How to Apply Adhesive Vinyl

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.