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NOTE:  This page is simply meant as a guideline to assist you in the application and installation of your products.
We assume no responsibility for incorrect installations, or damages to products or anything else as a result.
When in doubt, you should always seek the help of an experienced person.

This page contains some application instructions and care instructions. For application, I prefer the dry method in most cases.  I do not use the wet method often, as most of our installs are standard decals or banners, in which the wet method would be over-kill.  As always, if you're uncomfortable or unsure on how to apply these graphics I suggest you consult a shop or someone experienced working with decals, or email us for advice.   And remember, we offer local installation!  I will always help as much as I can, so do not hesitate to ask. Click one of the bookmarks below to take you right to that section:

[NEW  --  QUICK INSTRUCTION with PICTURES!]
[DECAL APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS]
     [DRY METHOD]
     [WET METHOD] - Not normally recommended for smaller decals
[BANNER CARE AND MAINTENANCE]
 [DECAL CARE]

 TIP: If you want an easier re-positionable graphic, for a small charge we can ship it ready-to-use on a MAGNET! These will still 'stick' to any metal part of your car, and are easily movable.  Sell your car, keep your decal! Ask for details!! 

Vinyl Decal/Graphic Installation Instructions:

Please read these instructions completely before starting. Applying these graphics takes a bit of time and patience. Rushing will most likely lead to mistakes. Once the vinyl sticks to the surface, it cannot be re-positioned!

The surface must be clean, and free of all dirt, wax, oils, etc. Use Windex or a similar cleaner to clean the glass. You may also use the application fluid mentioned below. Formula 409 will remove products like Rain-X. Use rubbing alcohol or wax remover on painted surfaces. Vinyl Decals are prepared using 3 layers of material. The top layer is called the Application or Transfer Tape. It may look like regular masking tape or a clear, low-tack (not very sticky) sheet. The middle layer is the actual Sticker. The third, bottom layer is called the Backing Paper which protects the graphic until use.

Dry method (works well for smaller graphics and decals):

Some tools you may need: a needle (eg. sewing) and a small plastic squeege, plastic putty knife or old credit card/drivers license, a sharp razor knife, masking tape, etc.

The Decal is best applied at room temperature ( 55 to 75 degrees) or above. The warmer it is, the better it works. However, try to avoid direct sunlight.  Working with the decal still in 3 layers, take the credit card or squeegee and flatten the Decal on both sides by rubbing over it. If the Decal was shipped in a tube, lay it out flat and let it sit for an hour or more in a warm location. It will be easier to handle when flat. Next, try to make sure the air bubbles are removed as much as possible. There should be a minimum of bubbles.

When ready to apply, carefully plan and position your decal on the surface you’re applying it to. Once you have it located where you want it, you can use a strip of masking tape across the middle as a ‘hinge’.  At the hinge location, start to remove the backing material from ½ of the decal SLOWLY. The backing is the heavier gauge paper on the back. Afterwards, cut this half of backing paper away. Next, use your squeegee or other edge to facilitate application, working from the tape out, allowing no air bubbles or wrinkles to form. Next, gently fold back the remainder of the decal.  Pull the backing off, and repeat.  You’re done this step!

     At this point your graphic AND application tape should be applied. The next step is to use your credit card or squeegee again over the application tape to make sure the vinyl decal is applied in all areas. The transfer tape will allow you to rub the decal without damaging it. 

    Peel back an edge of transfer tape SLOWLY. At the same time watch all the small letters and corners to make sure they are sticking to glass and not to the transfer tape.  It helps to work as flat to the surface as possible (pull the application tape approx. 180 degrees to the surface).  Remember, do not rush this process!  Once the transfer tape is removed, take your fingers and rub gently over the corners and points of your decal to make sure they are glued firmly to the surface. If you have any air bubbles, use the  needle to put a tiny pin-hole in the bubble.  This  will allow the air to escape. Press around the air bubble, working the air to the small hole. The smallest of bubbles will  go away themselves in a couple days as the vinyl sets.   

REMEMBER! Once the Decal touches the surface, it cannot be moved again. Patience, grasshopper!

Wet method (Better for larger graphics, windshield banners, etc):

For this step, you will be wetting the surface to be applied to. Mix about a half-gallon of water with a few drops of baby shampoo or dishwashing liquid. Fill a spray bottle and lightly but thoroughly wet the area where the decal is to be applied. This is assuming you’ve cleaned the surface first. Trim away the excess transfer tape so that the tape is within a half-inch of your Decal. Remove the backing paper completely this time and place the Decal, still attached to the transfer tape, to the wetted surface. The decal can be repositioned slightly at this point to get it level/etc.

For a windshield decal where you need to curve letters, cut the transfer tape with a pair of scissors between the letters about three quarters of the way from the top of the Decal and position as needed. DO NOT cut all the way through- it will be difficult to keep everything lined up. When the decal is in place, use the small squeegee or drivers license to squeeze the water solution out from under the decal. The transfer tape will protect the decal during this process.

PLEASE READ!!

Be sure to squeegee as much solution as possible out from under the decal. If too much solution is left underneath, the Decal will not adhere properly and removal of the transfer tape will be difficult. If there are bubbles present under the decal that cannot be worked to the edge of the decal with your finger or squeegee, then use the pin method mentioned above. A small pin hole will not be seen after the air bubble has been removed.

Note: You can do more damage than good by chasing the smaller bubbles. They will leave by themselves as the vinyl breathes and the application fluid evaporates.

Care and maintenance instructions for your new banner:

Your new banner should provide years of use, provided you take care of it.   Below are some tips and instructions to aid you. 

1.    NEVER, EVER fold your banner.  This is probably the worst thing you can do!  It will not only cause sharp folds in the banner which will later be difficult to remove, but it will also cause problems if the fold is where any vinyl lettering or graphics are applied.  If your banner gets a fold, you can use a hair-dryer on LOW setting to warm the banner slightly and it should soften out. 

2.    Now that you know not to fold it,  you should ALWAYS roll your banner – but not too tightly.  You can always use a cardboard tube (a cardboard carpet tube works nicely) or other round object, but its always a good idea to try to roll it with at least a 1-2” inside diameter on the tightest turn.  Smaller banners would also benefit from a core item.

3.    Clean your banner with a NON ABRASIVE cleaner, and towel or sponge.  Cleaning products should generally be avoided. We recommend you simply mix a light liquid dishwashing soap or liquid carwash and warm water, then gently sponge or towel the banner clean. You can rinse with a hose, water won’t hurt, as they are indoor-outdoor safe.

Decal care and maintenance:

    Decal Care is relatively simple.  For most single color decals, as applied to a vehicle or sign,  simple washing with mild soap and water is fine.  Most decals will hold up well even under a windshield wiper, etc.   Pressure washers will cause problems, and any stiff brushing also.  We recommend only washing with a soft cloth or sponge, as you would normally do on your vehicle.  Avoid chemicals, solvents, and the like, as they will most likely damage the decal and/or affect the adhesive.

IMPORTANT!  In very cold temperatures and when there is snow and ice on the window- do NOT scrape over the decal area.  Vinyl becomes brittle in cold and if you scrape the ice/snow off you WILL chip and damage the decal.  Either use the mechanical de-icer in the vehicle or some mild deicers which do not use solvents may also work.

    Banners and signs are similar-  Use a mild liquid dishwashing soap, or liquid carwash in water,  and clean with a soft brush, cloth or sponge.  Again, avoid solvents and adhesives.