Applying your self adhesive vinyl
Always align the vinyl itself, NOT the application tape; this is best-done using masking tape or a faint pencil line.
DRY APPLICATION TOP HINGE METHOD
Before commencing, establish exactly where the sign is to be located then tape the sign into position using small pieces of masking tape. Use 2" masking tape to create a hinge with half the masking tape on top of the sign and the other half on the application surface. Squeegee the masking tape hinge firmly into position. To apply, lift the sign away from the surface and fold back on the hinge. Peel off about 6 "of the backing paper then lower the sign keeping the adhesive away from the application surface. Starting at the top centre squeegee down and outwards towards each edge in turn. Remove another 6" of backing paper and keep repeating the process using overlapping strokes until the sign is completely applied (for large pre-spaced signs do as above but slit between each letter so that every letter can be applied individually). Now carefully remove the application tape diagonally at 90 degrees. Air bubbles can be removed by puncturing the bubble with a pin and squeegee the trapped air towards and out of the puncture. Finally re-squeegee the sign again paying particular attention to the top and leading edges. If the Sign is long and narrow, the same procedure can be adopted with the hinge on the edge of the sign instead of the top.
WET APPLICATION
This method is used when applying large, multi-coloured & clear vinyl and assists greatly in the elimination of air bubbles. The application of a liquid to the adhesive forms a barrier, which temporarily neutralizes the adhesive and allows the legend to be repositioned several times.
Soapy water - make up a lukewarm solution of water and enzyme free washing up liquid, in the ratio of approx. one drop per litre of water. Damp down the adhesive with a sponge or fine water spray. Alternatively wet the substrate with the solution. The sign can then be floated into position. When correctly positioned dab the sign down to hold the sign in place. Spray application solution over the print before you squeegee. Now firmly squeegee the image working from the centre outwards towards the edges using a Union Jack type pattern. This should remove as much of the water solution as possible to enable adhesive action to commence. After allowing 30 to 60 minutes to pass (some manufacturers recommend 24 to 48 hours) re-squeegee the entire image to ensure maximum evacuation of the solution and thus maximum adhesion. Finally, remove the Application Tape diagonally at 90 degrees.
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