DECALS FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
CAN I TAKE MY DECAL OFF AFTER I HAVE APPLIED IT?
Yes, you should be able to peel it right off in warm weather. If it is giving you trouble, use a hair dryer. You won't be able to re-apply it
afterwards.
WILL MY DECAL PEEL OFF IN THE CARWASH, OR BAD WEATHER?
As long as it was applied correctly it will stay on for years. (Apply in warm weather and surface must be VERY clean).
WHAT TYPES OF SURFACES CAN I APPLY DECALS TO?
Our decals will stick to any smooth surface (Anything that isn't rough or lumpy to the touch). This means you can apply our windshield
decals to something other than just a windshield.
CAN I APPLY WAX OR RAIN-X OVER MY DECAL AFTER I HAVE APPLIED IT?
Yes, this will also help protect your decal from the elements. Just be careful around the edges of the decal.
HOW DURABLE ARE YOUR DECALS?
Each of our colors have different properties. Most have a minimum outdoor life of 6 years.
VINYL INSTALLATION GUIDE
Vinyl Graphics Installation Tips And Tricks CLICK TO DOWNLOAD VINYL INSTALLATION GUIDE
Print these instructions and keep them at your side when doing the installation.
Applying vinyl graphics is not a difficult process, but it may be challenging to the novice who has never worked with the material. We
recommend that beginners consider getting help from a local sign shop. The cost of having a professional do the application could be well
worth it.
Vinyl graphics generally come in one piece and are sandwiched between a paper layer of transfer tape and a wax layer of backing.
The transfer tape is a low tack sheet that will lift your graphic in one piece. The transfer tape is no match for the vinyl's pressure sensitive
adhesive which will bond to the surface of the vehicle very tightly.
You will need only a few things to complete the installation:
- Mildly soapy water in a spray bottle or mister. Use three or four drops per quart.
- A piece of hard plastic, or squeegee.
- A roll of masking tape.
Vinyl should never be applied in temperatures less than 40 degrees Fahrenheit or 4 degrees Celsius. The vehicle or surface should be
very clean for best results.
1. Temporarily tape vinyl graphics to the surface.
2. Start with a piece of tape on one top corner. With the backing still on the graphics. You can always move it if you don't like the position.
3. Bring the other side into position and tack it down with another piece of tape.
4. "Hinge" the graphic along the top of the graphic with a long piece of tape. Half the tape should be on the transfer paper and half on the
surface.
5. Now when you flip the graphic back to remove the wax paper, everything stays in place.
6. Peel back the wax paper and expose the sticky side of the vinyl. Long vinyl graphics sometimes call for a helper at this point.
7. Many times it's easier to smooth out the name if you mist the adhesive backing with a little soapy water. Wetting it also prevents it from
sticking immediately. Usually a wet application is good, then again, if it's too soapy and doesn't stick at all, you have to rinse some of that
soap off with fresh water. Generally, use the wet application as it's easier to squeegee out water bubbles than it is to squeeze out air
bubbles.
8. Lay the vinyl close to the surface. It won't stick if you've wet it down, especially if you don't press it too hard. Holding the free edge
tautly, just off the surface , pull the squeegee across the center of the graphic to get a good center line of adhesion.
9. Now you can lift one of the sides up and squeegee from the center line toward the edges. ALWAYS work from the center toward the
edges!! Do this to avoid trapping air or water bubbles.
10. Finish off the other half the same way (from the center to the edges, then from the middle to the top and bottom). If you started with a
good centerline, the rest of the vinyl will fall into place.
11. Finish by spraying down the transfer tape with that spray bottle. Squeegee a little more for good measure and let that water soak into
the paper. The water not only helps you apply the vinyl smoothly, it also loosens the paper and helps to remove it without pulling the vinyl
back off the surface. Pop any bubbles with a pin point and press out the air or water. Any water bubbles will evaporate.
GET THE BEST OUT OF YOUR MAGNETIC SIGNS
Installation:
Before installing your magnetic, wipe or wash vehicle clean, then wax vehicle surface where the the magnetic sign will be placed for the
protection of your sign and vehicle. After installing, check that the entire sign is in contact with the vehicle body and that no edges are
sticking up. If you do find a spot that is sticking up, it hasn't lost it's magnetic power but has gotten bent the wrong way. This can easily be
corrected by bending the material back to it's original shape. Do not leave any air pockets or install over moldings. The magnetic material
can be easily cut with scissors or razor to accommodate obstructions like body moldings.
If your magnetic does not appear to hold securely and uniformly, check for body fill. Magnetics will only stick to metal and body filler is not
metal.
Maintenance: Remove sign from vehicle once a week and wipe both vehicle and front and back of sign clean and dry. Rewax area and
reinstall in a slightly different area each time. To clean face of signs, use a sponge and mild detergent. Do not immerse in water. Wipe dry.
Never steam clean signs or take through a car wash.
BANNER TIPS
Installation: When installing a banner outdoors that will be strung between two structures, be aware that the wind can apply considerable
force on the banner. Your tie offs should be made securely to something that can take such a load. The banner should be taut but not
stretched too tight. Slight sagging is inevitable. The use of elastic shock or "bungee" cords in your tie off lines will help keep the lines tight
and reduce the effect of sudden wind breeze.
Be sure that that banner is attached to the rope or wire in such a way that all of the of the grommets take the load and not just the
corners. Either thread the rope or wire through all the grommets or use a snap hook at each grommet and attach to tie wires strung both
over and under the banner.
Cleaning (Vinyl Banners): Periodic cleaning will keep your banner looking great. To clean, use water and a mild detergent. Avoid harsh
cleaners and solvents such as acetone that might damage the banner.
Storage: Banners should always be rolled for storage, never folded. It’s best to roll the banner.
BANNER MATERIALS:
8 Oz. Economy: This material compares in cost with lesser grade paper and fabric banners, but provides greater strength and durability.
10 Oz. Standard: This versatile weight is an all around favorite. It has excellent tear strength and provides the best balance of durability
and cost, even with moderate wind pressure.
13 /14 Oz. Heavy: For extra durability. This is a good choice for larger outdoor banners or anywhere that stronger wind pressure will be
encountered.
16 Oz. Extra Heavy: This is recommended for very large banners, "over-the-street" applications and where very strong winds will be
encountered. Blackout film prevents show-through on two-sided banners.
18 Oz. Super Heavy: For maximum durability. This incredibly strong material will withstand the strongest winds. Blackout film prevents
show-through on two-sided banners.
Poly Banner: This is an economical 8 mil thick lightweight plastic material best suited for short-term applications. Poly is ideal for low cost
promotional banners that won't have a lot of wind pressure.
Nylon Banner: This fabric has a satin-like sheen and makes a richer, upscale looking banner. It is particularly well suited for interior
applications such as trade show and retail showroom banners. It is not recommended for outdoor use.
CAN I TAKE MY DECAL OFF AFTER I HAVE APPLIED IT?
Yes, you should be able to peel it right off in warm weather. If it is giving you trouble, use a hair dryer. You won't be able to re-apply it
afterwards.
WILL MY DECAL PEEL OFF IN THE CARWASH, OR BAD WEATHER?
As long as it was applied correctly it will stay on for years. (Apply in warm weather and surface must be VERY clean).
WHAT TYPES OF SURFACES CAN I APPLY DECALS TO?
Our decals will stick to any smooth surface (Anything that isn't rough or lumpy to the touch). This means you can apply our windshield
decals to something other than just a windshield.
CAN I APPLY WAX OR RAIN-X OVER MY DECAL AFTER I HAVE APPLIED IT?
Yes, this will also help protect your decal from the elements. Just be careful around the edges of the decal.
HOW DURABLE ARE YOUR DECALS?
Each of our colors have different properties. Most have a minimum outdoor life of 6 years.
VINYL INSTALLATION GUIDE
Vinyl Graphics Installation Tips And Tricks CLICK TO DOWNLOAD VINYL INSTALLATION GUIDE
Print these instructions and keep them at your side when doing the installation.
Applying vinyl graphics is not a difficult process, but it may be challenging to the novice who has never worked with the material. We
recommend that beginners consider getting help from a local sign shop. The cost of having a professional do the application could be well
worth it.
Vinyl graphics generally come in one piece and are sandwiched between a paper layer of transfer tape and a wax layer of backing.
The transfer tape is a low tack sheet that will lift your graphic in one piece. The transfer tape is no match for the vinyl's pressure sensitive
adhesive which will bond to the surface of the vehicle very tightly.
You will need only a few things to complete the installation:
- Mildly soapy water in a spray bottle or mister. Use three or four drops per quart.
- A piece of hard plastic, or squeegee.
- A roll of masking tape.
Vinyl should never be applied in temperatures less than 40 degrees Fahrenheit or 4 degrees Celsius. The vehicle or surface should be
very clean for best results.
1. Temporarily tape vinyl graphics to the surface.
2. Start with a piece of tape on one top corner. With the backing still on the graphics. You can always move it if you don't like the position.
3. Bring the other side into position and tack it down with another piece of tape.
4. "Hinge" the graphic along the top of the graphic with a long piece of tape. Half the tape should be on the transfer paper and half on the
surface.
5. Now when you flip the graphic back to remove the wax paper, everything stays in place.
6. Peel back the wax paper and expose the sticky side of the vinyl. Long vinyl graphics sometimes call for a helper at this point.
7. Many times it's easier to smooth out the name if you mist the adhesive backing with a little soapy water. Wetting it also prevents it from
sticking immediately. Usually a wet application is good, then again, if it's too soapy and doesn't stick at all, you have to rinse some of that
soap off with fresh water. Generally, use the wet application as it's easier to squeegee out water bubbles than it is to squeeze out air
bubbles.
8. Lay the vinyl close to the surface. It won't stick if you've wet it down, especially if you don't press it too hard. Holding the free edge
tautly, just off the surface , pull the squeegee across the center of the graphic to get a good center line of adhesion.
9. Now you can lift one of the sides up and squeegee from the center line toward the edges. ALWAYS work from the center toward the
edges!! Do this to avoid trapping air or water bubbles.
10. Finish off the other half the same way (from the center to the edges, then from the middle to the top and bottom). If you started with a
good centerline, the rest of the vinyl will fall into place.
11. Finish by spraying down the transfer tape with that spray bottle. Squeegee a little more for good measure and let that water soak into
the paper. The water not only helps you apply the vinyl smoothly, it also loosens the paper and helps to remove it without pulling the vinyl
back off the surface. Pop any bubbles with a pin point and press out the air or water. Any water bubbles will evaporate.
GET THE BEST OUT OF YOUR MAGNETIC SIGNS
Installation:
Before installing your magnetic, wipe or wash vehicle clean, then wax vehicle surface where the the magnetic sign will be placed for the
protection of your sign and vehicle. After installing, check that the entire sign is in contact with the vehicle body and that no edges are
sticking up. If you do find a spot that is sticking up, it hasn't lost it's magnetic power but has gotten bent the wrong way. This can easily be
corrected by bending the material back to it's original shape. Do not leave any air pockets or install over moldings. The magnetic material
can be easily cut with scissors or razor to accommodate obstructions like body moldings.
If your magnetic does not appear to hold securely and uniformly, check for body fill. Magnetics will only stick to metal and body filler is not
metal.
Maintenance: Remove sign from vehicle once a week and wipe both vehicle and front and back of sign clean and dry. Rewax area and
reinstall in a slightly different area each time. To clean face of signs, use a sponge and mild detergent. Do not immerse in water. Wipe dry.
Never steam clean signs or take through a car wash.
BANNER TIPS
Installation: When installing a banner outdoors that will be strung between two structures, be aware that the wind can apply considerable
force on the banner. Your tie offs should be made securely to something that can take such a load. The banner should be taut but not
stretched too tight. Slight sagging is inevitable. The use of elastic shock or "bungee" cords in your tie off lines will help keep the lines tight
and reduce the effect of sudden wind breeze.
Be sure that that banner is attached to the rope or wire in such a way that all of the of the grommets take the load and not just the
corners. Either thread the rope or wire through all the grommets or use a snap hook at each grommet and attach to tie wires strung both
over and under the banner.
Cleaning (Vinyl Banners): Periodic cleaning will keep your banner looking great. To clean, use water and a mild detergent. Avoid harsh
cleaners and solvents such as acetone that might damage the banner.
Storage: Banners should always be rolled for storage, never folded. It’s best to roll the banner.
BANNER MATERIALS:
8 Oz. Economy: This material compares in cost with lesser grade paper and fabric banners, but provides greater strength and durability.
10 Oz. Standard: This versatile weight is an all around favorite. It has excellent tear strength and provides the best balance of durability
and cost, even with moderate wind pressure.
13 /14 Oz. Heavy: For extra durability. This is a good choice for larger outdoor banners or anywhere that stronger wind pressure will be
encountered.
16 Oz. Extra Heavy: This is recommended for very large banners, "over-the-street" applications and where very strong winds will be
encountered. Blackout film prevents show-through on two-sided banners.
18 Oz. Super Heavy: For maximum durability. This incredibly strong material will withstand the strongest winds. Blackout film prevents
show-through on two-sided banners.
Poly Banner: This is an economical 8 mil thick lightweight plastic material best suited for short-term applications. Poly is ideal for low cost
promotional banners that won't have a lot of wind pressure.
Nylon Banner: This fabric has a satin-like sheen and makes a richer, upscale looking banner. It is particularly well suited for interior
applications such as trade show and retail showroom banners. It is not recommended for outdoor use.
