DIY Tips for Installing Adhesive Graphics

Gather Supplies

-Graphic to be installed
-Spray Bottle (provided)
-Mild Soap
-Lint Free Towel
-Squeegee (provided)
-Masking or Painters Tape
-Scotch Tape (optional)
-Utility or Exacto Knife (if trimming is needed)
-Ladder (if needed)
-Instructions (provided)

Check the Weather

Before starting, check the weather to see if conditions are ideal for installation. The temperature of the surface must be moderate – between approx. 40°F (5°C) and 90°F (32°C). Applying vinyl to a surface that is too hot can cause the visual to stretch. Applying vinyl when it’s too cold may adversely affect the adhesion of the graphic.

Clean Up, Wipe Down

Clean glass or wall surfaces thoroughly before installation. A spray bottle is included in the installation kit, just add mild soap and water. Do not use glass or household cleaners. These work great for cutting through dirt and grease. They also work great at cutting through adhesives, which is not what we want!
Once cleaned, the surface should be wiped off with a lint-free cloth so the glass is free of any cleaning solutions.

Slide On With Water

Water can be your friend in sticky situations. Vinyl that can be installed using water will come with Wet Installation instructions. Keeping windows wet allows the graphic to slide around freely until it is in just the right spot. The same spray bottle supplied in the install kit can be used, just rinse out any soap leftover from cleaning the area. After wiping away any excess water, the graphic will dry, and the adhesive will become active. *Note not all vinyl can be installed with water. Only use water if instructions indicate this method.

Mock It Up

Use masking tape or painter’s tape to position the graphic. This allows you to make sure the graphic fits properly and is where you want it. If the graphic is too large it can be trimmed before or after applying for the perfect fit.

Peel and Stick

Peel back the corner of the vinyl to start removing the backing. Work slowly, peeling at a 45-degree angle. Apply light pressure using the squeegee in the supplied installation kit, as you continue to remove the backing and apply the graphic. Lost the squeegee? A credit card works great! Apply smooth, consistent pressure as well, be careful not to press too hard and scratch the graphic. Once the entire panel is lightly applied, work from the center outward with more firm pressure moving any bubbles to the outer edges and securing the graphic in place.

Tip: if you’re having trouble peeling the graphic away from the liner without breaking your nails, use a piece of scotch tape. Stick part of the tape to the liner while holding the tape peel at a 45-degree angle, and the liner should start to release.

Admire

Take a step back and take in your new space. If something is not quite right, some of our vinyls are repositionable and can be peeled up and placed down again. Check the instruction sheet if repositioning is an option.