How to apply, care for and remove vinyl signage and roof film.

These instructions are for our adhesive vinyl panels, vinyl lettering and protective vinyl roof film supplied for magnetic roof signs. We supply these instructions with our signage products but repeat them here so you always have access and can preview before you buy:

BEFORE USE:

Pre-spaced vinyl lettering and some vinyl decals are supplied on a backing paper on the reverse of the vinyl and application tape on the face of the vinyl. Do not remove application tape until vinyl has been applied to the car body or sign panel.  

Ensure car body or roof sign panel is clean and free of dust/grit. DO NOT TRY TO POSITION VINYL ON A DRY SURFACE.

Method 1)

Part fill a washing up bowl or similar with cold water and add some washing up liquid. Agitate the water to create a bubble bath effect. Scoop off the bubbles and spread over the area where the vinyl is to be placed. Remove the backing paper from the vinyl and dispose of it carefully.

Lay the vinyl adhesive side down on the film of bubbles. Once in the desired position you need a plastic ruler or similar as a spatula (we have purpose made squeegees available from our website). Apply firm pressure. Working from the centre out use the edge of the ruler to squeeze the bubbles from underneath the vinyl towards the edges, continue until all the bubbles have been removed. Remove application tape if present.

Method 2)

Mix about half a litre of cold water and a drop of washing up liquid in a small spray bottle (such as used for spraying plants). Wet the roof surface with the water spray where the sheet is to be placed. Remove the backing paper from the vinyl and dispose of it carefully.

Lay the vinyl adhesive side down on the wet surface and proceed as above to squeeze the water from underneath the vinyl towards the edges, continue until all water is removed. Remove application tape if present.

With either method, avoid trapping air/moisture beneath the vinyl and allow 24 hours to dry.

CARE FOR YOUR SIGNAGE:

Our vinyl decals are made by a number of methods but larger pieces (door panels and bespoke signs) will usually have an additional clear protective gloss laminate applied over the sign. Whilst this will afford some protection against everyday use, we strongly recommend that to maintain your signs at their best, you only wash the vehicle by hand. Use clean water containing mild detergent only. Do not use abrasive cleaners which can dull or scratch the signs. Do not use high pressure washers as these can lift and/or tear the vinyl. 

How to remove adhesive panels/lettering/protective roof film:

If supplied by us you will need:

Hot water: Elbow grease: Fingernails: Methylated spirits (meths): Patience.

Without the latter we suggest you employ a vehicle valet company to de-decal your car. The longer the vinyl has been in place, the more effort you will need to remove it!

Vinyl needs to be heated to soften it for removal. Whilst hair dryers, heat guns and pressure washers are commonly cited as 'the best method' we DO NOT recommend these. Instead, use hot (not boiling) water. Pour this over the vinyl to soften it. Pick away at an edge until you can lift the vinyl. Tempting though it may be, do not use a blade - you will end up scratching the paintwork and curse yourself!

The vinyl will probably shred as you peel it from the surface. Repeat the hot water treatment as necessary. Use paper towel and methylated spirit (meths) to remove any adhesive residue. Do not use any other type of solvent.