| |
 |
|
| |
| As
with most other websites, the search facility
etc on this site uses Javascript. If you have
any problems navigating, please use our SITE
MAP to search
the website. |
|
|
| |
 |
|
|
 
 |
|
|
|
Vehicle
Graphics
(Including cars,
vans, caravans, wheel covers etc...)
|
Firstly
ensure that the panels are clean, (free from
dust, wax, grease etc.), and try to avoid working
in extremely hot or cold temperatures. If large
vinyls are to be fitted, it may help if two
people work together.
You can either fit the vinyl wet or dry, (see
below.) Wet application should mainly be used
on larger items, or if you are new to the process.
(The water helps to make repositioning easier.)
Dry application is quicker, but much more care
must be taken to avoid air-bubbles etc appearing
in the vinyl.
|
 |
Wet
application:
Firstly moisten the panel, either using a spray-bottle
or sponge/non-fluffy cloth etc. (a very slight
amount of mild washing-up liquid can be added
if required, though it's not normally essential.)
Dry application:
No need for any the above! |
Carefully
remove the vinyl graphics by lifting up the 'application
tape' from the 'silicon release paper backing',
(making sure that all the vinyl decals are lifted
up with it), avoiding finger marks on the vinyl
itself. Larger sheets may need two people to work
together. One to hold the application tape/graphics
by two corners, and the other to carefully peel
back the white, glossy silicon backing paper. When
it's nearly all removed the second person should
then take hold of the remaining two corners of the
tape/graphics. It can now be taken over to the vehicle,
keeping it taut as you go, and avoiding fabrics,
clothing etc., otherwise dust and fluff can be attracted
to the static of the vinyl.
(Note: If any parts of the graphic refuses to
lift, simply place the whole graphic (still on its
backing) on a firm surface and rub over the 'application
tape' with your finger nail to press the section
back against the silicon paper. Also see the 'Problem
solving' section below for further details.) |
 |
 |
Tack
the graphics gently on the panel, using a
tape measure at this point if required. If it needs
repositioning, quickly pull it off and try again.
|
| Once
you are happy with the positioning, start to flatten
it to the surface using a plastic squeegee, firm
credit card or a cloth. It may help if you hold
the vinyl slightly away from the surface as you
proceed. Working from the centre outwards, press
down the vinyl pushing the water/air out towards
the edges. If using the 'wet' method, try to avoid
letting the vinyl slide about as you are working.
When fitting decals over moulded panels, feed the
vinyl in to follow the contours. If the graphics
need to be fitted over door edges etc., just temporarily
ignore the fact when flattening them ... once the
application tape is removed, any vinyl which goes
over the gaps can simply be slit with a craft-knife
and moulded into the seams. (See the 'Problem
solving' section below for further details.) |
 |
 |
If
fitted dry, the application tape can now
be carefully removed by peeling away from the
panel at 180 degrees, (flat on itself.) Note:
If fitted using the 'wet application' method,
you may need to wait for quite a while before
removing the application tape. (It is impossible
to give a precise timescale as no two situations
are the same. Cold temperatures, inticacy of the
design, and even the brand /concentration of any
added washing-up liquid can all have an affect
on the drying-time. It's best if you can check
every so often to see if the application tape
can be carefully removed. If the graphics have
not yet adhered to the panel, then it will need
to be left longer.)
|
| Once
fitted, check for any water/air bubbles. If they
won't push out, use a pin or scalpel blade to carefully
pop them, then squeeze out the water/air. (Note:
It's always best to prick one edge of the bubble,
rather than the centre. You can then push the water/air
out towards the pinhole.) |
 |
 |
Job
done!
|
|
If
fitted using the 'wet application' method, please
drive with caution for a short while, or preferably
leave the vehicle parked-up until totally dry.
Please do not wash or polish vehicle for at least
one week.
(Thereafter,
normal washing can be done, but care must always
be taken, especially with dusters and sponges,
around the decal edges.)
If using a steam-cleaner, always
keep the nozzle a reasonable distance away from
the graphics, and preferably point it directly
at them [90 degrees] - rather than on an angle.
(This helps to prevent water from being forced
sideways under the vinyl.)
|
Problem
solving:
Air
bubbles
Vehicle rivets
Door edges
Vehicle panels
Problems
lifting the vinyl from the silicon release backing
Notes
on removal of old decals
Air
bubbles:
| If
any air bubbles are present, and they won't
push out, use a pin or scalpel blade to
carefully pop them, then squeeze out the
water/air. (Note: It's always best to prick
one edge of the bubble, rather than the
centre. You can then push the water/air
out towards the pinhole.) Use the back of
your finger nail to re-flatten the bubble
area. Repeat the pin-prick method if required. |
|
Vehicle rivets:
If
you come across any rivets, or similar,
whilst fitting your graphics, the following
method can be used to enable a neat finish:
After flattening the surrounding area, push
the vinyl towards the rivet with your finger
until you end up with a small air bubble.
Carefully make two or three pin-pricks through
the vinyl, around the rivet, and use the
squeegee, firm credit card or your finger
nail to press the vinyl into the edges of
the rivet - pushing any air out towards
the pin-holes. (Try to avoid splitting
the vinyl during the process.)
(Though not essential, it can sometimes
help if some heat is applied to the surface
by means of an electric heat gun or hot
hair dryer.) If fitted using the 'wet application'
method you may need to wait a while for
it to dry before getting a satisfactory
result.
(Always take care when using any heat against
paintwork and glass. Keep the heat gun well
away from the surface - and also be careful
not to overheat your own fingers!) |
|
Door edges:
If
you encounter any door edges whilst fitting
your graphics, just continue for the time-being
as if they weren't there! Flatten the decals
to the surface and carefully remove the
application tape as described in the above
'fitting instructions'.
Now you need to press the vinyl gently into
the gap with your finger, and then carefully
cut down either side of the door edges,
(letting the craft-knife blade be guided
downwards by the door edges themselves -
taking care not to scratch any paintwork
of course), so that you are left holding
a thin strip of vinyl - which can then be
discarded. Flatten the newly cut edges of
the vinyl with your finger again.
(Though not essential, it can sometimes
help if some heat is applied to the surface
by means of an electric heat gun or hot
hair dryer.) If fitted using the 'wet application'
method you may need to wait a while for
it to dry before getting a satisfactory
result.
(Always take care when using any heat against
paintwork and glass. Keep the heat gun well
away from the surface - and also be careful
not to overheat your own fingers!) |
 |
Vehicle panels:
It's
always best to try to avoid fitting the
vinyl graphics over 'deep' vehicle panels,
but sometimes it is necessary. Should such
an occasion arise, the following guide may
come in useful:
Flatten the decals to the surface and remove
the application tape as described in the
above 'fitting instructions'.
Now you need to gently press the
vinyl into any panel edges and mouldings
using your finger or thumb. If it's just
a shallow ridge, the vinyl should mould
quite easily. But if it is quite deep, you
may need to apply some gentle heat, using
an electric heat gun or hot hair dryer.
This softens the vinyl allowing it to be
moulded more easily.
(Always take care when using any heat against
paintwork and glass. Keep the heat gun well
away from the surface - and also be careful
not to overheat your own fingers!) |
 |
Problems lifting the vinyl from the silicon
release backing:
On
very rare occasions, especially after the
graphics have been stored for quite a while
before fitting, the vinyl lettering may
not lift up from the silicon release backing
sheet straight away. This is easily overcome
by doing the following:
Place the graphics (still on the backing
sheet) on a firm surface, (facing upwards),
and press the decals down using a squeegee,
firm credit card or cloth, by using firm
strokes over the application tape. This
gives the application tape an extra hold
ready to lift the graphics. If you still
seem to be having a problem, carefully turn
the complete sheet over, so that the graphics
are now facing downwards. Now remove the
silicon release backing from the application
tape/graphics, (pressing down any stubborn
areas as you go.) Once the silicon backing
is removed you will be left with the graphics,
on the application tape, (sticky-side up),
ready to be fitted to your required surface. |
Notes on removal of old decals:
Use
an electric heat gun or hot hair dryer to
gently warm the vinyl to be removed,
taking care not to overheat any glass or
painted surfaces etc. Carefully lift
one corner of the vinyl, using a blade or
window-scraper etc., and peel away the vinyl.
Repeat on all required sections until completely
removed. Any slight glue residue left behind
can easily be removed using a 'Tar and Glue
Remover', (which is available from most
car accessory shops), or white spirit.
Important:
Please take care when using the extremely
hot heat guns, especially where glass, paintwork
and other similar surfaces are concerned.
They are quite safe and efficient to use,
providing care is taken. Always hold the
heat gun 'well away' from the surface, and
your own hands, while you work. Just enough
warmth to allow the vinyl to be softened
is all that is necessary. Always handle
heat guns with care and keep them away from
children. Also always allow them time to
cool down afterwards before storing away. |
|
These
instructions, as well as any others on this site,
are merely intended as a guide to fitting our
various products. Although we endeavour to be
as efficient as possible with our instructions,
and include as many details as we can, we cannot
be held responsible for any problems, damages
or indeed injuries, which might occur. As with
all DIY projects, the person or persons carrying
out the work is/are held responsible. ( Terms
and Conditions )
|
|
 |
 |
|
 |
