Instructions
Dry Method.
things you'll need:
- A Vinyl Sticker
- Masking Tape
- A SqueegeeA bottle of soap water
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Wet Method.
Step 1 – Cleaning And Preparing The Surface You’ll need to thoroughly clean the surface area you will apply your vinyl decal to. Use the soap solution in the wet application method. You’ll want to make sure you remove any wax or polish residue so that your sticker will adhere properly. Wet adhesion should only be done during warm weather periods of at least 17°C/64°F. Spray the exposed adhesive side with low-surface-tension water (water mixed with a flushing agent, don’t use concentrated agents) and place it upon the application surface. Position the cut film where you want it. The wet application method allows for more precise positioning of film. Press the film to the surface using sweeping, overlapping motions with a squeegee. Be certain that there is no water between the surface and adhesive to avoid bubbles and ensure a positive bond. | |
Step 2 – Prepare Your Wild Sticker For Installation Lay your sticker down on a smooth, flat surface with the clear transfer material facing up. Using the edge of your squeegee or credit card, burnish the clear transfer material to your decal artwork or lettering design by applying firm pressure and rubbing from the center to the edges of your graphic. | |
Step 3 – Positioning Your Sticker Place your sticker into position in the desired location to visualize it’s final placement. Make a mental note of where the corners are in relation to outside points of reference such as the window frame etc. When you’re satisfied with the placement turn the sticker upside down on a smooth flat surface (Such as the hood of your car). | |
Step 4 – Remove The Backing Material(application sheet) Lifting up on the edge of your Apeshirt decal, gently peel a corner of the backing material away from the clear transfer material at a 45 degree angle. Your graphic vinyl design should be adhering to the transfer material exposing the adhesive side of the sticker. Always draw the backing material or release liner from the film, never the other way around. | |
Step 5 – Wetting Down Your Sticker Spray the Soap Solution onto the adhesive side of your decal and also onto the area where you will install your graphic. Make sure that you spray the entire area of both surfaces and that they remain “wet” with the spray. | |
Step 6 – Applying Your Sticker Now you can turn over and apply your sticker into position on the “wet” surface. The wet installation method allows you to move and adjust the position of your graphic by sliding it into place. | |
Step 7 – Final Positioning Once you’ve moved your sticker into a position you’re happy with you can “set” the position by pressing down in the center of the graphic and squeegee out the fluid and bubbles. Move the squeegee from the center outward toward the edges allowing the fluid to escape. Continue this until most of the fluid has been pushed out from between the graphic and the surface. Slightly moistening the back side of the mounting paper makes this procedure even easier. The bond is improved if the film is pressed again after a few hours. To avoid differences in perceived colors, films should always be worked and adhered in one direction only. When mounting across overlapping sheets of metal or expansion joints, use a sharp knife to separate the film at these points so that the film does not come loose when exposed to movement. | |
Step 8 – Patience Now wait 30-60 minutes depending on the outside temperature and humidity. If the humidity is high or if you just want to speed things up you can use a hairdryer to slowly dry the surface. | |
Step 9 –Finishing Off When the sticker has dryed onto the surface, lift a corner of the transfer material away from the surface and gently peel away at a 180 degree angle. If the vinyl graphic starts to peel away with the backing material reapply with the squeegee to remove any new bubbles and wait another 30-60 minutes to dry more thoroughly. Let your sticker dry for 24 hours before washing or waxing. If you have small air bubbles you can use a pin to poke a hole into the bubble and then squeegee the bubble flat. Most small bubbles will dissipate on their own after a few days in the sun. |
Video Tutorial for Sticker Application