Self-adhesive vinyl is a powerful advertising tool, practical indoors and outdoors. Windshield stickers are more popular than ever. They’re an easy way to advertise your business and come with various paper types and materials to suit your needs. So don’t stress if it seems tricky at first. With some preparation and materials, your self-adhesive vinyl will go up quickly and smoothly.
How do I apply self-adhesive vinyl?
Preparation is key. Always make sure to check your gear first-you’re going to need:
- A mild cleaning agent (e.g. methylated spirits)
- A squeegee, you can use one for cleaning windows. If you don’t have one, a credit card will do.
- A craft knife, scalpel or needle
Once you’ve gathered your supplies, you must clean the surface onto which you will apply the sticker. You can do this with a damp cloth or some methylated spirit. Afterwards, you’ll be ready to start using your vinyl.
For self-adhesive vinyl and vinyl stickers up to A2 size:
- Peel back a tiny part of the vinyl from the backing. If it’s hard to separate, use your scalpel at a corner to ease the vinyl off the backing.
- Line up the edge of the exposed vinyl and gently apply it to the surface. Go very slowly and rub it down with your squeegee or credit card. Applying vinyl is a delicate process. It would be best if you lined up the edge of the exposed vinyl and gently spread it to the surface. Go very slowly and rub it down with your squeegee or credit card. Be careful not to stretch or pull the vinyl as it may lead to air bubbles, requiring you to cut and reapply the material for an even finish.
- Slowly peel away more of the vinyl, carefully pressing it onto the surface as you go. Applying it slowly means you’ll be able to see any air bubbles and remove them before you continue.
- Continue the process until the entire graphic is applied. Pierce any tiny bubbles with a needle or scalpel and rub down.
For larger sizes:
If you have a surface with grease, but it’s not too bad, spray your water and washing-up liquid solution on the surface first. This will make the oil easier to remove and use less elbow grease.
The more wet the surface is, the easier it’ll be to move and reposition vinyl – this way, if you make a mistake, you can still get it off without damaging either one of them! If your vinyl is too big to manage on your own, peel the backing and spray adhesive while you carefully position the self-adhesive vinyl. The wet method may be more forgiving but takes up to 48 hours to fully secure. Reapply every few hours for the best results
Vinyl is a popular material to use for home or business signage. Vinyl is versatile, as you can cut it into any shape and paint it in any colour. However, if you are unsure how to install vinyl on your own, this article will show you the right way to go about it.
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