How to Effectively Install Vinyl Decals

October 10th, 2019

Take a stroll to the city and look around you! One thing you’ll notice is that everywhere you look, on busses, trucks, cars, buildings and even in homes, there will be a vinyl decal sign. Although installing a vinyl sign might seem simple, there are little mistakes you can make that effect how good they look and how long they will last. At Gregory Signs, we have experts who can place these signs for you, but if you’re insistent on doing it yourself, then take some of these tips to ensure that you’re installing it just like the pros!

Wet VS Dry Installation

There’s only 2 ways to install vinyl decals – wet or dry. The way you install it depends on where you’re applying the vinyl. Some pros and cons of each installation process include:

1. Dry Installation

• Most professionals prefer dry installation because it’s easy and once they’re installed this way, you can be sure that they will last a long time.
• You don’t need application fluids and you won’t have to deal with bubbles.
• Once you apply them this way, they cannot be removed. If you try to remove them, they will likely experience some damage.
• Measure the area beforehand to install your sign accurately.

Precautions:

• Avoid installing in direct sunlight.
• Install when the room and surface are between 10 – 20 degrees Celsius.
• Don’t store the vinyl near sunlight.

2. Wet Installation

• With wet installation, the main benefit is that you get to re-position the decal as much as you want until you get it to where you want it. You have to ENSURE that the decal and surface are still wet if you’re going to reposition it.
• Use application fluid and use a squeegee to apply the decals and ensure that there’s no bubbles on your sign.

How to Install Dry Vinyl Signs

What you need:

• Installation squeegee, masking tape, non-ammonia based glass cleaner, paper towel, measuring tape, scissors or a razor

Preparation:

1. Remove dirt, grease or wax from the surface you’re applying the sign to. Don’t use ammonia-based cleaners when cleaning!
2. Inspect the sign to make sure it isn’t damaged, then press the decal down on a hard surface to ensure that the pre-mask is stuck to the vinyl decal. Finally, place it on the surface.
3. Stick on the surface with masking tape to ensure the pre-mask and the decal are in place. Measure the area to ensure its placed in the right spot. Place the masking tape on one side so that the other side is hinged.
4. Peel the liner off the decal – not the pre-mask – to expose the sticky side, but don’t allow the sticky surface to touch the application surface. Cut away the peeled part of the liner, close to the masking tape.
5. Place squeegee in the middle of your sign and carefully apply the sticky side to the surface. Use long horizontal strokes and press firmly.
6. Remove the masking tape and place it on the hinged end of the sign. Repeat steps 4 & 5.
7. Once the decal is stuck to the surface, then you can finally peel off the pre-mask.
8. Use squeegee to get rid of any leftover air bubbles.

How to Install Wet Vinyl Signs

What you need:

• Installation squeegee, application fluid in spray bottle (500mL of water, 250mL of 99% rubbing alcohol and 1 tsp of liquid soap), non-ammonia based window washing liquid, paper towels, measuring tape

Preparation:

1. Remove dirt, grease or wax from the surface you’re applying the sign to. Don’t use ammonia-based cleaners when cleaning!
2. Inspect the sign to make sure it isn’t damaged, then press the decal down on a hard surface to ensure that the pre-mask is stuck to the vinyl decal. Turn over the decal with the pre-mask facing down and carefully peel off the liner, exposing the sticky side. Spray a lot of fluid over the area where the sign is being installed.
3. Place sticky side on the surface and pick where you want it to be placed. After its placed, using the squeegee, make hard strokes to ensure the sign is in place. Do this until all the bubbles and fluid is gone from the surface.
4. Let dry for approximately 30 minutes.
5. Once it’s completely dry, peel off the pre-mask. If the sign starts peeling off, then repeat step 3 and wait 30 minutes again.
6. Finally, make sure there’s no bubbles. If there’s a few, don’t panic – they will be gone in a few weeks.

Contact Gregory Signs

The process of applying vinyl decal signs to the wall always seems easy, however, if you’re not properly trained you can easily damage the sign. Call the experts at Gregory Signs to ensure that this doesn’t happen! We’ve installed these signs countless times, so you can rely on us to ensure that your vinyl signs are applied in the best way possible.

Category: News Updates