Vinyl Graphics Guide | Premier Grafix Ltd

Installation Guides

Our installation guide is focused on a vehicle graphics installation, however the same principles apply

when applying vinyl graphics to other applications.

IMPORTANT NOTES BEFORE YOU BEGIN

PREPARING YOUR VEHICLE:
Before you apply vinyl graphics to the vehicle, ensure that it has been thoroughly cleaned and dried. A general wash is usually good enough but it is advisable to use Isopropyl Alcohol Spray over the areas where the graphics will be installed to ensure waxes, grease and dirt have been fully removed.

Use Isopropyl Alcohol Spray and rub down between gaps and behind door joins where graphics may run over as these areas usually have a build up of dirt. Do not use wax products before installing the graphics as this will affect the adhesive and the bonding process. The vinyl may not stick at all or could fail in a short period of time.

CONSIDER WEATHER & TEMPERATURE!
If you do not have a controlled environment to work in and need to apply them outside, it is recommended that you install the graphics on a dry and warm day. Installing vinyl graphics on a foggy/misty day with lots of moisture in the air is NOT recommended as this can affect the adhesive and you may have difficulty applying them.

You may experience the graphics lifting as you remove the application tape. This is due to trapped moisture that sits on the cold metal surface of your vehicle. The moisture will delay the bonding process of the adhesive.

It is also NOT recommended to install graphics in very cold temperatures. The manufacturer's recommended minimum installation temperatures vary from brand to brand, the type of vinyl and adhesive but are generally around 7 - 10 degrees celsius.

Installing vinyl graphics below the recommended minimum temperatures can have adverse effects on the vinyl and adhesive.

If the graphics have been stored in an area below the recommended temperatures, ensure they climatise to a warmer temperature (above the minimum) before installation.

Below the recommended temperatures the vinyl becomes more rigid, as a result they become harder to handle, brittle and will tear more easily if they are not handled carefully. The adhesive will also have difficulty bonding to the surface at its optimal performance, they could then fail in a short period of time and then eventually lift.

If you need further advice, feel free to contact us via email: sales@premiergrafix.co.uk and we will be happy to help.

We cannot accept returns or free replacements on damaged or failed graphics as a result of not following our provided guidelines and recommendations.

HAS YOUR VEHICLE BEEN RECENTLY RE-SPRAYED?
If you have had a vehicle respray or repair work. Give the paint time to outgas before applying your graphics.

Your sprayer/repair shop will know how long the outgassing process takes. If the graphics are applied too soon, they may not bond to the paint or fail in a short period of time. Furthermore, you could start to see bubbles appear behind the graphics where the gasses are trapped.

STEP BY STEP INSTALLATION GUIDE

Clean and dry the intended surface thoroughly. (DO NOT USE WAX PRODUCTS)
Unroll your vinyl graphics.
Stretch out any wrinkles if there are any present.
Place the graphics on a hard flat surface and firmly press down all over to ensure the application tape (top layer) is firmly attached to the graphics.

Hold the bottom edge of the hinged graphic and fold the entire graphic up and over so that it lies flat, face down on to the intended surface.

From the top corner slowly peel back the backing paper.

Pull down at a 90 degree angle and ensure to keep the backing paper as flat as possible to reduce the risk of the lettering/graphic from lifting off the application tape.

Now you should have revealed the adhesive side of the graphic.

While still holding the hinged graphic away from the intended surface, using a squeegee, starting from the top, begin to marry the graphic to the intended surface.

TIP:

Work from the top down, and do not let the entire graphic fall onto the intended surface.

OPTIONAL WET APPLICATION METHOD:

To assist with placement, you can spray the intended surface with an application spray specifically formulated to allow you to float the vinyl graphic into position. This is specifically useful if your graphics are made up of multiple layers that need aligning or if the are large graphics that are harder to handle and apply. Wet application can also help eliminate air bubbles.

Lightly spray the intended surface just before you apply the graphic
Apply the graphic and use a squeegee to push out the fluid.
Give it a few moments before you carefully remove the application tape.

DO NOT USE THE WET APPLICATION METHOD FOR VINYL WRAPS OR ONE-WAY VISION VINYL

Application spray is not suitable for these types of vinyls.

LET’S KEEP THOSE GRAPHICS STRAIGHT!

You have taken the first steps getting your vehicle looking professional, so lets keep it that way! Look for distinctive straight and level lines on your vehicle and use these as guides to help you apply the graphics level. See the illustrations below to help you do this...

ALWAYS LEAVE THE BACKING PAPER ON THE GRAPHICS AND TACK IT TO THE DESIRED POSITION WHILE YOU ARE LEVELING THEM UP!

DOCUMENTS:

Full guide with illustrations

Vertical hinge method for long graphics