Substrate Preparation – (Car/ Bike Paintwork or Window Preparation)

This Document is for Small Vinyl Graphics applied to Bike/Car paintwork or the Etched window Decals applied to the exterior of car windows. Thorough preparation is the key to successful and long lasting results!- This Documents the Dry Fitting Process Only .

THE PREPERATION

The preparation of a surface prior to applying any graphic is essential. So Many People try to Stick Vinyl CNC Cut Graphics to Surface that has not been prepaired. There are two kinds of surface contamination that will have to be removed: petrochemical (tar, grease, oil and gas residues, smoke films and polymer finishes” Car Wax”); and Organic (Insect splats, bird droppings, tree sap and common dust and dirt).
Petrochemical contaminants are quickly, safely and easily removed with automotive tar, wax and grease removers which can be readily found at automotive supply stores. A single solvent such as alcohol, denatured or isopropyl, is not 100% effective, but useable if another remover is not handy. Stronger solvents, like reducers, thinners, acetone, etc., can damage car or bike paintwork and should be avoided.

Organic contamination removal requires water. Common dish washing soap can be added sparingly.
Procedure is simple. With one towel, apply the remover. Use another clean towel to rub off the remover and any haze or film until the surface is clear. Go back over any areas that are not clean. Be as thorough as possible when cleaning any surface. The few extra seconds Spent here will save you unnecessary problems in the Future.

The Layout and Position of your New Graphic (Decal) or Window Etch!

Use the correct guidelines, then measure twice and apply once!

For Small Graphics you don,t Need to Use the Folded Tape Method as used by Sign Shops but You can if you feel the need, Its Easy to Apply small Graphics & We are going to tell you another Simple Effective Method.

After determining the correct position on your car or bike for the new graphic and making sure the surface is prepared you will Need to Place a Tape Marker just above or bellow where you want the Graphic (Decal) Fitted, This is to Help you get the Decal Exactly Level when you Come to Apply it to the Vehicles Bodywork. We Recommend using a Small Strip of Standard Paper Masking Tape for this as it is easy to remove when the Graphic (Decal) is Fitted. Measure up and Place the Masking Tape Strip Just above or Bellow where you want your new Graphic to be fitted. When you are sure its in the correct position take a few steps back and look at it to make sure its level, If you find its not right just keep adjusting it until it looks Nice. Now you are ready to apply the Graphic or Decal, You need to remove the backing “wax Paper/film” from the Graphic (Decal). To do this very carefully peel up an edge away the White Wax Backing Paper from the thin transparent transfer Film. Once it is just started you will need to pull it back at 180 degrees to it self. As you double over the backing paper the letters or graphic will be left on the clear sheet. Always do this very very slowly paying attention to the letters or graphic to make sure they are staying on the thin transfer paper/film tape not the backing wax paper.

NOTE: Sometimes the graphic gets stuck on the wax paper in this case just lay the wax paper down again push hard on the graphic on a flat surface and try again and again with a real tight bend on the wax paper. Eventually the graphic will break free of the wax paper. Patience is the key to success.

Placing the Graphic

Now you should have the Graphic on the thin transfer paper tape and just needs to be placed on the car paint work area that you have prepared for the Graphic. Carefully line the graphic, making sure it is all level/Square and slowly place it on the surface using the Masking tape (Above or Bellow) as a Guide. Try to avoid getting air bubbles trapped. Now it is on the car press the graphic down firmly. Keep pressing all over the graphic to ensure it has tacked it self to the car paint work then wait for 30 seconds and very slowly remove the thin transfer paper tape, again watch to make sure graphic stays on car body work and is not peeled off by the Transfer Paper. As above you may need a few attempts at laying it back on the car and peeling the thin transfer paper tape off at 180 degrees until the graphic stays on the paint work.

Conclusion

Do a final, quick inspection of your application. Give special attention to edges, tips and points; be sure they are tacked down.        NOTE: The Graphic can be removed in the future by using a hot hair drier on it and peeling off the graphic - then using a bit of T-cut to remove the old glue. NOTE: Avoid washing car for 72 Hours after application of graphic & never point a pressure washer directly at a Vinyl Graphic