Other Applications | Vinyl Graphix Geek

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Car, Yeti Cup, Sign and Exterior Window Application Instructions

Thank you for shopping with The Vinyl Graphix Geek! Below are step-by-step instructions to install your new vinyl decal. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to us at VinylGraphixGeek@gmail.com and we would be happy to help.

SURFACE PREP
Wipe the surface down with a dry cloth where the decal is to be installed. The vinyl decal will not stick with dirt or dust on surface. Please clean with water if the surface is dirty and can’t be cleaned with a dry cloth. (If you use any type of cleaner the residue can stay on the surface and adhesion can be compromised) If the surface is damp at time of installation the vinyl will not stick. Once the surface is clean, wipe the car window/outdoor surface/yeti cup with rubbing alcohol.

DESIGN PREP
Place your design on a clean hard surface so that the backing paper is facing you and you are unable to see the design. Using a credit card or your finger, burnish (rub) firmly on the backing several times to help the vinyl adhere to the front layer.

DESIGN PLACEMENT
Decide where you would like to place your design onto your surface. Move design around until it is where you would like it to go.
Using painters or masking tape, place strips of tape along the top to hold your design in place.

REMOVE BACKING PAPER
Start at one corner and carefully start pulling off the backing on to itself while decal is still taped to the wall. You need to fold the backing onto itself as tightly as possible to reduce the possibility of the decal sticking to the backing. Take care not to let the vinyl decal stick to the backing or to your application surface during this process.

Important!
Do not touch the vinyl’s sticky side with your hands. The oil in your hands will prevent it from sticking.

APPLYING THE DECAL
At this point, you should be left with transfer paper and vinyl graphics. Place vinyl flat against the wall. Use your fingers or credit card to smooth the vinyl decal starting in the middle and working your way out to remove air bubbles and wrinkles.

REMOVING TRANSFER TAPE
Starting from the top of the design, and using a slow, wiggle-pulling motion, pull the top layer (the transfer tape) off at a 45-degree angle. Do not lift straight up.
Important!
We use transfer tape (top layer) for your convenience. This layer needs to be removed or you will not have the professional hand-painted look

If your surface has any texture, please use caution not to tear the vinyl decal while smoothing. A towel can also be used to smooth out the decal.

For Stubborn Release:

- Using more pressure, hold down the vinyl design with your finger against your surface as you pull off the top layer.

- Run a hair blower on low heat across the design for a few seconds to heat up the adhesive allowing the vinyl to be easier to work with.

- If you are having difficulty getting your design to release from the transfer tape and we used paper transfer tape (not clear), moisten a sponge and use it to dampen the back of the tape (not the sticky side). This will help the design release from the tape. As you remove the transfer tape, press the design on the wall with your thumb or a dry cloth.

Vinyl Isn't Sticking! Below are situations that could cause our vinyl decals from sticking to your surface.

Not properly preparing the surface making sure it is free of dust, lint, and residue.
Washing the wall before adhering it to the wall. The wall must be completely dry before beginning. If the wall has been washed, you must wait at least 48 hours before trying to adhere to the decal.
For some reason, certain paints will reject the decal making it difficult to adhere.
Adhering the decal after newly painting the wall. It is crucial to let the paint cure, even if it looks dry, it isn't ready for wall decals unless it has been at least 3 weeks.
During application vinyl decals that have been touched by fingers during application will release the oils from fingers making it difficult for the vinyl to stick to the wall.
Too much wall texture. If the wall has too much texture, the vinyl will not have enough level surface to adhere to.
Waiting too long to put up your vinyl decal. Your decal can be kept for a while before putting it up, but an extended period of time will cause the adhesive to deteriorate and it may not adhere as well. We don't keep our rolls for longer than 24 months to make sure the vinyl we provide you has strong adhesive.

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