Dry Vinyl Body Decal Instructions
- 1). Wash the entire vehicle thoroughly to remove all traces of dirt, dust and debris. Leave the vehicle to dry before wiping over the areas to be covered with a piece of lint-free cloth to guarantee a perfect working surface.
- 2). Use masking tape to place the decals into position so that they can be cut to the correct size with scissors or a utility knife. Do not remove the protective backing from the vinyl decals at this stage.
- 3). Mix 1 tbsp. of mild soap detergent with a gallon of clean water and stir thoroughly before adding the solution to a plastic spray bottle. Use the spray bottle to apply a wet coating over one panel, covering the entire area where the vinyl decal will be applied. Always work on one panel at a time so that any mistakes in laying the vinyl decals are limited.
- 4). Lay the vinyl decal face down on a flat working surface and remove the protective wax backing by peeling it off at a sharp angle. Apply a generous application of soapy water from the spray bottle to the back of the decal but remember to leave the protective outer layer in place.
- 5). Apply the decal to the wet surface of the panel and slide it into position. Don't worry because the vinyl decal has not stuck to the panel immediately. The soapy water allows for the movement of the decal until it is in the perfect position. Carry out a visual check of the position of the decal from different angles to make sure it's exactly where you want it.
- 6). Place the wide edge of the rubber spreader in the center of the decal and push down firmly. Pull the rubber spreader to the edges of the vinyl decal to flush out the soapy water from underneath, taking care not to move the decal from the desired position. Pay careful attention to pockets of air and make sure these are eased out from beneath the vinyl decal as well.
- 7). Once all of the soapy water and air has been worked out from beneath the decal, wipe the surface of the panel with paper towels to remove excess moisture and leave to dry for 30 minutes. If multiple decals are being applied, make a start on the next panel using the same system until the entire vehicle is complete.
- 8). Once the decals are dry, remove the protective outer layer to finish. Carry out a visual inspection of the decals to check for air bubbles. Pierce areas of trapped air with a safety pin and dispel by pushing towards the hole with the rubber spreader to leave an invisible repair.
Source...