Frequently Asked Questions
Cut Vinyl Application
SURFACE PREPARATION
All surfaces should be considered dirty and should be cleaned prior to application of vinyl lettering or graphics. Clean the area where the vinyl will be applied. Rubbing alcohol is preferable. Then, rinse area thoroughly and dry.
TEMPERATURE REQUIREMENTS
Air and application surface should be above 40 degrees F. Best conditions are between 60 and 80 degrees F.
APPLICATION
Center Hinge Method:
Position lettering or graphic on clean surface. Tack to desired location with small pieces of masking tape on either end. Run another piece of masking tape vertically through the center of the lettering or graphic, making sure it adheres firmly above and below the lettering as well. Vertical tape will act as a center hinge. Remove one small piece of masking tape from either end. Lift graphic or lettering from that end and pull release liner away. Continue to pull liner away until close to vertical center hinge. Cut release liner with scissors and discard. Starting from center vertical hinge, squeegee lettering down onto prepared surface. Remove small piece of masking tape on other end as well as vertical tape used as center hinge. Lay remaining half over applied lettering. Remove the rest of the release liner and again, beginning from center, squeegee into place. Remove application tape.
Horizontal Hinge Method:
Position lettering or graphic on clean surface. Tack to desired location with small pieces of masking tape on either end. Apply a long piece of masking tape across the top of the lettering or graphic. Remove small pieces of masking tape at both ends. Cut lettering or graphic into small areas vertically. (With letters, cut between the letters. With graphic, cut between sections taking care not to cut through any vinyl.) Starting at the right (if right-handed), flip one section over at a time and remove release liner. Squeegee each section into place with smooth downward strokes. Re-squeegee entire line of lettering or graphic when complete. Remove application tape.
Helpful Tips For Removing Vinyl Graphics
Vinyl graphic removal can be a dreaded job. But there are some different removal techniques that can save time.
Removing vinyl from glass is rather easy and simple. A standard razor blade and heat can remove it. However, some windows may have a film on them, so care needs to be taken that the film is not damaged during removal.
Vehicles are much more difficult. Some sign shops recommend that customers take their vehicles to an auto detailing shop where the vinyl graphics can be removed prior to the application of the new graphics. However, if you decide to do the removal yourself, here are a few tips:
The first thing to remember is that faster is not better. Trying to use a quick strip method often results in the vinyl snapping and breaking into smaller pieces, making the job even more time consuming. Using heat, SLOWLY pull off the vinyl, keeping your hands close to the vehicle.
Do not use abrasive solutions for removal, and do not use Exacto knives or razor blades. All of these would damage the paint on a vehicle. Removal solutions such as alcohol or Rapid Remover are the best for removing the adhesive residue left after removal.