Applying Vinyl Decals With Soapy Water

Dec 7 2007 15.

Applying vinyl decals with soapy water.

You can apply most smaller decals without using water but for large and very large stickers this trick is a life saver. Just a little bit of dish soap in water is all you need to help install without bubbles. Slower than the dry method but no air bubbles. I show you how to install vinyl decals on a car using soapy water.

Calendared vinyl is thicker but stickier while cast vinyl is more flexible and easier to manipulate around curves and edges. Go ahead and get it soaking wet with more soapy water. Vinyl stickers otherwise known as decals are fun ways to decorate your window car laptop and other sturdy surfaces first wipe down the surface of your choice to get rid of any dirt and dust. If you add too much soap to the mixture it can counteract the adhesive properties in the vinyl.

Plain water works fine only if you have a water softener. If you choose to make your own you can add three drops of soap for every one liter of water for the right solution. It s not hard but does take a little bit of time. Use vinyl wrap on smooth substrates like glass corrugated plastic and painted.

The dry method as its name indicates does not use fluid but rather depends on the skill of the installer to correctly position the film. By now the surface you are going to apply the vinyl to is probably dry. Purchase cast vinyl for more flexibility in your wrap. The purpose of the soap is to reduce the surface tension of water.

Choose vinyl with built in air release channels for a smooth installation. If you need more correction time just spray more soapy water. Wipe away any residue or streaks on your vehicle left from step one using rapid tac or soap and water. Installing your own.

After cleaning your surface area wet the area again using a spray bottle and a solution of about 5 soap 95 water. The edges and corners of your diy film will. Some people purchase application fluid and others make their own with soap and water. Gently lay the decal component into place using the soapy water to allow you to correct inaccuracies in placement.

The wet application method applies a vinyl graphic to a substrate by using a fluid to assist with positioning. After peeling off the backing paper place the sticker on a dry or wet surface depending on your personal preference. Determine the location you d like to apply the decals to by carefully measuring each into place and then secure them down with a piece of masking tape on each corner. Apply the sticker while the area is still wet.

Now apply strips of masking tape vertically over the. Hard water can end up looking worse than dry.