Category: How Do I ...

How to apply decal stickers or window frosting

Step By Step Do-It-Yourself Vinyl Lettering Installation

Tools Required:

  1. Craft knife or box cutter.
  2. Pencil or fine crayon.
  3. Set square (especially if applying window frosting with a clear backing).
  4. Spray bottle filled with a few drops of dishwashing liquid and water. Optionally you can add 5 to 10% methylated or white spirits to the mix.
  5. Soft cloth for wiping away excess water.
  6. Plastic squeegee, credit card or something similar that is flat and sturdy (small ruler is fine).
  7. Level and/or tape-measure.

Important tips for vinyl decal application:

  1. Ensure your surface has been well cleaned of all sticky or dirty substances. Surface must be clean and dust free.
  2. If applying window frosting or open signs you will be doing so on the inside of the window.
  3. Rough stippled surfaces are not suitable for vinyl application. Smooth glossy surfaces are the best for “maximum stickability”.

Step Installation process:

There are two easy methods we recommend for installing vinyl films or decals depending on the size/area of your surface. For larger wider areas – or when the film has a clear backing: you may wish to cut the ends of the vinyl on the window itself insitu. For smaller windows and surfaces – apply direct using the instructions below:

  1. Clean glass so there is no dust or other residue left
  2. Measure width and find the centre of the area you wish to apply your decal to. If you are applying your decal or vinyl lettering to an area that has a square or rectangle shape, you will want to ensure the decal is level. You can do this by measuring up from the bottom or down from the top of the window (or square shape) and mark a line across.
  3. Measure height and do the same the other way until you can add a “cross” where the two centres intersect.
  4. Do the same on your decal if not marked by us already (we usually fo this for you).
  5. With vinyl laying face down peel back the backing paper.
  6. As you peel back the backing paper, spray the vinyl liberally with water. The wetter it is, the more time you will have to adjust the positioning of your design.
  7. Spray the surface you are applying the decal or lettering too so it is very wet.
  8. Place the decal on the window and position.
  9. With a plastic squeegee begin from the centre pushing the water out towards the edges, taking care to work any bubbles out via the edges.
  10. Remove excess water with your cloth.
  11. Leave the design on the surface with application paper for at least ten minutes.
  12. Give the design another good going over with the squeegee to ensure good adhesion to the surface. Rough surfaces take a little longer to stick and need more rubbing.
  13. Carefully and slowly remove application paper taking care to ensure you don’t lift the vinyl off the surface.
  14. Clean the surface as normal.

Enjoy your design 🙂

How do I apply my decals to curved surfaces?

You’ll need to:

 

A – read our instructions and ..

B – use a hairdryer if you are applying your decals to very curved surfaces.

 

Mildly curved surfaces are not a problem, but very curved surfaces such as side mirrors and the corners of bumpers are more difficult. Ask Mia for phone assistance for these types of jobs on 027 958 4315

How easy is it to apply my decals?

We send you instructions and an application squeegee. It’s easy if you follow the instructions – check out our application instructions here.

It is best to apply your decals using water and marked out lines as per our instructions. Trying to stick your decal without water makes an otherwise simple process tricky.

If you don’t have a level, you can use tape to measure from the nearest level line. You can also borrow someones “eye-ometer” – someone to stand back and have a look to help you apply your item straight to the surface you are applying it to.

 

 

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