When vehicle graphics, partial wraps or full wraps fail to adhere to a vehicle, the reason is nearly always the result of improper preparation and installation. This article presents tips for proper vehicle preparation and installation to ensure that vehicle graphics adhere properly and appear at their best. Graphic Production For vehicle graphics, lamination is required. If your sign shop tells you otherwise trying to save you a little money, find another sign shop. Lamination adds body that makes installation and removal easier. Additionally, lamination provides some protection from minor scratches and from the sun's UV rays that can fade images. Surface Cleaning The first, and perhaps most critical step to applying graphics to your vehicle is to thoroughly clean the surface area where the graphics will be installed. This ensures that the graphics adhere properly and limits the risk of failure. If uncertain, you may want to check with the material manufacturer to get their recommendations for surface preparation. Most typically, the first step is to remove all of the dirt and grime by washing with a soft, non-abrasive cloth, mild soap and water. This may be as simple as a trip to a car wash to remove as much dirt, salt and road grime off of the car as possible. Regardless of cleaning method, it is important to make sure the vehicle is completely dry before applying any graphics. Some areas such as windows and door handles will retain water in crevices that can be blown out with compressed air. Alternatively, you may wish to allow the vehicle to dry indoors overnight. Even after washing, residual oil, wax or other contaminants may remain. There are solvents such as Xylol and Prepsol that can be used, though isopropyl alcohol works well and is generally easier to find. Regardless of the solvent to be used, be sure to test on an inconspicuous area of the vehicle to ensure that it will not adversely affect the vehicle's finish. At Spectrum Signs, we use isopropyl alcohol as it removes oily residue that other solutions may leave behind, and is safe to use on most surfaces. Isopropyl is available at any drug, department or grocery store. If a volume is needed, Costco, Sam's Club and Target are good sources. When cleaning the vehicle with isopropyl, we recommend using two clean, lint free cloths that are absorbent and non-abrasive. One cloth is soaked with alcohol to loosen and clean any remaining contaminants such as dust, dirt, and wax. The second towel should be dry and is used to wipe away the excess alcohol before it has a chance to evaporate. We use and recommend microfiber towels from Cables Unlimited. If a cloth becomes dirty, it should be replaced with a clean one or you risk leaving contaminants, or even damaging your finish as these contaminants can be abrasive. When cleaning, start at the top and move to the bottom. When cleaning from the bottom up, you risk dislodging contaminants above that then fall on an area below that has already cleaned. It is important to pay special attention to cleaning the cracks and crevices of the vehicle where contaminants can build up. For these areas, we recommend wrapping an alcohol soaked cloth around a squeegee or credit card to get down into the crevices. Surface cleaning should include any surface that graphics will be wrapped around. For example, when wrapping a fender or hood, open the hood and thoroughly clean there as well. After cleaning, preparation is the next most important step prior to applying vehicle graphics or wraps. Graphic Installation Planning If possible, graphics should be installed indoors in a clean environment. Indoor installation provides better control of environment, lighting, and temperature. Exposure to sunlight will make the vehicle surface temperature difficult to control. Wind can make material handling difficult and may introduce additional airborne contaminants that become trapped between the graphic and vehicle surface, affecting adhesion and appearance. Prior to beginning installation, start by test fitting each piece and determining the order of installation. For graphics installed in panels, you want to start at the rear of the vehicle so that any overlap faces the rear. This ensures that edges don't face the wind, possibly lifting the graphic before it's cured. Though vehicle wrap material can be repositioned, the intent is to allow the material to be "snapped up", not to remove an entire panel to start over. As such, it's important to plan your installation before you being to apply. Before applying the first piece, lay out the graphics and position them on the vehicle with magnets or tape. In this manner, you can verify that all the graphics have been printed. Check the positioning and alignment of the graphic and make adjustments as needed before you begin installation. Graphic Application Once the graphics are positioned and you've determined the order of installation, it's time to begin applying the graphics. Oil and contaminants on your hands can affect adhesion, so this must be eliminated as a factor. We do not recommend the use of gloves, and gloves are not needed - just wash your hands with soap and water before you start and as needed during application. Leaving the tape in place, cut the tape between the graphic and the vehicle. By leaving tape on both the graphic and the vehicle, you have alignment marks to reference subsequently. Remove the backing paper and align the graphic using the tape marks to restore positioning. Actual application method will depend on the surface, though some general guidelines and technique tips may be of value. For example, starting near the middle of the panel, gives you a surface to pull against to remove wrinkles as you work toward the edges. Though not always possible, when installing vertical panels, try to install from the top downward. This reduces the opportunity for dust and airborne contaminants to fall on the adhesive. If you start at the bottom, the exposed adhesive facing upwards is like an upside down umbrella that attracts and catches anything in the air. During installation, smaller ridges and bubbles can generally be worked out with a squeegee. For larger ridges, using an edge that's not yet applied, a quick pull away from the surface will snap the graphic up and allow reapplication of the affected area. Post Installation Once your graphics or wrap has been installed, move the vehicle outdoors into direct sunlight. After a day or so, thoroughly inspect the graphics and address any issues noted. If an air bubble is visible, poke the vinyl to work out any trapped air. Do not cut or use a cutting blade - only a fine point should be used to avoid separate subsequently. Apply edge sealer as needed. Though there's no substitute for experience, these tips may help you avoid common pitfalls encountered in graphic installation. About Spectrum Signs Spectrum Signs is an independent, locally owned, full service sign manufacturing company located in Mission Viejo, California. We are affiliated with over 240 independent sign companies with access to resources nationwide. This affiliation provides significant discounts from sign suppliers, and allows us to offer competitive pricing without compromising in quality and service. For more information, contact: Spectrum Signs 23382 Madero Suite L Mission Viejo, CA 92691 (949) 297-3800 Spectrum Signs