Tips for Perfect Vinyl Application
- Surface should be free of wax or other treatments and clean. To ensure that your vinyl will bond well, it is important to use a specialist surface cleaner, whether your application is short or long term. Surfaces that are porous, greasy or rough are not suitable, and newly painted surfaces should be thoroughly dried before application.
- To Apply Using Dry Application – Carefully position the image on the prepared surface, with the application tape up. Beginning at the centre of the image and moving out to the edges, press firmly and squeegee the design in place, maintaining consistent pressure over the vinyl. After the design is firmly in position, grasp the application tape and peel back carefully, making sure the vinyl remains in place. Finally, carefully squeegee again to ensure the vinyl has bonded to the surface, making sure that you do not scratch the design or the surface on which it is applied.
- To Apply Using Wet Application – The wet application technique is effective for applying vinyl to large surface areas, since it minimizes the occurrence of air bubbles on larger pieces of vinyl. In addition, using the wet method will allow users to reposition the design, even several times, if needed. This is very helpful when the application includes multi-coloured designs that must be perfectly aligned, such as logos.
- Carefully apply the application fluid to the back of the vinyl design with a sponge, lightly dabbing it across the surface. On the adhesive side, when the image has transferred to the application tape, lightly spray the vinyl surface with the application fluid, dampening it.
- Dab the weeded image on the application tape onto the fluid, than gently place in position. Working from the centre out toward the edges, squeegee the vinyl, ensuring that all moisture or air is forced out of the seal.
- Depending on temperature and humidity levels, it is recommended that applications be allowed to dry for 30 to 60 minutes. Then, grasp the tape and gradually peel it back while the design remains in place. Finally, carefully squeegee again to ensure the vinyl has bonded to the surface, making sure that you do not scratch the design or the surface on which it is applied.