HOW TO INSTALL VEHICLE GRAPHICS ON YOUR MINI
As you may already know, there are two different application methods, those being; the dry application method, and wet application method. Due to the advantages of the wet application method, we highly recommend it for any novice. Please don't use this method unless you have read carefully through the instructions first.
Please be aware that we take no responsibility for any damages caused, or injuries. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are careful. By attempting the installation through any method you accept that you take full responsibility for your actions.
TOOLS REQUIRED TO INSTALL VEHICLE GRAPHICS
Masking Tape
The tape will allow you to mark up the position of the graphics on your vehicle, and hold them in place.
Cutting Blade
You will need a blade if your decal requires trimming along vehicle seam lines.
Degreasing Agent
We recommend a drop baby shampoo or dish soap diluted into a spray bottle containing water.
Sharpie / Felt Pen
You will need this to align and mark up the position of your graphics.
Felt Edged Squeegee
For the best results you require a squeegee. We sell kits on out site, but you can also get these from a local DIY store.
A spray bottle
This will contain your self made application fluid
Installation process
Stage 1
The first stage of the process is the preparation. For now, keep your decal out of the way at this stage, and ideally opened unrolled on a flat surface inside the house. This will allow it to settle, and adjust, so that it is much easier to work with.
Now you need to focus on cleaning the vehicle
While many may assume that this refers to dust, it actually refers to grease and wax too. Most noteworthy, is that if the vehicle has been waxed or ceramic coated, the graphics will not adhere to the surface. So it is vital to use a degreasing agent, such as baby shampoo or dish soap to prep the surface first.
Now that the surface is clean you can move to stage 2
Stage 2
You can now get your decal, and place it to one side. Please don't allow your decal to get wet. If the backing paper gets wet, it will ruin the decal.
Begin by spraying the vehicles application surface with the application fluid. The surface needs to be as wet as possible for the best results. Do not get the decal wet at all at this stage, this will ruin the decal!
Now remove the vinyl from the backing paper, by peeling it back from one corner.
If the decal is getting stuck to the backing paper, place it down on a flat surface, so that the application tape (masking tape) is touching the table. and use your hand to rub the backing paper, and this will push the decal onto the application tape.
Keeping it on a flat surface, you should be able to remove the backing paper gently, and if any of it lifts push back on the backing paper to allow it to tack back onto the application tape.
If you are able to do so, you can spray the sticky side of the decal with the application fluid (this makes it easier to work with).
You can now place the graphics on the wet surface and position it to your desired location.
Once you are satisfied with the position, begin at the top middle of the decal, and use your squeegee at a 40 degree angle to push the water out of the top edge to one corner, then to the other.
Now work your way down the decal from one side to the next using moderately firm, overlapping strokes, making sure the squeegee applicator is flat with the substrate along the entire length of the stroke. This will help remove the fluid. Hold the squeegee at a 40 degree angle to the surface. The flatter the squeegee the better. Overlap all strokes by about 50 percent.
Make sure you press the film surface using sweeping, overlapping motions with a squeegee to get all the water out from between the surface and the adhesive. Otherwise you will have bubbles and may not get a strong bond between the media and the substrate. The bond is improved if the film is pressed again after allowing it to settle.
Stage 3
Now you will need to wait for the decal to adhere to the surface and water to evaporate. It is recommended to wait between 30 minutes and 2 hours. Hot days will be quick, cooler days will be slow. You can speed the process using a hairdryer, but do not get too close to the decal, as too much heat will damage it. We recommend no closer than 30cm.
After allowing the decal to adhere, you can trim the vinyl around any edges, between any gaps etc. We recommend trimming tight against any edges by holding the back of the blade against the edge, and not allowing the sharp section to make contact. This is less likely to result in you catching the paintwork, causing scratches or damage to the paintwork.
By cutting tight against the surfaces you also avoid tucking, and folding the vinyl, as otherwise you will have to wait for the vinyl to completely dry before you can tuck it.
You now need to saturate the application tape with water. Allow it to soak up for 2 minutes, and then remove the application tape. If the application tape is lifting the vinyl with it, you will need to give it more time to settle.
Finally, inspect the edges and corners, and re-squeegee if necessary.