How to install vinyl decals and windows stickers

THINGS TO KNOW
- Vinyl decals are designed to be installed on the exterior of the vehicle
- Vinyl decals should be stored at temperatures between 60 and 80 degrees
- Vinyl decals should not be applied or stored in direct sunlight
- Vinyl decals should not be applied in windy conditions
- You will need a squeegee, 1" masking tape, scissors, measuring tape or ruler and cleaning supplies

INSPECT THE DECAL
After removing the decal from the packaging, inspect the decal for damage that may have occurred during shipment. Shipping damage must be reported to us within 48 hours of receipt.

Prepare the Area

PREPARE THE AREA
Make sure the surface where the decal will be applied is not in direct sunlight and the surface is between the temperatures of 60 and 80 degrees. If it is during the summer or winter, it is best to apply the decal after the vehicle has been in a garage for several hours. Clean the area where the decal will be applied with a soft, lint free cloth dampened with alcohol. This will remove any dirt, dust particles, wax, oil or cleaning solution residue that will prevent the decal from sticking.

SQUEEGEE THE DECAL
During installation, the decal will be removed from the waxy backing onto the transfer tape (the clear top layer). Before we apply the decal, we want to make sure the decal is properly sticking to the transfer tape. Lay the decal on a smooth, firm surface and use the squeegee and rub firmly over the decal at a 45 degree angle.

Position the Decal

POSITION THE DECAL
With the waxy backing still on the decal, position the decal in the desired location with a piece of masking tape at each of the top corners (add a piece of masking tape at the middle for larger decals). Using a measuring tape or ruler, position the decal so that it is level to the ground. Step back to check the positioning and adjust if necessary.

TAPE THE DECAL
Once you have the decal positioned, apply a piece of masking tape across the top of the decal. Half of the tape should be on the application surface and half should be on the transfer tape. The masking tape will provide a hinge for you to work with during application.

* For larger decals, you can create multiple hinged pieces to facilitate application. Using the masking tape, firmly secure the center of the decal at the top and the bottom (use multiple pieces of masking tape if necessary) rather than across the top. This will produce a hinge in the middle of the decal that can be worked from both sides. If you are uncomfortable with the process you may consider professional installation at your local sign shop.

REMOVE WAXY BACKING
Once the decal has been taped to create a hinge, hinge the decal up and begin to peel the waxy backing off the decal making sure all of the decal stays with the transfer tape. When you peel away the waxy backing, you will be exposing the adhesive of the decal. DO NOT ALLOW THE STICKY PART OF THE DECAL TO TOUCH THE VEHICLE SURFACE.

* For larger decals release the top right corner of the decal, lay the right side over the left side without creasing the decal. Have a friend hold the transfer tape (with the decal attached to is as you peel away the waxy backing. Once you have peeled the backing close to the hinge you created, cut the waxy backing vertically from top to bottom. Do not cut the transfer tape.

APPLY DECAL
With the waxy backing removed, use a squeegee to press the decal onto the surface. Begin at the hinge and work your way down the decal holding the decal at a 45 degree angle from the surface until you are ready to squeegee that area. Hold the squeegee at a 45 degree angle and use slow and steady strokes.

* For larger decals, using the squeegee, work the decal down starting at the middle and working your way out. Once you have applied the right side of the decal, remove the masking tape and peel the left side back to repeat the process.

SMOOTH WITH SQUEEGEE
Once the decal has been applied, go over the entire decal with the squeegee with firm strokes. The decals have a pressure sensitive adhesive, and the harder you squeegee the better it sticks. Make strokes from all directions, horizontally, vertically and diagonally from both directions. This will ensure that the decal is firmly adhered to the surface.

REMOVE TRANSFER TAPE
Remove the transfer tape by pulling slowly in a downward direction. If a part of the decal starts to come away from the surface, pull the transfer tape back over that area, rub it back down, and then proceed to remove the tape.

AIR BUBBLES
Most small air bubbles will dissipate on their own within 3 weeks of installation. If you get larger air bubbles in the decal, take a pin or razor blade and puncture the bubble to release the air. Then with the squeegee or your finger, work from the outside edges of the bubble and push the remaining air out.

CARE AND MAINTENANCE
Wash your decal whenever you wash your vehicle Waxing your decal can increase it's life expectancy Be careful not to scrape your decal when using an ice scraper

DAMAGE DURING INSTALLATION
If you destroy your decal during installation, we offer replacement decals at a reduced cost. To qualify for replacement rates, you must send us the damaged decal and a copy of your receipt.