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Vinyl Decal Installation Instructions
Prepare the Surface
All surfaces must be thoroughly cleaned before applying your IRONVILLE vinyl graphic. Follow the instructions below for cleaning procedures on specific materials.
Glass and Plastic
Thoroughly wipe surface clean with a household window cleaner. Remove any residue such as tape or glue with a single edge razor blade. If you are planning to use acrylic, remove the protective liner from the acrylic 24 hours prior to application vinyl graphic. This will allow any air bubbles (out-gassing) to dissipate from the acrylic. If this step is not followed, you may find air bubbles form under your graphic within a couple of days..
Painted Metals and Base Metals
These surfaces may be cleaned with a solvent such as Naphtha, Xylol or lacquer thinner. Dry the surface with a lint free cloth before the solvent evaporates. Freshly painted surfaces should be dry for at least 72 hours prior to application of any vinyl graphics.
Interior Painted Surfaces
Surfaces may be cleaned with any household cleaner, such as Fantastic or 409. Wipe area clean and dry with a lint free cloth before applying the vinyl. Freshly painted surfaces should be dry for at least 72 hours prior to application of the vinyl graphics. To safeguard against damage to your auto paint, we only recommend use on glass surfaces. Use on auto windows may impair your vision, therefor you should apply at your own risk.
Temperature Requirements
The temperature of the environment and intended mounting surface should be between 45 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit for best results. Very high humidity (above 90 percent) may also effect the application process.
Materials & Tools Needed
• Small cutting knife or razor blade. (an Exacto Knife is preferred)
• Spray Bottle with a mixture of dish soap and water. • Soap/Water Ratio: 3-5 drops of soap to 1 pint of water
• Plastic Squeegee or credit card
• Dry Towel
• 2" Roll of Masking Tape
In addition to the steps below, visit www.youtube.com and type in "vinyl graphics install". This will better your understanding of the process and help you achieve perfection on your first attempt.
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The vinyl graphic consists of 3 separate pieces:
• Application Tape (Top)
• Vinyl Graphic (Middle)
• Backing (Bottom)
1. Using small tabs of masking tape, tack the graphic to the intended surface. This is done to align the graphic and insure proper placement before the backing is removed. A ruler is also useful to measure for perfect position and accuracy.
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2. Apply a single horizontal strip of 2" masking tape to the top of the graphic. The strip of tape should be split between the graphic and the intended surface with 1" on each side (as shown). This strip will serve as a "hinge" that will insure the graphic does not move or shift during the rest of the application process. |
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3. Hold the bottom edge of the hinged graphic away from the intended surface and carefully remove the backing to reveal the sticky backing of the vinyl. Save this piece of liner for use later in the application process.
CAUTION!
Do not let the exposed graphic touch the intended surface. The back of the graphic is very tacky and will tightly adhere to the surface.
If the placement is not correct, removing the graphic for re-placement will be very difficult or impossible without causing damage to the vinyl.
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4. To insure proper placement, spray the intended surface with the mixture of soap and water. (This coating of water temporarily neutralizes the glue of the vinyl, thus allowing you to shift, lift and re-place the graphic if necessary. |
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5. Remain still holding the hinged graphic away from the intended surface. Starting from top to bottom, begin using the squeegee to burnish the graphic to the intended surface.
NOTE: Do not let the entire graphic fall directly onto the intended surface.
If lines or creases develop, lift and re-place the graphic. If the surface is thoroughly wet, this should be easy to do.
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6. After the graphic and letters have had most of the water squeegeed out from beneath them, it is now time to remove the application tape from the top and reveal the final product. NOTE: To remove the pre-mask without difficulty, spray with water and soap mixture and wait a minute or two for the application tape to become soggy. Gently remove the pre-mask. Be very careful not to pull the graphic up with the pre-mask paper. Working very slowly will ensure this doesn't happen. |
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7. Once the graphic is in final position and lying flat on the mounting surface, you can start forcing out the soapy water from beneath the graphic. This will reactivate the glue to it's original tack. Starting from the center working outward, use firm strokes with the squeegee to force the water out from beneath the individual letters or elements contained in your graphic. |
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8. Squeegee out any remaining water bubbles using the piece of left over backing. Lay the piece of left over liner over the graphic, with shiny side of liner facing you. Proceed to apply hard pressure to squeegee out any remaining water or air bubbles. The use of the backing will allow you to add high-pressure without scratching or damaging the vinyl. |
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REMEMBER:
• Work slow. Don't rush the individual steps and double-check your work before proceeding to the next step.
• Never let the graphic fall flat to the surface. Keep a hold of the bottom lip until you're ready to squeegee.
• Use plenty of soapy water once the backing is removed. This will allow for re-position on the surface.
• Use more soapy water when removing the positioning tape and re-use your backing during final squeegee.
For informative how-to videos, visit www.youtube.com and type in "vinyl graphics install". This will better your understanding of the finer points and help you achieve perfection on your first attempt.
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®Ironville Clothing Co. Inc. 2013 All Rights Reserved. Ironville is an Official Reg. Trademark. Intellectual property is copyright protected.
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