Quick Installation Checklist
Before you start, make sure you have the following:
- Vehicle parked on flat ground, preferably in shade
- Vehicle surface cool, clean, and completely dry
- 70% isopropyl alcohol and lint-free cloths
- Microfiber towels
- Felt-edge squeegee and hard squeegee
- Masking tape (approx. 24 mm width)
- Sharp utility knife with fresh blade
- Low-temperature heat gun or hair dryer
- Printed layout reference and panel map
- A6 laminated cheat-sheet (included in kit)
- Nitrile gloves and eye protection
Recommended Installation Products
To achieve a professional-grade finish, we recommend the following products used by industry experts:
3M™ Edge Sealer 3950
Essential for marine or high-stress areas to prevent edge lifting over time.
Avery Dennison™ Surface Cleaner
A high-performance degreaser that removes wax and silicone more effectively than standard alcohol.
Gecko Magnets
Strong vinyl wrapping magnets to hold graphics in place for alignment without using tape.
3M™ Knifeless Tape
Allows you to cut vinyl directly on the vehicle surface without using a blade, eliminating the risk of paint damage.
Infrared Thermometer
Accurately monitor surface temperature and post-heat levels to ensure a permanent bond.
Snitty Safety Cutter
A specialized tool for safely cutting through vinyl backing paper without damaging the graphic.
Installation Guide — Die-Cut Vinyl
Use this method for pre-cut logos, lettering, and shaped decals supplied with transfer tape.
1. Preparation
- Confirm all panels and decals match the layout reference and packing list.
- Identify correct orientation and panel location.
- For large decals, use two installers for better control.
2. Surface Preparation
- Wash the vehicle with neutral car shampoo and rinse thoroughly.
- Dry completely using microfiber towels.
- Wipe the application area with 70% isopropyl alcohol using a lint-free cloth.
- Allow 60–90 seconds for alcohol to evaporate.
- Repeat cleaning if wax, polish, or silicone residue is present.
3. Dry-Fit & Alignment
- Position the decal using low-tack masking tape.
- Step back and visually check alignment.
- Measure reference points if required (±3 mm tolerance for visible graphics).
- For multi-panel kits, start with the largest flat panel.
4. Hinge Method (Recommended)
- Apply a continuous strip of masking tape along the top edge to form a hinge.
- Fold the decal downward and peel the backing from the lower half only.
- Lower the decal and squeegee from the centre outward in short overlapping strokes.
- Repeat for the top half.
- Remove transfer tape slowly at a 45° angle.
- If vinyl lifts, stop, re-squeegee, and continue slowly.
5. Finishing
- Make final passes with a felt-edge squeegee.
- Use low heat on curves or edges if needed (keep heat source 20–30 cm away).
- Do not overheat the surface.
6. Cure Time
- Wait at least 48 hours before washing the vehicle.
- Full adhesive strength develops over approximately 7 days.
Quality Check: No bubbles larger than 3 mm, edges fully bonded, and alignment matches the layout reference.
Installation Guide — Printed Vinyl
Printed Vinyl With Transfer Tape
- Dry-fit and mark alignment points.
- Apply using the hinge method described above.
- For large panels, remove transfer tape in controlled sections.
- If printed ink lifts during tape removal, stop and contact support.
Printed Vinyl Without Transfer Tape (Wet Application)
Use this method only for large printed panels without transfer tape.
Application Fluid Recipe:
Steps:
- 1 part 70% isopropyl alcohol
- 10 parts distilled water
- 1–2 drops non-ionic baby shampoo per litre
- Lightly mist the surface (do not soak).
- Position the panel.
- Squeegee fluid from the centre outward to remove liquid.
- Allow 24–48 hours for initial tack.
- Full bond develops over 7 days.
Warning: Wet application can trap contaminants if surface preparation is not perfect.
Troubleshooting & Quick Fixes
Bubbles
- Small bubbles (under 3 mm) often disappear naturally within a few days of sun exposure.
- Persistent bubbles can be vented with a fine pin and squeegeed outward toward the hole.
- Large bubbles should be corrected immediately by lifting and reapplying the panel.
Edge Lifting
Usually caused by contamination, cold temperatures, insufficient pressure, or overstretching. Apply low heat and press firmly. Use edge-sealing tape for high-stress areas if required.
Ink Lifting (Printed Vinyl)
Stop immediately. Re-squeegee gently. If lifting continues, contact support.
Seam or Alignment Issues
Minor adjustments may be possible using the hinge method during install. For major alignment problems, contact support with photos before proceeding.
Care & Maintenance
- Hand wash with mild car shampoo only.
- Avoid abrasive brushes and strong solvents.
- Do not polish over decal edges.
- Keep pressure washers at a safe distance (min 30cm) and spray perpendicular to edges.
Removal Guidance
- Warm vinyl gently with low heat to soften the adhesive.
- Peel slowly at a 45° angle.
- Remove adhesive residue with isopropyl alcohol or approved adhesive remover.
- Always test chemicals on an inconspicuous area first.