How to apply your graphics

What you’ll need

• Wax and tar remover (such as Prep-Sol) and rubbing alcohol
• Two clean, lint-free cloths
• A spray bottle of water with a small squirt of liquid hand soap — not dish soap. Too much soap makes the graphic take longer to set.
• A squeegee, masking tape, a pin, and a craft knife or single-edge blade

Steps

1. Clean the surface. Remove all wax, grease and contaminants with wax and tar remover. Wipe again with rubbing alcohol on a clean cloth, then once more with a cloth dampened with water. It’s clean when your finger drags across the surface. Don’t skip this step.
2. Position the graphic. Decide where it goes and hold it in place with masking tape. Run a strip of tape as a guideline if it helps.
3. Expose half the adhesive. Slowly peel the backing from one half of the graphic and cut it away.
4. Wet and squeegee. Mist the vehicle surface lightly with the application fluid so the graphic doesn’t grab too soon. Lay it down and, starting from the center, squeegee with overlapping strokes to push out the fluid and air. Repeat for the other half.
5. Squeegee again, firmly. Before removing the transfer tape, go over the graphic with firm pressure to push out as much fluid as possible.
6. Remove the transfer tape. Peel it slowly back on itself at a sharp angle (180°). If the vinyl lifts, lay the tape back down and squeegee firmly again.
7. Finish. Lightly squeegee once more. Push out any last bubbles by pricking them with a pin and pressing the air out.
8. Trim. Use a sharp blade to trim lightly where needed. At door gaps and fender breaks, trim the vinyl back at least ⅛ inch from the edge.
9. Wipe down. Dry the surface with a clean cloth.

Applying vinyl takes a steady hand and some patience. If you’d rather not do it yourself, an auto detailer or body shop can apply it for you.