Application of Vinyl Lettering is a relatively straightforward process. All you need are a few simple tools, a good eye and a little care. Tape Measure, Scissors, Utility knife, Plastic Squeegee, Masking Tape

Wet or Dry?

There are two methods of applying graphics, the wet method described below and the dry method. The dry method is the same but without the use of the Windex. For the majority of small lettering the dry method is the best, however for larger lettering and for graphics that contain large solid areas, the wet method is recommended. Both methods follow exactly the same process up to Step 6.

1. Baseline

The lettering will be supplied as a sandwich of three layers. The top layer is the Application paper, next is your lettering or graphics and finally a backing sheet. When you get your lettering, unpack it and allow it to lie flat for a couple of hours if possible. With a ruler or straightedge, draw a pencil line along the base of one line of your lettering. This is to help get it straight when applied.

2. Preparing the substrate

Make sure that the surface that you are going to attach your lettering to is clean and dry. Clean it with Windex and wipe dry.

Take two small pieces of masking tape and attach these to the top corners of your lettering sandwich. Roughly position the sheet where you want it to be and press the masking tape down.

3. Adjust and Straighten

Find a straight edge to check the position against and adjust the sheet until it is centered and level or you are happy with the position. We usually recommend measuring from the straight edge, to the bottom of a letter on one side and then on the other, and adjust till both are the same. Also adjust the lettering on a left and right basis until it is either centered or aligned as required.

4. Apply Hinge

When the position is correct, apply a wide length of masking tape along the top edge of the sheet to form a hinge.

5. If your graphic is longer than 12 inches
cut into sections. (otherwise go to next step)

Now make several vertical cuts, between the letters, from the bottom edge to the top. Ideally the cuts should be about 12 inches apart. This is to make the job easier to handle. On small signs under 12 inches wide this step is not required.

6. Application

Fold up entire graphic along the hinge so that the backing paper is now towards you. Spray a light coating of Windex to the substrate before laying down the vinyl. This acts like a barrier and prevents the vinyl sticking immediately.

When you use the applicator to squeeze down the vinyl, the water is mostly expressed from behind the vinyl but a thin layer remains and this allows for squeezing if required. The wet method also means that any bubbles trapped beneath the vinyl are water bubbles rather that air. As these cannot be compressed, they will eventually migrate to the edge of the vinyl and release themselves, resulting in a smooth finish.

7. Remove backing

Carefully peel back and remove the backing paper, leaving the letters attached to the application paper. Take care when doing this not to let go of the application sheet nor allow it to come into contact with the substrate until you are ready to apply it.

8. Laying down the letters

Keeping the application sheet taught against the hinge, lower the free end until it is about1/4 inch away from the substrate. Using the squeegee, press both the application paper and the letters down on to the substrate. Do this in a series of sweeps from the top center, out to one side and then the other. Move down the application paper, overlapping each sweep with the next one. When you reach the bottom, release the paper and sweep out the final strip.

Complete the process by firmly (but not vigorously) sweeping with the squeegee, across the application tape, left to right and up and down.

9. Remove application tape

Once your lettering is in place, remove the application paper by steadily peeling it away to leave the lettering behind. If any letters start to come away with the tape, stop and curl back the application layer and press down on the problem area on the letter(s) that are coming away. Gently rub the lettering down again with a soft cloth.

10. Squeegee again

When all the application paper is off, cover the graphic with a sheet of plain paper and gently squeegee again from the center out

11. Admire your work

Air bubbles

If you do get any bubbles in the vinyl using either method, DO NOT try and press them out to the side using the applicator. Use a pin to prick the edge of bubble then gently press the vinyl towards the hole to express the air or water. It's better to prick a bubble and leave it for a few days to sort itself out than it is to try and remove all the air and in so doing wrinkle the vinyl.