Vinyl Surface Requirements
Surface Preparation
All surfaces must be thoroughly cleaned before applying your vinyl graphics. The goal is to get your surface as clean as possible. The cleaner your surface is the better the vinyl decal will adhere. This will greatly improve the life of you vinyl decal and will most likely adhere to your surface longer. Follow the instructions below for specific material cleaning procedures.
Plastics, Glass, Tile, Painted Metals, Base Metals and Interior Painted Surfaces
We recommend first cleaning these surfaces with a soap and water solution. Household dishwashing soap works fine. Next you’ll need Denatured Alcohol to remove any residues. Although you can install decals after cleaning the surface with dishwashing soap we recommend using Denatured Alcohol because it will completely clean the surface. It helps remove residues that could be left from the soap/water solution. Also if you use car cleaning products such as car wax, Rain-X, or similar products these could possibly effect the application process of your decals. Denatured alcohol can remove these and other residues from the surface before applying your decals. It can be purchased at a local paint or hardware store and is relatively inexpensive. Always follow the instructions on the label. If it will be used on a painted surface make sure the instructions say it can be used for that purpose (or fiberglass if it’s a boat) and test in an inconspicuous area. You’ll want to dry the surface completely with a clean cloth or paper towel before applying the decal.
Temperature and Weather Conditions
The optimum temperature range for vinyl graphic adhesion is 60 - 80 degrees F. The air and surfaces should always be above 40 degrees F. Very high humidity (above 90 percent) may effect the application process. Also if possible try to work in a covered area this will help keep debris from landing on your surface. This also helps shield from wind and wind can become a big problem, especially if your installing a very large vinyl graphic..
You are now ready to install your decals. Click here for Vinyl Decal application instructions.
