Decal Master

Instructions for Applying Vinyl Decals

Please read through these instructions before beginning the application procedure.

Surface Preparation:

The surface must be clean, and free of all oils, waxes and dirt. This cannot be emphasized enough, as it will greatly determine the ease of application, and the life of the Decal. Painted surfaces, especially on automobiles, need to be free of all automotive wax. The wax containing silicone is the most difficult to remove. I cannot recommend a cleaner that will work on your application, but denatured alcohol solvent, has worked for me. DuPont Prep Sol has been recommended to me. This is used by auto-body shops for removing surface contaminates before painting. If you are unsure, please contact a paint shop or automotive paint supplier in your area for the best cleaning method. Glass surfaces can be cleaned with an ammonia based cleaner, or other such product designed to clean glass surfaces. Windows treated with Rain X, or other treatments need to be cleaned so that none of the treatment remains.

Application:

These decals are designed to be applied to an exterior surface. Although they can be placed on the inside surface of glass, this is not the intended use. Decals are cut from a quality outdoor vinyl that has a rated life expectancy of five years in ideal conditions. The life of the decal will be affected by weather, heat, abuse, and other factors. The decals available here consist of three layers of material. The top layer, as you look at the decal is the transfer tape. It is a paper like substance that is semi-transparent, so that the decal can be seen as it is being applied. The bottom layer is treated paper layer called a release liner, or simply a paper backing. In between these layers is the vinyl decal itself. The adhesive of the vinyl lies against the release liner. NOTE: Decals with large areas of vinyl, are more easily applied using the wet transfer method, the air bubbles can be worked out more easily. Smaller, or more intricate Decals are best suited for the Dry Transfer Method. But either can be used. When using Wet Transfer, warm temperatures are required to "Cure" the Decal. This means that the small amount of moisture remaining between the Decal and the suface will evaporate out, and the Decal can achieve maximum adhesion.

Application using the Dry Transfer Method: The transfer tape is cut over size, and is folded back around the release liner. As you unfold the transfer tape from the back of the Decal, you will notice that the transfer tape has a medium adhesive, this adhesive is designed to hold the vinyl Decal in place while it is being applied. Peel away and unfold the transfer tape from the back of the Decal, being careful not to peel away the paper release liner! This will be done only when the Decal is ready to be applied to the surface. NOTE: Using this method, once the Decal is applied the surface, it will not be able to be repositioned! Lay the Decal along with the transfer tape, and release liner flat against the surface that you wish to apply the Decal. The adhesive on the exposed transfer tape will hold the Decal in place while the correct position of the Decal is being determined. The tape is over sized on two sides of the Decal, but it will be easier to trim the transfer tape away leaving only one edge to aid in placement of the Decal. Some Decals require that the transfer tape be cut the same size as the Decal, and will not be folded over. In this case use a piece of masking tape to tape the edge of the transfer tape to the surface. When the final location has been determined, leave one edge of the transfer tape attached to the surface. Fold the Decal away from the surface, so that the release liner is facing you. Carefully remove the release liner making sure the Decal (and all of it's portions) is firmly attached to the release tape. When the release liner is removed, Fold the Decal back onto the surface in a rolling motion. The transfer tape will keep the Decal together, and aligned with itself. When the Decal has contacted the surface, and the transfer tape is still attached, rub the Decal onto the surface with a soft cloth, or your fingers to remove any bubbles and to insure good adhesion all over the area of the Decal. The transfer tape will allow you to rub the Decal without damaging it. When the Decal has been applied to the surface, gently peel away the transfer tape. The Decal will adhere to the surface much more aggressively that the transfer tape and the tape should peel away freely leaving no residue. If there are bubbles present under the Decal that cannot be removed by working them to the edge of the Decal with your fingers, then a small pin or needle can be used to puncture the Decal at the bubble, and remove the air. A small pin hole will not be seen after the air bubble has been worked out with the fingers.

Application using the Wet Transfer Method: Prepare a solution of clean water and a few drops of liquid dish detergent or liquid hand soap. The cleaned surface is to be thoroughly wet down with this solution. A spray bottle works best for this. NOTE: Below freezing temperatures will make it impossible to use the wet transfer method. Even cold surfaces will cause the liquid to freeze on contact, and ruin the application. These Decals apply best in temperatures above 60 degrees F. (Preferably warmer.) Warmer temperatures also allow for any remaining water to evaporate from under the Decal, and speed the curing of the adhesive. This will increase the life of the Decal. Important! Trim away the application tape so that the tape is the same size as the release liner. Remove the release liner and place the Decal, still attached to the transfer tape, to the thoroughly wetted surface. The Decal can now be moved and repositioned correctly, as it will slide on the thin film of solution trapped between the vinyl Decal and the surface. When the Decal is in the final location, use a small squeegee (Not Included) to squeeze the water and detergent solution out from under the Decal. Decal Application Squeeges are now available for sale!, and not only will aid your installation, but have many other uses around the house! For more details. The transfer tape will protect the Decal during this process. CAUTION! Be sure to squeegee as much solution as possible from under the Decal. Take your time, because if not enough solution is removed from under the Decal, it will not adhere to the surface enough to allow the easy removal of the transfer tape. Although a Squeege is the recommend tool, the water can be also removed using the fingers, or a soft cloth. When through with the squeegee, the transfer tape can be carefully removed. Work the Decal with your fingers, and a soft, absorbent cloth around the edges to remove any remaining solution. Warm weather is best for this application. If there are bubbles present under the Decal that cannot be removed by working them to the edge of the Decal with your fingers, then a small pin or needle can be used to puncture the Decal at the bubble, and remove the air. A small pin hole will not be seen after the air bubble has been worked out with the fingers.

Maintenance:

In colder climates, Decals on windows of vehicles can be damaged by the scraping of frost or ice from the windows. Mild window cleaner may be used to clean the windows without damage to the Decal. On painted surfaces of vehicles, care must be taken when waxing. Wax will build up around the edges of the Decal, and will need to be removed. Use a soft cloth, and take your time, and be gentle. A brush, for example will force the wax underneath the edge of the Decal, and the Decal will begin to peel. The Decal will not be damaged by normal use of automotive car wash products, or water. Although the decals will withstand pressure washers, and automatic car washes, These will reduce the life and appearance of the Decal. The Decals will not last forever, but will give many years of service if taken care of.

Removing Vinyl Decals:

On glass surfaces, with temperatures between 70 and 80 degrees F, a razor blade scraper can be used. Decals can be removed from painted surfaces by either using a heat gun or hair dryer to warm the Decal to a point where it peels off easily, or by chemical means using 3M Woodgrain and Stripe Remover. This product is available where automotive paint and body working supplies are sold. I recommend using the heat gun. DO NOT USE THE HEAT GUN ON GLASS! Because the glass on your vehicle is tempered safety glass, It will shatter when heated. After the Decal is removed, the remaining adhesive can be removed with a solvent such as Denatured Alcohol, or Laquer Thinner. 3M Woodgrain and Stripe Adhesive Remover can also be used. Installation The application of this vinyl Decal requires a degree of dexterity, and concentration.

If you feel you cannot apply this Decal yourself, any auto detailer, or body shop can apply it for you. DecalMaster.com cannot be responsible for replacing Decals that have been damaged during application.

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