Vinyl graphics are used in a wide range of application surfaces, including vehicles, sto
Vinyl window stickers can be an ideal way to enhance the beauty of your car and show off your personal taste and style. Unlike bumper stickers, which can be difficult to remove, vinyl window stickers can easily be removed and replaced as you see fit. This makes it easy to change the look of your car whenever the mood strikes you.
One of the most common problems with not only vinyl window stickers but window tinting film and other vinyl accessories is the tendency for air bubbles to form under the vinyl. These air bubbles greatly detract from the look of the stickers, and, if left unattended, those air bubbles can cause the vinyl stickers to fall off the window.
One of the best ways to prevent air bubbles from forming is to make sure the windows are spotlessly clean before applying the vinyl sticker. Even a small amount of dirt can interfere with the adhesion of the window cling and allow air bubbles to form. If air bubbles have formed under a currently installed vinyl window sticker, remove it and clean the window thoroughly.
Adding heat during the installation process can prevent air bubbles from forming. Heat can also remove air bubbles that have accumulated under the vinyl stickers and window clings you already have installed. A hair dryer works wonderfully for this purpose. Simply applying the heat from the hair dryer to the vinyl sticker as it is being applied (or reapplied) can smooth out those air pockets and give you a better result.
Simply smoothing out the vinyl sticker with the large flat surface of an plastic squeegees is a handy way to remove any air bubbles that have accumulated. A plastic squeegees is also a useful tool when installing the sticker for the first time. Simply peel off the backing bit by bit, press the sticker to the window and use the plastic squeegees to press it into place. Installing the window cling or vinyl sticker in this way will help it adhere more firmly to the window; this can help reduce the chances of air bubbles forming down the line.
Applying your custom vinyl graphic is easy enough to do by yourself. The following tools are recommended when applying vinyl decals or lettering.
Surface temperatures should be between 10 - 30 degrees Celsius before attempting the installation. As a general rule, if the surface is hot to the touch it's over 30 degrees Celsius.
Adhesive becomes brittle when it gets too cold and gummy when it gets too hot. Applications outside the recommended range of 10-30 degrees Celsius reduce the adhesives' ability to perform.
You can choose to apply vinyl in one of two ways; dry or wet.
Applying vinyl graphics dry does not allow for any mistakes. Once the vinyl touches the surface, there is no removal without damage.
However, applying vinyl graphics with application spray allows you the opportunity to remove and reposition vinyl as needed for up to several minutes. For obvious reasons, this method is recommended for both beginners and experts. To apply using the application spray, spray the surface thoroughly. Then lay the vinyl on a flat surface and spray the adhesive side as you remove the backing. An extra set of hands is a good idea. Then simply apply the vinyl to the surface.
Do not excessively stretch vinyl during the application. This is the main cause of end lift. Pull the vinyl only as taut as necessary to keep a straight line. Because vinyl is a pressure-sensitive product, a squeegee should be used for all installations. The purpose of using a squeegee is to remove the excess fluid and or air from behind the vinyl. You should always start the squeegee from the middle and either use a straight up or down motion. Allow the vinyl to set for 5 to 15 minutes.
(Pinstriping can be laid down initially using your thumb. However, after the application tape is removed, a squeegee must be used on all cut ends including door breaks as well as the ends of the stripe.)
When removing the application tape, always pull it slowly, back onto itself, at a 180-degree angle. Bubbles should be punctured using a pin. Do not slit the vinyl to release the air. If the vinyl is slit it will spread or gap. The cutting or trimming of any stripe or graphic should be done using a very sharp knife and very little pressure.
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