How to Apply Adhesive Vinyl
Step-by-step instructions for easy application of your adhesive race car decals.
Be patient and go slowly for the best results. Have ready a grease pencil and a handy spray bottle premixed with water and a *FEW* drops of liquid dish soap as an application fluid. A rigid plastic bondo-type spreader works great as a squeegee. Click to see more hot tips at the bottom of this page.
NOTE: These instructions are NOT for Static Cling!
BEFORE YOU BEGIN: UNPACK & UNROLL
Your decals will arrive rolled in a shipping carton. Unpack right away, unroll and allow them to ’relax’ in a warm, dry place to help flatten after shipping. Look for the printed instructions in the box.
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1. CLEAN AND MARK VEHICLE SURFACE Use alcohol or other wax remover to remove excess wax / detail solution. Vinyl will not adhere well to waxes or detail solution (most are silicone based). Measure and mark the area where your decal will go with a grease pencil or masking tape to make a level guideline. If your panel isn’t level, you may need to ’trick’ your eye by what looks best. |
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2. SEPARATE GRAPHICS FROM LINER Your graphics are pre-masked with ’transfer tape’ to help you lift and position them. DON'T TAKE OFF THE TAPE yet. Place decal face down on a clean, flat surface and carefully separate the waxy paper backing from the taped numbers. Try not to touch the exposed adhesive surface of the vinyl. |
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3. MIST WITH APPLICATION FLUID / POSITION ON VEHICLE Use a very light mix of water and a few drops of liquid dish soap. Spray the sticky side of the decal. Swipe your fingers over the liquid to spread it on the back of the decal and reduce bubbles. (You can also spray your door/panel with fluid and swipe in the same manner before you do the decal.) Then position the decal on your marks. If you miss, pull up carefully and reposition. Don’t slide it around. You will get a couple of shots before it really sticks. |
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4. PADDLE/RUB DOWN DECAL Use a rigid plastic bondo-type spreader/paddle to firmly, but gently, press the graphics down and squeegee out air — use smooth even strokes working from the center out to the edges to eliminate bubbles. Don’t go back and forth, paddle in one direction. |
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5. PEEL OFF TAPE Once the graphics are firmly in place, peel off the transfer tape using low and even pressure. If part of the decal seems to lift, reposition the tape and paddle some more. Allowing graphics to rest a bit before peeling tape will help — especially if you used a lot of fluid. If you experience any large bubbles, you can pierce them with a pin and gently press out excess water or air with a soft cloth. |
HOT TIPS
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Don't apply in direct sunlight
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Remove wax and detail solution before applying
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Temperature should be at least 60°F/15.6°C for vinyl to adhere well
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Clean minor dirt/scuff marks with soft cloth, soap & water
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OK to use car wax on decals to keep them looking great