Surface Prep

The first step to enjoying your new vinyl graphics for many years is to make sure the surface of your vehicle is completely clean. Although the adhesive is designed to withstand the extremes of weather and high speeds, it is designed to stick to you your car - not dirt and grime. To make sure your minivan's surface is properly prepared, follow these steps.

1. Start only if your minivan surface is between 50 and 90 degrees F. If the surface feels hot to the touch, it is above 90 degrees. High temperatures can reduce the adhesive's ability to stick, and will make the vinyl tend to stretch. Low temperatures will make the adhesive brittle and cause it to adhere poorly.
2. Remove road grime and tar with a solvent (such as acetone). Because repeated use of solvents can damage paint, apply only to the area needed - not to the entire minivan.
3. Wash the application area with liquid dish detergent and warm water. This step will help to remove any silicone residue. Silicone is not removed by solvents in step one, but is found more and more frequently on vehicle surfaces because of increasing use in paint formulations and detailing sprays. Rinse thoroughly then dry with a lint-free cloth or towel.
4. Wipe down the area with isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol to remove any remaining contaminants.

Wet or Dry Method?

Before beginning application, you must decide whether you are going to use the wet or dry method. Both methods result in a long lasting bond. The dry method is faster, bonds immediately, and allows you to enjoy your graphics as soon as they have been applied - but is more prone to air bubbles and requires a steady hand. The wet method allows you to reposition your graphics for a few minutes after application and remove any bubbles that may have become trapped - but requires more time and preparation. The wet method is usually preferred for first-time installers.

If you select the wet method, make sure you prepare a spray bottle of warm water with a few drops of dish detergent mixed in before you start, and keep it handy 

 

Step 1 Determine the desired placement for your graphics, using a tape measure and pencil for exact centering if needed. If separating accent graphics from a larger vinyl transfer, cut them out at this time. Use a piece of masking tape on each end of your vinyl transfer to anchor it to your vehicle. Step back and ensure that the placement is correct. Reposition as necessary. At this step, it is OK for the graphics to span across multiple body and door panels.
Step 2 Estimate the center of your vinyl transfer and place two vertical lengths of masking tape to secure the vinyl transfer and create a center hinge as shown in the illustration. This step allows you to apply half of the vinyl transfer at a time. If your graphic spans body and door panels, place a vertical length of masking tape at the center of each panel. Gently run the squeegee down each body seam to create an indentation on the vinyl transfer. Use a sharp utility knife or razor to cut the vinyl transfer along each body seam. In this manner, you separate the vinyl transfer into smaller, easier to handle pieces.
Step 3 If you have separated your graphics into parts, start with the part closest to the center. Remove the masking tape anchor from one end of your vinyl transfer and SLOWLY peel the release liner away towards the center masking hinge. Be careful not to touch the adhesive side of the vinyl transfer. Use scissors to cut away the excess release liner and discard.
Step 4 Wet Method Lightly spray the vehicle surface with the soap and water solution. Hold your vinyl transfer by the application tape, careful not to touch the vinyl adhesive to the application surface until you are ready to squeegee. Beginning at the center hinge, make easy overlapping, pushing strokes with your squeegee. Remove the center hinge tape and slowly peel the remaining release liner away. Squeegee the other half of the vinyl transfer, working from the center to the edges. Reposition the graphic if needed, or continue to work out air bubbles with the squeegee as necessary. Dry Method Hold your vinyl transfer by the application tape, careful not to touch the vinyl adhesive to the application surface until you are ready to squeegee. Beginning at the center hinge, make easy overlapping strokes with your squeegee. Keep the strokes slow and steady to minize air bubbles. Always work from the center out to the edges. Remove the center hinge tape and slowly peel the remaining release liner away. Squeegee the other half of the vinyl transfer, working from the center to the edges.
Step 5 If you used the wet method, be sure to wait at least 30 minutes before beginning this step to allow the adhesive time to bond. To remove the application tape, peel SLOWLY at a sharp (180°) angle. If the vinyl appears to be lifting, gently push the application tape in the opposite direction from which you were pulling and re-squeegee that area. If after removing the application tape, air bubbles are apparent, puncture the vinyl with a pin or needle (DO NOT USE a knife or razor blade) and squeegee the air out towards the puncture.