself wiping off the print!
Common problems:
Vinyl won't stick to the surface
Is the surface properly clean? Is it dust-free, free from grease, oil or waxy residues? Is it too warm or too cold? Is it wet? Is it a suitable surface (for example, bare untreated wood or concrete are not suitable surfaces)? If you are sure that the conditions are good for vinyl application but it still won't stick, ask your supplier for further advice.
it is possible to apply vinyl wet larger & more complicated vinyls can be applied wet using a mild detergent (i use baby shampoo) mixed with water, 1 or 2 drops per standard spray bottle. The water should be sprayed to the surface and to the rear (glue side) of the vinyl and then once the vinyl is in position, the water can be squeegeed out through the edges. It will take time to dry out, but this method can be usefull with chewy bike graphics..
I tend to warm the graphics up after aplication to help it adhere with a heat gun and to seal the edges on larger graphics..
Hope this makes fitting a little less daunting...its only sticky back plastic stuff after all...:thumbup
p.s any spelling mistakes where deliberate...:nana
Vinyl manufacturers typically recommend application in temperatures of 15º to 40º being the optimum range. The room and surface temperature can greatly impact your application. A high temperature will make the film softer and more pliable. The higher temperatures will also make the adhesive more aggressive and "grabby" which certainly isn't helpful and can lead to pre-tack and increased stretching if you try to reposition the film. Lower temperatures will make the film more rigid and brittle and reduce the tack of the adhesive. Applying in either of these extremes can make your application more difficult,
Tools..Suitable cleaning fluids and rags Tape measure Sharp cutting knife Masking tape Suitable squeegee
Step 1:
Ensure the surface is clean
It is vital that all surfaces are clean and free from grease and grit. If you are applying film to a dirty vehicle, the adhesive from the graphic will adhere to the dirt and not the vehicle itself, which will result in failure later on. There are many cleaning solutions available which will do the job. The best procedure is to clean with a commercial detergent followed by a light clean with a suitable solvent such as methylated spirit not white spirit it leaves an oily residue..(always check the solvent won't harm the surface before applying in any great quantity).
Step 2:
Measure the graphics into place
While it is tempting to often stick graphics on "by eye", spending a little time with a trusty tape measure will ensure the best job. Use masking tape to hold the graphic in position while you measure, and adjust the position of the graphic until it is straight and square (or however it needs to be). Remember, once the backing sheet is removed you only have one chance to stick the graphics correctly, so it is worth spending a few extra minutes getting this stage right!...
Step 3:
Remove the backing sheet and apply the graphic
Run a line of masking tape along one or the centre edge of the graphic to create a "hinge". Hold the graphic up away from the surface and slowly peel off the backing sheet, if hinged in the centre of the graphic you will now need to cut the backing sheet with a SHARP knife, IF THE KNIFE IS NOT SHARP THE EDGE OF THE BACKING PAPER WILL FEATHER AND TRANSFER ONTO THE GRAPHIC. . Then using a suitable squeegee, start in the middle of the graphic & slowly squeegee the graphic to the surface using a "Up & down " so middle up, middle down etc, making sure you overlap the stroke previous to minimise air bubbles. You should also maintain tension by firmly holding the end of the graphic. On very large graphics, more than one pair of hands may be a good idea.
Step 4:
Removing the application paper
After the graphic is applied, the next step is to remove the low-tack application paper by pulling it back on itself at a 180º angle. Using this method to remove the application paper will reduce the chances of pulling the graphic back up and possibly causing air bubbles or edge lifting. Once you have removed the application paper, it is imperative to go back and resqueegee the graphic. This extra step will help to ensure that all of the edges of the graphic are in contact with the surface.
Step 5:
Final touch
Once the graphic is firmly stuck to the surface you may wish to prick any remaining air bubbles to expell the air. To do this, use a pin to prick a small hole and then gently push the air out with your finger. Finally, give the new graphic a gentle wipe with meths to remove any excess glue from the application paper. Please make sure if you are applying printed graphics that they have been laminated or you may find yourself wiping off the print!
Common problems:
Vinyl won't stick to the surface
Is the surface properly clean? Is it dust-free, free from grease, oil or waxy residues? Is it too warm or too cold? Is it wet? Is it a suitable surface (for example, bare untreated wood or concrete are not suitable surfaces)? If you are sure that the conditions are good for vinyl application but it still won't stick, ask your supplier for further advice.
it is possible to apply vinyl wet larger & more complicated vinyls can be applied wet using a mild detergent (i use baby shampoo) mixed with water, 1 or 2 drops per standard spray bottle. The water should be sprayed to the surface and to the rear (glue side) of the vinyl and then once the vinyl is in position, the water can be squeegeed out through the edges. It will take time to dry out, but this method can be usefull with chewy bike graphics..
I tend to warm the graphics up after aplication to help it adhere with a heat gun and to seal the edges on larger graphics..
Hope this makes fitting a little less daunting...its only sticky back plastic stuff after all...:thumbup
p.s any spelling mistakes where deliberate...:nana
