How To Apply Sign Vinyl

It can be extremely disheartening when your vinyl application goes wrong. Bubbles and wrinkles can appear in the vinyl if the application isn’t correct leaving you with an unattractive end product.

Applying sign vinyl can be a difficult and time-consuming task, especially if you don’t have the correct knowledge or experience. Within this blog post, we’ve included detailed and easy to follow step by step instructions on how to apply sign vinyl correctly.

Tools You Need To Apply Sign Vinyl

• Squeegee
• Soft Cloth
• Masking Tape
• Wax Pencil

Instructions On How To Apply Sign Vinyl

1) Clean the surface you’re applying the sign vinyl to and ensure that the surface does not have any oil, dust or dirt.

2) Place your vinyl graphic on an even and flat surface with the application tape side up. Use a lot of pressure and wipe the lettering with your squeegee. Doing this will stick the lettering to the application tape and release it from the backing paper.

3) Use your wax pencil and mark the appropriate guidelines to the surface of the substrate.

4) Carefully place your vinyl graphic onto the necessary surface and stick a strip of masking tape to the top edge of the surface creating a hinge.

5) Lift the vinyl graphic, pull back and cut away the top section of the backing paper.

6) Hold the base of the vinyl graphic and allow it to return to its initial position.

7) Use your squeegee and apply light pressure, start from the top and make your way down using horizontal strokes, apply the vinyl graphic and remove sections of backing whilst doing this.

8) When you’ve removed all backing paper, go over the vinyl graphic using your squeegee and apply more pressure.

9) Leave the vinyl graphic for 10–15 minutes.

10) Remove the vinyl graphic from the application tape diagonally at a 180-degree angle.

11) Rub the vinyl graphic with a soft cloth and focus on the edges.

Remember to take your time when applying sign vinyl and always follow instructions carefully. You also need to ensure that you have the correct sign vinyl for your project before applying sign vinyl.

 

What Is The Wet Method For Vinyl?

The wet method is a method of applying a vinyl graphic to a surface by using water and soap. The wet method is frequently used when applying large vinyl graphics as it’s easier to reposition the vinyl graphic when the surface is wet. However, if instructions aren’t followed correctly air bubbles and wrinkles can appear in the vinyl.

Below are some easy to follow instructions for applying sign vinyl using the wet method.

 

Instructions On How To Apply Sign Vinyl Using The Wet Method

1) Clean the surface you’re applying the sign vinyl to, ensure that the surface does not have oil, dust or dirt.

2) Place your vinyl graphic on an even and flat surface with the application tape side up. Use a lot of pressure and wipe the lettering with a squeegee. Doing this will stick the lettering to the application tape and release it from the backing paper.

3) Use a wax pencil and mark the appropriate guidelines to the surface of the substrate.

4) Place the vinyl graphic face down on a flat and even surface and slowly and carefully peel the backing paper away from the vinyl graphic.

5) Use a spray bottle containing warm (not boiling) water and washing up liquid and spray the area where you’re going to be applying your vinyl graphic.

6) Use the same spray bottle and spray a small amount of water and washing up liquid on the vinyl graphic.

7) Place the vinyl graphic on the appropriate surface and use your guidelines to help position it. You can remove and reposition the vinyl graphic as long as the surface remains wet.

8) Correctly position the vinyl graphic and use your squeegee to force the bubbles and water out. Start at the centre and make sure you remove as much water from under the vinyl graphic as possible.

9) Allow the vinyl graphic to dry for 1 hour and 15 minutes.

10) Carefully peel the application tape diagonally, ensure your hand is firmly on the vinyl graphic whilst peeling.

 

Can You Use Soapy Water To Apply Vinyl?

Soapy water is only necessary when using the wet method for applying vinyl. The wet method is frequently used when applying large vinyl graphics as it’s easier to reposition and place the vinyl graphic when the surface is wet. After you’ve removed any dirt, dust or oil from the surface, wet the surface again using a spray bottle that contains a small amount of washing up liquid and warm water. Apply the sticker while the surface is still wet, this should make repositioning the vinyl graphic easier.

 

How To Remove Air Bubbles From Vinyl Stickers?

If you’re using the wet method when applying vinyl stickers, it is more likely you will create air bubbles. Air bubbles can be removed by using an air release tool to pop air pockets, do not use a razor blade or knife as this can damage the vinyl.

Most high-quality types of vinyl are self-healing, so after you’ve popped the air bubbles you don’t have to worry about any signs that the air pockets were there. When popping air bubbles, ensure you make only one release point and poke a hole in the edge of the bubble. After you’ve popped the bubble, use a squeegee and go over the puncture.

 

How To Remove Wrinkles From Vinyl Stickers?

Occasionally wrinkles can appear when applying sign vinyl if this happens then push from the centre of the wrinkle to the edge of the graphic with your fingernail. If you have a large wrinkle then you will have to slit the material and overlap the vinyl.

If you would like to find out more information on how to apply sign vinyl then please get in touch with us today. The Vinyl Corporation has been supplying the sign-making industry with high-quality sign vinyl for over thirty years. We have a team of experts who can provide you with information and advice on the best product to use for a particular project. You can get in touch with us by using our contact form, emailing us at dmtvc.march@btconnect.com or by calling us on 0115 930 1133 and a member of our friendly and helpful team will be happy to assist.