Application and Removal of Vehicle
Adhesives & Stickers
Instructions for Use & Removal
Do It Yourself Adhesives....
We supply these instructions with our signage products but repeat them here so you always have access and can preview before you buy:
Before You Use....
Ensure that the surface to which the vinyl is to be applied is clean and free of dust, grit and ice before applying. Larger printed decals and pre-spaced vinyl lettering are supplied on a backing paper on the reverse of the vinyl and application tape on the face of the vinyl.
DO NOT REMOVE THE APPLICATION TAPE UNTIL THE VINYL HAS BEEN APPLIED TO THE CAR BODY OR SIGN PANEL.
There are two methods of applying vinyl. DO NOT TRY TO POSITION VINYL ON A DRY SURFACE.
Method 1
Method 2
You will need: Hot Water, elbow grease, fingernails, mentholated spirits & patience, and without the latter, we suggest you employ a vehicle valet company to de-decal your car, remember, the longer the vinyl has been in place, the more effort you will need to remove it!
Vinyl Needs to Be Heated to Soften It for Removal.
Whilst hair dryers, heat guns and pressure washers are commonly cited as 'the best method' we do not recommend these. Instead, use hot (not boiling) water. Pour this over the vinyl to soften it. Pick away at an edge until you can lift the vinyl. Ideally select to remove on a warm day when the car body is warm/hot...
This Job is Tedious, So Give Yourself, Time and Patience!
The use of a picker (or a strong needle) to assist in lifting from the edges of the lettering, tempting though it may be, do not use a blade, as you will end up scratching the paintwork! In colder weather, the vinyl will probably shred as you peel it from the surface, simply repeat the hot water treatment as often necessary. Finally, you may use paper towel and meths to remove any adhesive residue, testing first in an obscure area, to ensure any chemical used will not damage your paintwork.
We supply these instructions with our signage products but repeat them here so you always have access and can preview before you buy:
Before You Use....
Ensure that the surface to which the vinyl is to be applied is clean and free of dust, grit and ice before applying. Larger printed decals and pre-spaced vinyl lettering are supplied on a backing paper on the reverse of the vinyl and application tape on the face of the vinyl.
DO NOT REMOVE THE APPLICATION TAPE UNTIL THE VINYL HAS BEEN APPLIED TO THE CAR BODY OR SIGN PANEL.
There are two methods of applying vinyl. DO NOT TRY TO POSITION VINYL ON A DRY SURFACE.
Method 1
- Part fill a washing up bowl or similar with cold water and add some washing up liquid.
- Agitate the water to create a bubble bath effect.
- Scoop off the bubbles and spread over the area where the vinyl is to be placed.
- Remove the backing paper from the vinyl and dispose of it carefully - otherwise you could slip on it and hurt yourself.
- Lay the vinyl adhesive-side down on the film of bubbles.
- Once in the desired position you need a plastic ruler or similar as a spatula. For larger decals we recommend an applicator which we can supply.
- Working from the centre out use the edge of the ruler to squeeze the bubbles from underneath the vinyl towards the edges, continue until all the bubbles have been removed.
- Remove application tape if present.
Method 2
- Mix about half a litre of cold water and a drop of washing up liquid in a small spray bottle (such as used for spraying plants).
- Wet the roof surface with a the water spray where the sheet is to be placed.
- Remove the backing paper from the vinyl and dispose of it carefully- otherwise you could slip on it and hurt yourself.
- Lay the vinyl adhesive side down on the wet surface. Once in the desired position you need a plastic ruler or similar as a spatula. Apply firm pressure. Working from the centre out use the edge of the ruler to squeeze the water from underneath the vinyl towards the edges, continue until all water is removed.
- Remove application tape if present.
You will need: Hot Water, elbow grease, fingernails, mentholated spirits & patience, and without the latter, we suggest you employ a vehicle valet company to de-decal your car, remember, the longer the vinyl has been in place, the more effort you will need to remove it!
Vinyl Needs to Be Heated to Soften It for Removal.
Whilst hair dryers, heat guns and pressure washers are commonly cited as 'the best method' we do not recommend these. Instead, use hot (not boiling) water. Pour this over the vinyl to soften it. Pick away at an edge until you can lift the vinyl. Ideally select to remove on a warm day when the car body is warm/hot...
This Job is Tedious, So Give Yourself, Time and Patience!
The use of a picker (or a strong needle) to assist in lifting from the edges of the lettering, tempting though it may be, do not use a blade, as you will end up scratching the paintwork! In colder weather, the vinyl will probably shred as you peel it from the surface, simply repeat the hot water treatment as often necessary. Finally, you may use paper towel and meths to remove any adhesive residue, testing first in an obscure area, to ensure any chemical used will not damage your paintwork.