Preparation of Painted Surfaces for Truck and Automotive Application

This bulletin details specifically with automotive painted surface preparation for vinyl graphic products. Proper preparation of the application surface is essential to provide high quality, long lasting vinyl graphics.

The vehicle surface must be properly prepared prior to installation of the graphics. All surfaces MUST be cleaned prior to any application of vinyl graphic products. See the following steps:

• For best results, the application should be made in temperatures ranging from 50 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Do not install graphics outdoors if winds exceed 10 mph. Blown dirt, dust or other contaminates can interfere with the bonding of the graphic adhesive to the vehicle during installation.
• Wash the vehicle surface with detergent and water, then thoroughly rinse the surface with water and dry completely. WARNING: Do not use any aromatic solvents such as acetone, M.E.K., toluene, paint thinner, lacquer thinner, gasoline or ammonia-based cleaners to clean the vehicle surface.
• Saturate a clean cloth with isopropyl alcohol and wipe the surface of the vehicle where the graphic is to be applied to remove any contaminates such as silicone, wax, or adhesives.
• Dry the surface with a lint free paper towel.

Prior to installation, be sure your Toolpak contains the following items:

1 - squeegee
1 - Snappy knife
1 - 4 oz. bottle of easy-on wet application solution

It is also recommended you use 3/4" masking tape for properly placing and installing your graphics.

INSTALLATION OF GRAPHICS

1.  Use your knife to carefully trim around the end of each panel, about one-half inch from the edge of the graphic.

2. Tape the graphic panel onto the side of the vehicle to determine exactly where you want the graphic panel installed.  Apply a strip of tape vertically through the center of each component and lightly tape each end of the graphic panel to the vehicle.

3.  Remove the positioning tape on either side of the center hinge from the first panel and peel the liner paper away from this portion of the graphic. 

4. Temporarily secure the end of the graphic to the vehicle surface and cut the backing paper off near the center hinge.

5.  Lift the edge of the graphic from the vehicle surface and use the squeegee to rub the graphic into place using short, overlapping strokes from the center of the graphic to the end.

6.  Remove the tape hinge from the center of the graphic.  Remove the remaining backing paper and squeegee the remaining half of the panel onto the vehicle.

7.  Remove the transfer masking by pulling it back at a 180-degree angle from the vehicle surface in a smooth steady motion. 

8. If any small bubbles have appeared during installation, they can be removed by pricking the base of the bubble with the knife blade and squeezing the trapped air out with the tip of your finger.

9. Trim away excess graphic material from door edges by inserting the knife along the edge of the opening at a 45-degree angle.  Then carefully cut through the vinyl on both sides of the seam and remove the scrap.

10. Repeat steps 3 through 9 on the other side.