Proper Methods of Installation
Although the details below for installing or hanging lettering may seem complicated, the process is actually quite easy. Take your time, you will find your word art will look as if a professional painted the lettering for you.
Cleaning The Surface
Depending on the place where you will be putting your words, there are a few methods of cleaning we will address. This is one of the more important aspects to putting up your vinyl lettering, so make sure it is as clean as possible.
Glass and Plastic Preparation
For glass and plastics one should thoroughly clean using a residue free rag or cloth with a glass cleaner such as Windex or comparable brand. If areas contain glues or adhesive, use a razor blade to ensure it is as clean as possible. Once the glass or plastic is cleaned, strip away the protective liner and let it sit for a few hours prior to application. This will ensure air bubbles are less of a factor when applying your sign.
Painted & Base Metal Surfaces
Metals should be cleaned with a solvent prior to applying. Dry the metal with a lint free cloth before the solvent evaporates. Freshly painted metals should be dry for at least 72 hours prior to applying lettering.
Indoor Walls
Walls may be cleaned with any household cleaner. Wipe, clean and dry with a lint free cloth before applying your sign. Freshly painted walls should be dry for at least 72 hours prior to application.
Temperature Variables
The temperature should be between 45 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit for best results. High humidity (above 90 percent) may effect the application process.
Tools You Will Need
(a) Cutting knife or razor blade (b) A Spray bottle filled with a mixture of 3 drops of soap to 1 pint of water(c) Plastic Squeegee (d) Dry Towel (e) 2" Roll of Masking Tape.
Final Installation
Using small strips of masking tape, temporarily apply lettering. This is to confirm proper placement before your lettering is permanently applied.
Apply one strip of 2" masking tape to the top of your words and your wall to create a hinge. Hold the bottom edge of the hinge away and seperate the liner to reveal the sticky backing. Save this piece of liner for use later in the process.
Do not let the adhesive touch the area during this step. Ensure the placement is correct and looks like you want it to before you strip the backing .
Once your lettering is temporarily placed where you want it, lift the vinyl and spray with the soapy mixture. This will assist you ensuring you will be able to lift and reapply to get out the air bubbles and re-position your letters.
While still holding the hinge away, begin to squeegee the letters starting from the top and working your way to the bottom.
Once the letters are perfectly flat, start forcing the liquid out from beneath your lettering. Starting from the center working outward, use firm strokes with the squeegee to force out from beneath your work.
After squeegeeing, it is now time to take the pre-mask from the words and reveal the final look. To remove the pre-mask without difficulty, spray and wait a minute or two for the pre-mask paper to become soggy. Gently pull the pre-mask while carefully ensuring you do not pull up with the pre-mask paper.
Squeegee out any bubbles with a damp cloth by applying pressure to squeegee.
Installing is a simple process. With a little concentration and patience you can easily install quality vinyl lettering and graphics.
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