Use a solution of 1 ounce of liquid dishwashing detergent, such as Joy® or Dawn®, per gallon of lukewarm water to thoroughly clean the vehicle. Rinse with water.
Avoid soaps or preparations that contain waxes, oils or lotions; some window cleaners contain waxes!
Be aware that the chemicals used in some automated vehicle washing equipment may prevent good film adhesion.
Pay particular attention to cleaning the front and rear of the vehicle, which tend to have more dirt, oil and dead insects.
Dry the surface thoroughly with clean, lint-free paper towels. A heat gun may be used to apply moderate heat and accelerate the drying.
Moisture prevents the adhesive from adhering correctly, can cause bubbles, and can freeze in cold environments. Any moisture trapped beneath the graphic will cause the graphic to fail prematurely.Apply the graphic immediately. Dust and contaminants prevent the adhesive from performing as expected.
For the best success with the films recommended for vehicle graphics, always apply the graphics when the air and vehicle surface are both above 60°F (16°C).
After application of the graphic, keep the vehicle temperature above 60°F (16°C) for as long as possible—at least 12 hours is ideal—before exposing the vehicle to either a cold or wet climate; this strengthens the graphic's bond to the contoured areas.
Apply the film to flat areas of the vehicle first.
Use heat to soften the film when stretching it around and into complex curves.
Use overlapping squeegee strokes to be sure you don't miss any areas. Firm, consistent pressure with an applicator tool must be applied over all parts of the graphic to bond the adhesive to the substrate. A missed area leaves wrinkles and bubbles in the applied film. These are areas where premature film failures may occur.
After the film has been applied, apply heat to the graphic to reduce the internal stress in the vinyl film.
