Signs-By-Mike Installation Tips

Installation

Installing your new graphics

Vinyl Lettering is easy to install if you follow the directions below. Properly applied pressure sensitive adhesive vinyl will adhere for decades. The secret of good adhesion is the proper cleaning of the surface before installation.

Required tools

squirt bottle, water, dishwashing detergent, ruler or tape measure, grease pencil, paper towels, squeegee.

Application Temperature

Between 50 F and 80 F with little or NO WIND
The surface temperature must also be at the recommended temperatures. If the surface is TOO COLD THE LETTERS WILL NOT STICK. If the surface temperature is TOO HOT, THE GRAPHIC WILL TURN TO MUSH. Ideally you should be able to comfortably hold your hand on the surface.

Storage

If you are not installing your vinyl lettering or graphic immediately, store it in the box it came in, in a cool, dry place. Keep out of direct sunlight.

Surface Preparation

All oils, oxides, grime, and wax must be removed before applying the lettering or graphic. 3M Adhesive cleaner, acetone, or denatured alcohol is recommended. You must remove all wax, grime, grease, and oil from the area where your decal is to be applied. Cleaning products that contain ammonia (like glass cleaners) should not be used as ammonia will attack the vinyl. Also, pressure sensitive adhesive vinyl will not adhere to a surface where cleaning products containing silicone have been used.

Application Method

We STRONGLY recommend using the wet method following the directions below:

1.		Fill a squirt bottle (approx. quart-size) with cool water. Add one or two drops of dishwashing detergent (Joy / Palmolive, etc.) to the water. Mix well. (Do not use soap. Do not use more detergent.)
2.		Using one of the solvents mentioned above in Surface Preparation, clean the area completely.

3.		Using masking tape to hold the graphic, place the graphic on the surface for approximate alignment. Using a grease pencil and a ruler, draw a horizontal line that you will use as the bottom guide of your lettering. Again, hold your graphic up to this line to make sure it is in the position you want.

4.		Lay the graphic on a flat surface so the lettering is face down and the white paper on top. Slowly peel away the white waxy paperbacking exposing the adhesive side of the graphic. DO NOT allow this paper to get wet.
5.		Once the waxy paper is completely removed, mist the exposed adhesive side of the graphic with the soapy solution in the squirt bottle.

6.		Position the lettering on the surface matching the lines you've drawn on the surface with the ones on the decal. Repositioning is possible at this time.
7.		With the plastic squeegee, lightly squeegee from the center out. Re-squeegee several times using firmer pressure to push out all the water from under the vinyl.
8.		With the tape still covering the letters, allow the graphic time to dry. This can take anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours depending on temperature and weather conditions.

9.		Slowly peel the premask at a 180 angle to itself. If the letters start peeling off with the premask, re-squeegee the graphic and give it more time to dry.
10.		If there are bubbles in the graphic, don't panic. Water has been trapped under the vinyl. As the water evaporates, the bubbles will disappear.

11.		BUT, if you don't want to wait for the disappearing act to take place, prick the bubbles with a sharp needle or X-ACTO knife blade and push out the water with your finger.
12.		Allow 24 hours for the name to set before waxing over your lettering. Lettering and graphics will not be firmly bonded until all the water has evaporated. But if you like your lettering, do not use a buffer. It definitely won't look the same again.