SQUARED OFF DESIGNS :: Vinyl Graphics :: Decals :: Banners :: Signs :: Labels :: Stickers :: Vinyl Lettering :: Vehicle Wraps :: Graphic Design :: Marketing Materials

:: DECAL APPLICATION ::

Squared Off Designs has compiled an extensive decal installation page to assist you with decal terminology and installation methods.

:: INSTALLATION TOOLS ::

These are the typical materials required for sticker installation. Your installation requirements may be different.

- Glass Cleaner: For cleaning the surface
- Paper towels: For wiping the surface clean
- Masking tape: For positioning stickers in place
- Ruler / Tape Measure: For aligninig or centering decals
- Razor Blade: For trimming or cutting seams or edges
- Squeegee: For applying decals and removing bubbles

:: BASIC MEASURING HELP ::

Most of our measurements go by width. A lot of people confuse this with height. To clear this up so there are no mix-ups, the width measurement is the same as length (left to right). The height is from the top to bottom. You will notice that most of our ordering procedures require a width/length measurement, please remember to measure width/length <-left to right->. Some products may require a height measurement. The height is the measurement from the highest point to the lowest point, from top to bottom.

:: UNDERSTANDING THE DECAL ::

This decal has three parts:

1. The top layer is called the Application Tape

2. The middle layer is the final product.

3. The bottom layer is called the backing paper

If your decal arrives in a mailing tube, it is recommended that you unroll the
decal and let it lie flat for at least an hour before applying.

- Thoroughly clean the surface. The surface you are applying the sticker to, must be clean, dry & free of any dust or residue. (Pure soap, water & a lint free cloth is best)

- Wind will be your worst enemy.

- After preparing surface, check that the decalr fits in place. If necessary, cut off any excess application & backing paper & make guidelines with masking tape or a non-permanent marker.

:: DRY DECAL APPLICATION ::

This is the standard application method. But once you stick it, its stuck

APPLICATION PROCESS:

1. Clean surface thoroughly.

2. Peel back the backing from the sticker. This is the stiffer paper. Peel slowly and the vinyl letters will adhere to the thinner paper.

3. Apply onto surface with the thin paper. PLEASE NOTE that you must make sure to align it the way you want because once it is stuck onto the surface, it cannot be adjusted again.

4. Use a credit card or other thin flat object to smooth out the wrinkles in the paper and promote adhestion.

5. Carefully peel back the thin paper to reveal the sticker.

:: WET DECAL APPLICATION ::

1. Clean the application area thoroughly.

2. Peel back the backing from the sticker. This is the stiffer paper. Peel slowly and the vinyl letters will adhere to the thinner paper.

3. Spray the soapy water on the application area profusely.

4. Spray the soapy water onto the exposed side of the stickers. (The part where you can see the letters)

5. Press the exposed side of the sticker onto the application area and align it properly.

6. Wait until the water has dried so that the vinyl will stick to the surface.

7. Spray the paper again with the soapy water.

8. Use your squeegee or credit card over the paper to smooth out the bubbles.

9. Wait a few moments; then finally and SLOWLY remove the paper from the sticker.

10. Examine the sticker for any bubbles that appear under the lettering. If you find any, use your credit card to work them out. Use more water if necessary.

Note: These instructions are for vinyl decals only and do not apply to printed stickers.

:: WET APPLICATION WITHOUT MASKING TAPE ::

1. Clean your destination surface thoroughly.

2. Lay the graphics face down, exposing the wax paper backing. Carefully peel the wax paper away. Make sure nothing ouches the graphics!

3. If you are applying wet, lightly mist the destination surface and/or the adhesive side of the graphics.

4. Position the graphics where you want them. If you're applying wet, you can buy more time be re-wetting the surfaces before repositioning the graphics.

5. Using a squeegee or any other flat item ( like a credit card), start from the middle and firmly press the air out form underneath the graphics. Make sure your strokes overlap so there are no bubbles or wrinkles.

6. Allow the graphics to bond well before touching them, washing them, or exposing them to wind or rain. We recommend waiting 24hours.