Decals, Labels, Stickers and Graphics - Installation Instructions

HOW TO INSTALL YOUR DECALS

Now if you need details or suggestions, we can suggest the following:

SIMPLE INSTALLATION

• Clean the area where the decal will be applied.
• Remove the paperback.
• Start from one end and carefully press the decal into its desired position while working out air pockets.
• Carefully remove clear/transparent covering, making sure you do not rip the decal.
• It’s that simple to install

SURFACE PREPARATIONS

All surfaces must be free of wax, dirt, and old adhesive residue before applying your vinyl graphics to ensure proper adhesion. Make sure the area is clean, peeling or lifting can occur. Here is a list of materials and how to clean them.

Please read paint instructions on painting surfaces, or proceed yourself at your own risk.**

• Fiberglass boats: Clean with acetone "3M General Purpose Adhesive Remover" (our preferred cleaner). After the solvent has evaporated, wipe the area down with soapy water (a few drops of dish soap mixed with water in a spray bottle).
• Plastics and glass: Wipe surface clean with window cleaner. Remove tape or glue residue with a single edge razor blade.
• Painted metals and base metals: ** Clean with a solvent like Lacquer Thinner. Dry with a lint-free cloth before the solvent evaporates. Then, re-clean with soapy water before applying.
• Freshly painted surfaces: ** most people let the surface dry for 72 hours before applying.
• Interior painted surfaces: ** Clean with any household cleaner or mild soap and water.
• Temperature requirements: The room and surface temperature should be between 45˚F to 80˚F for the best results. Humidity above 90% may affect the application process.

Please read paint instructions on painting surfaces, or proceed yourself at your own risk.**

APPLICATION

Important!: We Highly recommend a "Dry application" if you use water, soapy water, alcohol, or other, it will be considered a contaminant, Use it at your own risk.

You will need:

• Masking tape
• Tape measure
• Squeegee

1. Use the masking tape to underline the vinyl sign place so you will be straight. If there are letters that drop below the line, remove the tape from that area.
2. Place the face of the graphics down and peel the wax paper backing. Be sure the graphics are sticking to the application tape.
3. Apply the decals, holding the decal from the application tape.
4. Use a squeegee to squeeze out the air from under the graphics. Squeegee in all directions several times. The squeegee will remove any air that is under the graphic.
5. Slowly peel back the transparent application tape. The graphics will stay in place as long as they are dry. If it doesn’t stay, place it back and repeat the squeegee process. Then let it dry all over again.
6. Check for any air bubbles. If any, put a piece of the clear application tape over the area and squeeze the bubble to the closest edge of the graphic. If that doesn’t work, pop it with a pin. Small bubbles will eventually disappear from the sun.
7. After the graphic is applied, take a picture to show off to your friends, don’t forget to e-mail us a copy.

Do not Power wash your decals. Never use a Power buffer over a sticker.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Try not to install on a windy day or in direct sunlight on a hot day.
• Never apply direct heat to the decal such as a blow dryer or buffing wheel.
• Use Easy-Off oven cleaner to remove any old painted letters,
• and be sure to wear gloves and eye protection.

REMOVING OLD DECALS

To preserve the old decals, put a clear/transparent piece of vinyl on top and remove the sticker with a blade, the clear-vinyl will help to keep the decal in one piece. Before removing or dispose of your decals send us an email, we are interested in those old factory decals, we can give you credit for those stickers.

Use a razor blade holder/scraper at a 20˚ to 30˚ angle to lift a corner or edge of the decal just enough to grip it with your fingers. Pull gently away from the surface. If you can pull at least a couple of square inches, then repeat this process until done.

If the graphic is very old, it will break off as soon as you grip and pull. once you see it breaks, dig the corner of the blade between the decal and the boat at a sharp angle without messing up the surface. Use sliding motion with the edge of the blade to slice or unzip the vinyl away from the boat ¼” – ⅛” at a time.

Repeat until completely removed. Caution: The blade may snap at any time, so wear hand and eye protection.

Older boat graphics will also need the adhesive removed from the surface. Dab a small area of the glue with an adhesive remover using a rag and scrape with a razor/scraper immediately. Repeat until you remove all the adhesive. Clean the area with water or alcohol.

Can I Clear-Coat my decals?

Yes, our decals can be clear-coated, they come laminated as default.

Ask a professional to clear coat decals, No instructions can be provided due to the number of variables involved during the process, type of paint, solvent, mix, and painting techniques. TRY IT AT YOUR OWN RISK If you are not a professional.