Fitting Advice

Here is some general fitting advice for various types of graphics. With some of the larger full scale vehicle graphics, unless you're supremely confident I would recommend you find a local sign writer with experience of vehicles to fit them for you.

Fitting Sunstrips

Thoroughly clean the screen to remove all dirt, grit and grease
Measure down from each side of the top of the screen and apply a little masking tape, this will help ensure the strip is applied 'straight'
Once rinsed, leave a thin layer of soapy water on the screen
Remove backing paper from the sunstrip and apply a thin smearing of soapy water to that too
Apply sunstrip to screen leaving the excess at the sides and top. The soapy water will allow movement of the strip to ensure it's placed centrally
Squeeze out excess water and air bubbles from under the strip, the side of a credit card is a handy tool for this
Trim off excess vinyl with a sharp knife

Fitting Logos / Small Graphics

Thoroughly clean the area to which the graphics are to be applied
Use a little masking tape to get a straight edge - it's easier to remove and reapply the masking tape than the graphic!
Remove graphic from backing paper - best done with the graphic face down peeling the paper off the back
Carefully apply graphic making sure it's straight - apply one edge of application tape first and smooth out to the other edge to avoid any air bubbles collecting under the graphic
Small air bubbles can generally be squeezed out with the edge of a credit card
If any air bubbles dont squeeze out, use a sharp knife to make a tiny slit along the bottom edge in order to expell the air

General Fitting Tips

Always make sure everything is clean before starting
It's always best to use some masking tape to get angles right before fitting
Graphics are easier to fit in warmer environments, if very cold the vinyl can become slightly brittle and may tear if put under extreme pressure. If fitting in a colder environment, use a hair dryer to keep the vinyl suple
It's advisable not to apply graphics in windy conditions!

Looking After Your Graphics

The glue takes a couple of days to cure, so avoid hooning round straight after fitting as edges might lift
It'll take a couple of months before the glue has completely hardened off, much like a new paint job, so avoid cleaning with a jet wash for this time or some lifting might occur
Avoid getting waxes and polishes on the graphics. If unavoidable rinse immediately with warm soapy water. If left on for a prolonged time, the waxes / polishes may stain the matt finish of graphics
Similarly, remove any bird dung straight away to avoid staining