Vinyl graphics, stickers and decals are handy for so many different applications. They can be used for decorating model cars or for decorating real cars with racing strips, your company logo or custom graphics. You can also use them to create custom signs, for window lettering or graphics, to label your mailbox, for hobbies and crafts or just about anything else you can think of.
The hardest part of using vinyl graphics or decals is applying them smoothly so they look professional. Here are some tips for how to apply vinyl graphics and stickers without wrinkles or bubbles so your sign or project will come out looking great.
Most vinyl graphics come with three layers. There is usually a masking layer on top to protect the vinyl and keep the individual elements of the decal perfectly placed until you stick it down, a middle layer which is the vinyl decal itself and then a third layer on the back to protect the adhesive.
The first, and possibly the most important step of applying your vinyl decal is to make sure that the surface you are sticking it to is totally clean. Even if a surface looks clean it can still have tiny pieces of dust or debris on it, so always wipe down and clean your surface first. If you don’t you risk not getting proper adhesion or trapping small pieces of debris beneath your graphic. Trapped debris can create bumps and can even eventually lead to holes in your graphic.
It is important that you do not clean the surface with an ammonia based product such as glass cleaner. Clean the surface with soap and warm water. If you are applying your graphic to an acrylic surface be sure that the protective plastic has been removed from the surface at least 1 day prior to applying your graphic. Otherwise air escaping from the surface of the acrylic can get trapped underneath your sticker and create air bubbles.
To begin, put a couple of small pieces of masking tape at the top of your graphic and use them to tack it up on your surface and position it exactly where you want it. When you have it positioned where you think it should go, step back and view it from a distance to make sure it is straight. Better yet, have someone with you to help you get the placement exactly right.
When you have it placed exactly where you want it, take a thick piece of masking tape the same width of the graphic and tape it solidly to the surface with half the tape on the masking layer of the graphic and half on the surface. This tape will act as sort of a hinge that allows you to lift and drop the sticker from the surface while still keeping the position perfect.
Next, you will need a little bit of soap and water for applying the graphic – especially if you are a beginner. The water helps to keep the adhesive from sticking permanently and will allow you to lift and reposition the graphic if necessary. Just put a few drops of dishsoap in some water and put it in a spray bottle.
Now, lift the graphic out from the surface and remove the paper layer that is protecting the adhesive. Take care not to touch the sticky part of the graphic to the surface yet or it will be stuck for good! Instead, take your bottle of dishsoap and water and spray the surface you are applying it to.
Next, slowly begin lowering the graphic onto the surface, working from the top down. Use a squeegee to smooth it onto the surface. Do not put the whole graphic on the surface at once. Instead, work slowly and methodically from the top to the bottom ensuring that each portion is smooth and free of wrinkles or bubbles.
When the graphic is flat and all of it has been adhered to the surface you can use your squeegee to force the water out from under the sticker. Work from the center out, applying even but firm pressure.
When the water is out from under your graphic you can remove the masking paper. Do not lift the paper straight up off the graphic. Instead, pull it back gently parallel to the surface to prevent lifting the vinyl graphic up off the surface. Pull low and slowly.
When you have the masking paper off look carefully at your graphic for any flaws or bubbles. If necessary place the paper that was protecting the adhesive over the graphic and use your squeegee to force out any leftover air bubbles.
That’s it! You should now have a vinyl graphic or sticking installed that looks great and is wrinkle and bubble free.
