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Vinyl Graphic Application and Removal 

At StickerCharged, we want to make sure you get the most value for your hard-earned cash. A well-placed graphic can make all the difference in your sanity over one that is placed cockeyed or that falls off within a week, so we've compiled a (hopefully) helpful how-to guide for you. Enjoy.


Application:

Tools you will need:
A squeegee (or credit card), glass cleaner (we suggest one without ammonia since it weakens the adhesive on the vinyl), a (clean, soft, and dry) rag, a pin or better yet a fine sowing needle, and, if you are planning on doing a wet application, vinyl application fluid OR a spray bottle with warm, SLIGHTLY soapy water. (a few drops Dawn or Palmolive will do)

Application Steps:
    1) CLEAN- Make sure the area you are applying the graphic to is clean from dirt, dust, mud, wax, grease, crud, or other contaminants. This is the most important step and a dirty surface is the main reason graphics fail. Use non-ammonia glass cleaner or a 50/50 mix of water and alcohol and a clean, dry, soft cloth to achieve this. If you are applying to a window make sure it is completely free of Rain-x or similar products.
    2) Choose application type- You may choose to use a wet-application or a dry application at this point. Wet application allows you to move the graphic around a little bit so you can make sure it's lined up exactly where you want it. This method is useful for applying large graphics or decals over curved surfaces. Dry application needs to be lined up perfectly before backing is removed and decal is laid down. The advantage of dry application is it tends to yield less bubbles in graphic if done correctly and some argue makes a better overall bond.
    a) If using a wet application: spray application fluid/soapy water liberally on and around where you intend to put the graphic. This step is intended to temporarily defeat the adhesive long enough for you to position the decal precisely.
    3) Peel- Turn the graphic face-down and peel the wax/teflon backing off of the graphic. Make sure that all the vinyl stays on the application tape (the front, clearer, stickier side). If the graphic does not lift and tries to remain on the backing, simply lay application tape back down and rub the graphic's edges and try again.
    4) Apply- Place the graphic (sticky-side down) on the wet surface you wish to apply it to and gently maneuver into place.
    b) If using a dry-application: make sure it's lined up exactly where you want it to be before any of the vinyl touches your mounting surface. Once it touches the dry surface, it may be impossible to lift back up without damage to the vinyl. For dry application you may want to tape the top or left edge of the graphic into position before removing the backing, lift the graphic from the un-taped edge, peel away the backing and squeegee from the taped edge out.
    5) Squeegee- Using a firm, evenly-pressured stroke, squeegee the graphic into place. Start at the center and work your way out. MAKE SURE to use firm, overlapping strokes to help prevent bubbles or wrinkles.
    6) Peel application tape- Carefully peel off the mounting tape. Peel backing back on itself and keep it close to the surface as you peel. Do not peel out and away; this can cause lifting of the vinyl. Make sure all the vinyl stays on the surface you're mounting it to. If graphic starts to lift carefully lay back down and squeegee some more.          
*Note: Wet applications may need some dwell time before the application tape can be removed without lifting graphic from surface; this largely depends on how much fluid was used and how warm the surface is etc.
    7) Bubbles- If there are any small bubbles, wait a day or two, the air often escapes on its own. The sun helps to dry out bubbles as well. If you have a persistent bubble you may have to puncture it with a small pin or preferably a fine sowing needle (the finer the better).
    8) Make sure it stays- Lay your backing material shiny side up over your graphic to protect the surface of your new decal and re-squeegee the entire graphic with moderate pressure to make sure it adheres to the surface and all edges are down.
    9) Clean up-  If you've used the wet-application method, clean up any excess fluids.
    10) Lastly- Take pictures, and send them to us. Enjoy your new graphic!


Removal:
    Contrary to what many seem to believe, you can remove vinyl decals from windows and paint without damage to the surface.  At Stickercharged we use high quality vinyl that is rated by the vinyl manufacturer to have an outdoor lifespan ranging from 5-10 years! This gives you, the customer a decal that is superior to average plastic or paper stickers and can outlast paint. Please note that removing the graphic or decal will not harm your paint but will most likely destroy the graphic.
*These instructions are intended for the removal of typical calendared or cast vinyl. Removal of reflective or other specialty high adhesive vinyls may require the help of a professional.

Tools you will need:
A hair dryer or heat gun, a plastic razor blade or other similar soft scraper, and adhesive remover or denatured alcohol mixed 50/50 with water

Removal Steps:
     1) Use your hair dryer to warm up a small corner of your graphic. Carefully slide your plastic razor blade or finger nail under the warmed corner and lift the graphic. Continue to warm the graphic to soften the adhesive and slowly lift keeping your fingers in close to the surface to avoid tearing. Go slow work till all of the decal is removed.      2) If residue remains after peeling off the graphic, use adhesive remover like Goo Gone or denatured alcohol and a cloth to get it off. Be careful with certain products on painted surfaces, read all labels and make sure it won't eat away at the paint. If you're unsure whether or not it will, put a small amount of it on a section of paint that is unnoticeable and test first.                          
    3) Sometimes "ghosting" occurs on  vehicles and surfaces where the graphic used to be, this is not the fault of the vinyl, what you are seeing is a clean spot. Years of road grime can cause this. Simply buff the area or "clay bar" the surface till the paint is a uniform color.
    4) You're ready for a new graphic, change it up, we got what you need!


Notes: Vinyl graphics will not mount to concrete, unpainted wood, or other porous surfaces. Newly painted surfaces should have at least a week to dry before vinyl is mounted on them. Only mount vinyl on oil-based paints; latex paints may not let the graphic stick. We cannot be held responsible for improper application or damage to the mounting area.
This how-to is meant to be a guide of suggestion, it is not written in stone, and if you don't have any idea what you're doing, you should research it a little further or perhaps have a professional do it for you. StickerCharged will not be held responsible for graphic failure due to improper application. If you have questions please email us we love our customers and we want you to have a great experience with our products.

info@stickercharged.com