Graphics Information
Surface Requirements for Applying Vinyl
Instructions for Graphics Application


Vinyl Graphics Application Information

 

Graphics Information

Vinyl Graphics

Material
We use only high quality materials to give you years of lasting color. The manufacturer rates the vinyl film we use at six years.

Storage
Graphics must be kept clean, dry, and stored flat. If graphics will be stored more than one year we suggest that they be placed in an airtight bag or container.

Vinyl Colors
Computer screen colors (web colors) will not exactly match the actual colors of the vinyl. Actual vinyl colors are more vibrant than what you see on the computer screen. Other vinyl types and colors are available by request (but with additional lead time and cost) such as gold or silver, gradients and so on. E-mail us with any requests you may have.

Troubles With Bubbles
You may have some small bubbles in your graphic after application. Small bubbles will go away over time (the film breathes and will flatten out after a few weeks depending on temperature). To manually remove bubbles, prick them with a pin, then press the film down with your thumb. Larger bubbles may need to be removed manually.

Warranty
FreedomNet guarantees delivery of a good quality product without defect or we will replace it with an identical order item or refund your money if you wish. Contact us within 48 hours of delivery for any issues. Buyer pays return shipping of unused item. Claims for shipping damage must be filed with the shipper immediately. Buyer must take optional shipping insurance to be covered for shipping damage. Any adhesion problems are assumed to be the result of improper conditions or installer errors. Weather, chemicals, prolonged sunlight, abrasion, etc, can greatly reduce material life. No refunds on "cut to order" custom items.

Graphic Removal
The difficulty of removing graphics will vary depending on the quality and condition of the film to be removed, how long it's been on, if it's weathered, and so on. Gradually move along the graphic with a hair dryer (not a heat gun), while picking the graphic off as you go. Do not pull UP on the vinyl (it may lift paint). Pull BACK carefully at 180 degrees. Another method (but NOT recommended for INDOOR VINYL) is to spray the graphic with window cleaner and use a razorblade to scrape the graphic from the surface. The window cleaner helps remove vinyl and adhesive and helps prevent damage to the surface from the razorblade.

Surface Requirements for Applying Vinyl

Surface Preparation

All surfaces must be thoroughly cleaned before the application of vinyl graphics. Follow the instructions below for specific cleaning procedures:

Interior Painted Surfaces
Clean with any household cleaner such as Formula 409 or Fantastic. Wipe area clean and dry with a lint free cloth before applying vinyl graphics. Freshly painted surfaces should dry for at least 72 hours before applying vinyl graphics.

Plastics & Glass
Thoroughly wipe the application surface clean with rubbing alcohol. Remove any material such as tape or glue with a razor blade. 

Painted Metals and Base Metals
These surfaces may be cleaned with rubbing alcohol, xylol, naphtha, or lacquer thinner (test an inconspicuous painted area with the solvent you use to insure compatibility with the paint). Dry the surface with a lint free cloth before the solvent evaporates. Freshly painted surfaces should dry for at least 72 hours before applying vinyl graphics.

Temperature & Weather Conditions
 For best results the room temperature and temperature of the target surface should be between 45 and 90 degrees F.  Do not apply on misty or rainy days. Very high humidity may effect the application process. Avoid installing graphics in direct sunlight due to rapid surface temperature changes. Do the application in a wind-free area. Wind gusts will cause problems especially after the liner is removed and the vinyl adhesive is exposed!
Instructions for Graphics Application

READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS before application. For information on larger graphics or vehicle side graphics see paragraph after Step 5 below. 

If you have no experience with vinyl graphics and feel unsure about applying them, you may want to seek help from a local professional shop.		  

Tools & Materials Needed:

1. X-acto knife or razor blade. (to separate segments of the graphic if necessary).

2. Plastic Squeegee (the edge of a credit card will work just as well).

3. Roll of Masking Tape (2 inch preferable).
Step 1:

First, lay the graphic face down on a flat surface. Using a squeegee, credit card, or similar item, firmly rub graphic area starting from the center and moving outward. This will insure that the graphic is adhered to the pre-mask.

For small & medium graphics, apply a single horizontal strip of 1"- 2" masking tape to the top of the graphic. The centerline of the tape strip should lie on the edge of the graphic (half the width on each side as shown). The strip will serve as a hinge to insure that the graphic does not move during the application process.
Step 2:

Hold the bottom edge of the hinged graphic away from the target mounting surface and remove the liner to expose the sticky face of the vinyl.

CAUTION !      Do not let the exposed graphic TOUCH the target surface. The graphic face is very tacky and will tightly stick to the surface. If the placement is not correct, removing the graphic for repositioning will be very difficult (and maybe impossible) without causing damage to the vinyl.

Step 3:

Continue holding the hinged graphic away from the target surface. Using the squeegee, begin the graphic application at the top edge and work toward the bottom. Smooth the graphic down on the target surface with a sweeping motion.

AGAIN  - Work from the top to the bottom. Do not let the entire graphic drop onto the target surface. If creases or wrinkles develop, carefully lift and reposition the graphic.
Step 4:

When the graphic is in the correct position and lying perfectly flat, firmly press the graphic down with the squeegee (starting at the center and sweeping outward) to insure that all elements of the graphic adhere to the  target surface.

Step 5:

Gently remove the pre-mask. Pull back at a sharp angle to help avoid lifting the graphic along with the pre-mask.
For larger or longer graphics the "WET" method may be necessary (But not recommended for INDOOR VINYL). The wet method is more forgiving when repositioning is necessary. Using a spray bottle (filled with a mix of 1 quart water and 2 drops of dish soap) lightly spray area under graphic JUST before application with squeegee. For long window banners; AFTER applying the tape "hinge" split entire graphic in half or into thirds between letters and apply one section at a time working downward from hinge. For long "visor" type banners; position banner and secure with masking tape on bottom edge, trim top of graphic to fit glass. Secure top edge with tape at only one end (from center outward) remove the liner (and any bottom edge tape) at other half and apply the graphic with a squeegee from the center outward (rather than top down as with hinge method). Now remove all tape and liner on other half and apply in same manner, from center outward. Trim ends of visor graphic to fit glass. 
Vehicle Side Graphics may require cutting around side trim, door handles, shadow lines etc. Cut vinyl back about 1/8" to 1/4" from these features with X-acto knife or razor blade (be careful not to cut into paint). 		Large graphics are best applied with help from another person to hold vinyl (at the corners of the pre-mask) up off from glass ahead of the squeegee
Step 6:

ENJOY !