Sign Graphics: A Brief Guide to Vinyl Fitting
Applying your own vinyl graphics?
Make sure you follow these tips...
From time to time we are asked
to supply vinyl graphics for clients to fit themselves.
This simple guide will help you to make a good job of
applying your vinyls. The key to success is to ensure
you don't rush the job. Vinyl graphics require care and
attention; they are not the same as sticking a car sticker
to your bumper!
Vinyl manufacturers typically recommend application in
temperatures of 50º to 90º F, with 70° to 80°F being the
optimum range. Whenever possible, apply graphics indoors
in a controlled environment, which will help control temperatures
as well as reduce the amount of wind and dust you have
to contend with. The room and surface temperature can
greatly impact your application. A high temperature will
make the film softer and more pliable. The higher temperatures
will also make the adhesive more aggressive and "grabby" which certainly isn't helpful and can
lead to pre-tack and increased stretching if you try to
reposition the film. Lower temperatures will make the
film more rigid and brittle and reduce the tack of the
adhesive. Applying in either of these extremes can make
your application more difficult.
The guide below can be applied to most types of vinyl
graphics applications, including vehicles, sign boards,
or any prepared surface. We have shown photos of a graphic being applied to a car but you can apply this technique to just about anything.
Things you'll need
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Suitable cleaning fluids and
rags |
Tape measure |
Sharp cutting knife |
Masking tape |
Suitable squeegee |
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Step 1:
Ensure the surface
is clean
It is vital that all surfaces
are clean and free from grease and grit. If you
are applying film to a dirty vehicle, the adhesive
from the graphic will adhere to the dirt and not
the vehicle itself, which will result in failure
later on. There are many cleaning solutions available
which will do the job. The best procedure is to
clean with a commercial detergent followed by a
light clean with a suitable solvent such as methylated
spirit (always check the solvent won't harm the
surface before applying in any great quantity). |
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Step 2:
Measure the graphics
into place
While it is tempting to often
stick graphics on "by eye", spending a
little time with a trusty tape measure will ensure
the best job. Use masking tape to hold the graphic
in position while you measure, and adjust the position
of the graphic until it is straight and square (or
however it needs to be). Remember, once the backing
sheet is removed you only have one chance to stick
the graphics correctly, so it is worth spending
a few extra minutes getting this stage right! |
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Step 3:
Remove the backing sheet and apply the graphic
Run a line of masking
tape along one edge of the graphic to create a "hinge".
Hold the graphic up away from the surface and slowly
peel off the backing sheet, a bit at a time if possible.
Generally it is good practice to unpeel about six
to ten inches of backing sheet at a time as you
go. Then using a suitable
squeegee, slowly squeegee the graphic to the surface
using a "down and out" motion to minimise
air bubbles. You should also maintain tension by
firmly holding the bottom of the graphic. On very
large graphics, more than one pair of hands may
be a good idea. |
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Step 4:
Removing the application
paper
After the graphic
is applied, the next step is to remove the low-tack application
paper by pulling it back on itself at a 180º angle.
Using this method to remove the application paper
will reduce the chances of pulling the graphic back
up and possibly causing air bubbles or edge lifting.
Once you have removed the application paper, it
is imperative to go back and resqueegee the graphic.
This extra step will help to ensure that all of
the edges of the graphic are in contact with the
surface. |
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Step 5:
Final touch
Once the graphic is firmly stuck to the surface you may wish to prick any remaining air bubbles to expell the air. To do this, use a pin to prick a small hole and then gently push the air out with your finger. Finally, give the new graphic a gentle wipe with meths to remove any excess glue from the application paper. |
Common problems:
Vinyl won't stick to the
surface
Is the surface properly
clean? Is it dust-free, free from grease, oil or waxy
residues? Is it too warm or too cold? Is it wet? Is it
a suitable surface (for example, bare untreated wood or
concrete are not suitable surfaces)? If you are sure that
the conditions are good for vinyl application but it still
won't stick, ask your supplier for further advice.
Vinyl won't follow curved
vehicle bodywork properly
If you are attempting to
apply vinyl to a vehicle which may contain uneven surfaces,
you may experience problems if you're using the wrong
type of vinyl. There are two main types of vinyl, "cast"
and "calendered". For applications which require
the vinyl to conform to uneven surfaces, such as bodywork
curves or panel trenches, cast vinyl should be used. Calendered
vinyl is really only ideal for flat application.
Despite my best efforts
I get loads of air bubbles
You generally can't squeegee
the bubbles out once the vinyl is stuck down. However
it is possible to pin-prick the offending bubbles and
carefully push the air out of the pin hole.
The vinyl won't stick to
the application paper - it stays on the backing sheet
Unfortunately this is a
common problem. If you try to remove the backing sheet,
but the graphics stay firmly on the backing sheet instead
of sticking to the application paper, then you should
follow a couple of procedures. Firstly, lay the graphics
flat and firmly squeegee the graphics to try ensure the
application paper has a good adhesive grip on the vinyl.
Then you should slowly peel the backing paper off at a
180º angle, using your other hand to apply pressure against
the vinyl to help it onto the application paper. While
this may slow the job down, it will eventually work.
The vinyl has stuck hard
to the backing sheet and rips when I try to remove it
This may happen if the
backing sheet becomes wet. Make sure you keep the backing
sheet dry during the application. It is particularly important
to ensure the surface is dry after cleaning.
I've heard it is possible
to apply vinyl wet
This is true, larger vinyls
can be applied wet using a mild detergent mixed with water.
The water should be sprayed to the surface and to the
rear (glue side) of the vinyl and then once the vinyl
is in position, the water can be squeegeed out through
the edges. This method is generally only for very large
graphics and only on flat surfaces and is usually best left to experienced vinyl
fitters. If you are trying to apply vinyl to a curved or uneven surface (for example a car bonnet) then do not wet apply - it will be a disaster!
Need
more help?
If you do, simply contact
us. |
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