Vinyl Graphic Education Series: Part 4 - Vinyl Graphic Installation

[VinylImagination]

Installation of Vinyl Graphics.

This article is the fourth in our Vinyl Graphic Education Series, where we answer common questions we get from customers. This question is very common, and using the wrong installation methods, cleaners, polishes, waxes, etc., can dramatically shorten the life of vinyl graphics.

First, let’s talk about installation.

Wet-Installation (Non-Wrap/Non-ControlTac): This method SHOULD NOT be used on vinyl films employing Air-Release or similar Easy-Apply adhesive technologies like wrap material.

Basic Wet Installation Steps.

1. Clean the vehicle surface as well as possible and wipe it down with alcohol to remove dirt, grease, or oil.
2. Always Dry-Fit the graphics before application - this is done by trimming excess waste material around the graphic and placing it on the vehicle to obtain the correct positioning.
3. We recommend the “hinge” method for larger graphics. The graphic is placed on the vehicle and attached with small pieces of masking tape around the edges. Then, place a long strip of masking tape across the middle of the graphic, creating a hinge. The hinge method will allow you to install the graphic in two stages.
4. Remove the backing paper (liner) from the graphic (not the graphic from the backing). Remove half of the backing paper from one side of the masking tape strip if using the hinge method.
5. Spray the back of the graphic (adhesive side) and the vehicle surface with application fluid (DO NOT GET THE BACKING PAPER WET before removing it). (application fluid consists of water with a few drops of dish detergent or baby oil). This application fluid will allow you to move the graphic around and give time to work with it.
6. Once finally positioned correctly, begin squeegeeing the graphic from the center outward with steady, continuous strokes (not short stabbing strokes). As you squeegee the graphic, this will displace the application fluid.
7. Once squeegeeing is complete, LEAVE the graphic for at least 30 minutes. Time is required for the remaining application fluid to dissipate, allowing the graphic to adhere to the vehicle. The time required is affected by temperature and the amount of liquid applied. The cooler it is, or the more fluid used, the more time will be needed for the application fluid to dissipate fully and the graphic to adhere to the vehicle surface.
8. Once the graphic has adhered to the vehicle, remove the application tape/paper. Do this slowly at an angle close to 180 degrees. If the graphic starts to lift, STOP and leave it for longer.

Examples of Wet-Install Films are 3M 7125, Avery SC950, Oracal 751/951, and most graphics films that DO NOT employ Air-Release, Air-Egress, EZ-Apply, or similar adhesive technologies.

Note: Wet-installation graphics CAN be installed dry. However, installing these graphics dry leaves no room for error, and as soon as the graphic touches the application surface, the graphic will adhere. Installing these dry requires experience and confidence.


Dry-Installation (Wrap/ControlTac): This method SHOULD be used on vinyl films employing Air-Release or similar Easy-Apply adhesive technologies like wrap material.

Basic Dry Installation Steps.

1. Clean the vehicle surface as well as possible and wipe it down with alcohol to remove dirt, grease, or oil.
2. Always Dry-Fit the graphics before application - this is done by trimming excess waste material around the graphic and placing it on the vehicle to obtain the correct positioning.
3. We recommend the “hinge” method for larger graphics. The graphic is placed on the vehicle and attached with small pieces of masking tape around the edges. Then, place a long strip of masking tape across the middle of the graphic, creating a hinge. The hinge method will allow you to install the graphic in two stages.
4. Remove the backing paper (liner) from the graphic (not the graphic from the backing). Remove half of the backing paper from one side of the masking tape strip if using the hinge method.
5. Begin squeegeeing the graphic from the center outward with steady, continuous strokes (not short stabbing strokes). As you squeegee the graphic, it will adhere to the application surface.
6. Once squeegeeing is complete, remove the application tape/paper. Do this slowly at an angle close to 180 degrees. If the graphic starts to lift, STOP and re-squeegee that area, and continue removing the application tape/paper.
7. We recommend Post-Heating the graphic using a heat gun. Post-heating sets the adhesive, preventing the wrap material/graphic from lifting.

Examples of Dry-Install Vinyl Films include 3M 180mc, 3M 1080/2080, Oracal 751RA, Orafol 970RA, Avery SW900, and equivalents.

Note: Dry-installation graphics SHOULD NOT be installed wet. We have seen a few YouTubers installing wrap material using the wet-install method. You should be aware that installing dry-install graphics using the wet-install method will, in most cases, invalidate any material warranties from the material manufacturer (3M, Avery, Oracal, etc.).

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