Strip Decal
How to Apply Self-Adhesive Vinyl Decals
Substrate Preparation
If you are applying to a substrate that you have no experience of it makes sense to test both the vinyl and the marking method in an inconspicuous area first.
It is important for the substrate to be totally free from dust, grease and other contaminants. Ideally you would wipe off any dust and debris using a damp cloth and then de-grease the surface using a suitable degreasing fluid.
Short-term uses need less attention in the degreasing aspect as any contamination would need time to cause damage. If you are using vinyls with a matt finish then they will show up any dust contamination far less than vinyls with a gloss finish.
The most common cause of decal failure is contamination of the surface by a dirty substrate. Do not attempt to apply vinyl in temperatures lower than the minimum recommended.
Application
Temperature is very important when working with vinyl – too cold and the vinyl is too brittle to handle and cut easily and may shear or rip when applying. Too hot and the material will adhere too aggressively trapping air bubbles and will deform too easily to allow manipulation.
Make sure, before you start, that you are happy where everything will go within the design, ideally with reference to a drawing and having tapes everything roughly in place before actually applying the first piece; this is of particular importance when working with large complex decals or designs produced in sections.
When a decal is produced in one or more parts, an overlap may be incorporated between each section.
Using small pieces of masking tape, position the decal ensuring the correct alignment and mark reference lines over the top and side edges of the transfer tape and onto the surface of the substrate with a suitable pencil or marker. Alternitively, if you are working with a substrate that you do not wish to mark in any way (i.e. vehicle paintwork) place masking tape alongside the transfer tape and mark onto that.
Using a strip of masking tape, apply it so that half the width is on the transfer paper and half is on the substrate; this will act as a hinge along the top edge of the decal.
Lift the decal on its hinge and pull back a small section of the top edge of the backing paper. Holding the decal at the bottom pull it taught and lower it gently towards the surface without letting the adhesive actually touch the surface. Take a squeegee and firmly but gently press the decal down onto the surface beginning in the centre and stroking out towards the edges. Squeegee firmly all the way along the edges of the decal, ensuring that all air is expelled from behind the decal thereby achieving a good bond. Work your way down the decal gradually, pulling away small areas of the backing at a time
About the Author
Matt Theobald has been working in the exhibition and display industry for over 20 years. Having been involved in the design and build of exhibition stands throughout Europe and having specialised for a number of years in large-format digital print he has a wealth of experience in this arena.
http://www.exdisplay.co.uk
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