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
  • Carefully remove the application tape ensuring the graphic doesn't lift from the vehicle
  • 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 supple
  • 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