APPLY VINYL LETTERING AND GRAPHICS

APPLY VINYL LETTERING AND GRAPHICS

INSTRUCTIONS FOR APPLYING VINYL LETTERING AND
GRAPHICS
These instructions can be used to apply any Ready To Apply selfadhesive
graphic (cut individual lettering or digitally printed
sticker) and the principles are the same regardless of where the
graphics is being installed – window, wall, substrate, car, etc.
Important to consider before installation commences: -
• The surface MUST be clean and dust free with no wax or other
contaminates.
• Do not apply to fresh paint or car repairs. Paint will need to cure
for at least 3 weeks before graphics can be applied.
Your Vinyl Lettering /Graphic arrives to you in one piece with
three layers.
APPLICATION TAPE
The application tape used to hold the
vinyl in place. It will be the last layer
to be peeled off.
VINYL GRAPHICS
The vinyl lettering or graphic
(already weeded out Ready To Apply)
with a self-adhesive side sticking it to
the ‘Back Layer’
BACKING PAPER
The backing paper, which is peeled off
first, after measurements are taken and
placement of vinyl is correctly aligned on
the surface.
SUGGESTED TOOLS REQUIRED:
Squeegee Soft Cloth Pen Level
MeasureTape Scissors Masking Tape Spray Bottle

METHOD 1 - CENTRE HINGE for thin lettering or small graphics
Place the Ready To Apply graphics against the
substrate and stick with small piece your
masking tape on either end to temporarily hold
it in place while you measure to get the graphic
straight
Using a piece of masking tape, place it in the
middle of the graphic to create a vertical centre
hinge.
Remove the small piece of masking tape on the
right hand side. Flip the graphics back towards
the centre and slowly peel the backing paper off
as close to the centre tape hinge as possible
while holding the top layer away from the
surface. using your scissors cut the backing layer
off close to the centre hinge.
While STILL holding the top layers away from
the substrate - use your squeegee and start
applying pressure to the graphic from left to
right slowly pushing the top layer onto the
substrate.
Now remove the centre hinge masking tape,
and flip back the graphic and remove the
backing completely.
Use your squeegee and apply pressure from
right to left slowly. Apply even horizontal
pressure with the squeegee across the whole
graphic to ensure that the adhesive has been
activated.
Once you are sure the graphic is attached,
remove the top layer or application tape layer
diagonally at a 180° angle back over itself (from
top right corner pull down to the left) being
careful NOT to lift any vinyl graphics off the
substrate. If vinyl starts to come away simply lay
the top layer back over the vinyl and press down
hard with the squeegee to stick it back to the
glass, and continue to remove the application
top layer.

METHOD 1 - CENTRE HINGE for thin lettering or small graphics
Place the Ready To Apply graphics against the
substrate and stick with small piece your
masking tape on either end to temporarily hold
it in place while you measure to get the graphic
straight
Using a piece of masking tape, place it in the
middle of the graphic to create a vertical centre
hinge.
Remove the small piece of masking tape on the
right hand side. Flip the graphics back towards
the centre and slowly peel the backing paper off
as close to the centre tape hinge as possible
while holding the top layer away from the
surface. using your scissors cut the backing layer
off close to the centre hinge.
While STILL holding the top layers away from
the substrate - use your squeegee and start
applying pressure to the graphic from left to
right slowly pushing the top layer onto the
substrate.
Now remove the centre hinge masking tape,
and flip back the graphic and remove the
backing completely.
Use your squeegee and apply pressure from
right to left slowly. Apply even horizontal
pressure with the squeegee across the whole
graphic to ensure that the adhesive has been
activated.
Once you are sure the graphic is attached,
remove the top layer or application tape layer
diagonally at a 180° angle back over itself (from
top right corner pull down to the left) being
careful NOT to lift any vinyl graphics off the
substrate. If vinyl starts to come away simply lay
the top layer back over the vinyl and press down
hard with the squeegee to stick it back to the
glass, and continue to remove the application
top layer.

METHOD 3 - WET APPLICATION for larger graphics
Note: NEVER use this method for individual lettering
With the graphic face down on a flat surface,
carefully peel off the backing layer away from
the top layers.
Spray generously the area where the graphic
is to be applied with the solution in your spray
bottle.
Spray the adhesive back of the graphic
(exposed in Step 1) lightly with the solution.
Place the graphic on the “wet” surface and
move the graphic around until it is positioned
accurately using your tape measure and
checking by eye. If the graphic begins to
adhere simply pull back the graphic and spray
more solution as required.
When you are happy with the position, use
the squeegee to activate the adhesive and
force the fluid out. Start at the centre of the
graphic and work your way out. Be sure to
squeegee as much solution as possible from
under the graphic. Take your time, as it is
essential that as much solution is removed
from behind the graphic to ensure the
adhesive can adhere to the substrate.
Allow to dry for about an hour.
Gently and slowly peel back the application
tape diagonally, keeping your hand firmly on
the graphic to prevent it pulling back up. Note:
If the graphic is not sticking to surface, repeat
the squeegee process and let dry longer.
Rub entire graphic with a soft cloth, removing
any remaining bubble and fluid, paying
particular attention to the edges. Leave to dry
for a couple of hours.