Easy Vinyl Application Tips:
With just a few tools, you can install vinyl quickly and easily.
For the most part, installing cut vinyl lettering and adhesive vinyl decals is an easy one-person job, although larger pieces may require a second person for assistance. To begin with, your cut vinyl lettering and/or vinyl decals will arrive to you pre-spaced and ready to apply with a semi-translucent transfer tape applied to the front to keep everything in place for application.
Before you set out to install cut vinyl lettering or vinyl decals, you should arm yourself with some simple tools of the trade like a soft cloth, mild cleaner (or soap and water), masking tape and a squeegee, most of which can be found in any household. The soft cloth and mild cleaner will be used to clean the surface area removing any dirt or debris that can cause bubbles under the vinyl. Masking tape is to secure your vinyl lettering or decal in place for application. And lastly a squeegee. This handy tool is your best friend when it comes to adhesive vinyl application. The squeegee will be the instrument by which you'll be able to attach your vinyl lettering or decals to it's intended location. Don't have a squeegee, no problem, utilize a credit card. Or you can always look into purchasing our special Vinyl Application Kit which contains instructions, a bottle of application fluid and your own personal squeegee.
The simple verbal instructions for vinyl lettering and vinyl decal application are as follows:
- Clean the intended surface area and let completely dry.
- Align your vinyl lettering or decal into desired location.
- Secure to surface with by applying a strip of masking tape along the top of the decal, creating a hinge.
- Flip up the lettering or decal and remove the backing paper, exposing the adhesive side of the product.
- Firmly hold the corners of the piece and flip it back down onto the surface.
- Starting from the center, swipe the squeegee up and down and left to right, with pressure, to eliminate bubbles. Don't be shy, use some force, the transfer tape will protect the underlying vinyl.
- Once applied, gently remove the protective transfer tape, and pat yourself on the back for a job well done. (If you notice tiny bubbles after application, simply prick them with a tack, which will let the trapped air escape.)
For the more visually inclined, we have created a short 5-minute YouTube video, detailing the steps listed above. The "How to Apply Vinyl" video applies to installing all our adhesive vinyl-based products.