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10-31-2008, 04:24 AM
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#1
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Montana Master
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Grand Blanc
Posts: 2,508
M.O.C. #5965
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Graphics installation
Dale Poling, of Burlington Graphics, gave a seminar at the Fall Rally and sent the following instructions regarding installation of graphics.
Exterior Graphic Installation / Removal Instructions
Below is a step by step guide to successful graphic installation
Surface temperature of substrate should be a minimum of 45 degrees for optimal adhesion and performance.
1. Clean substrate thoroughly with isopropyl alcohol prior to graphic application.
2. Use proper application tool to apply graphic; squeegee for smooth wall; rivet brush for corrugated metal.
3. Remove liner from back of graphic.
4. Gently place graphic in desired application location.
Squeegee vertically in center of graphic towards the outer edges. 5.Graphics can be lifted to removed slack and prevent creases prior to squeegeeing, but not after.
6. Leave protective pre-mask on graphic for at least 15 minutes prior to removing.
7. Remove pre-mask by pulling 180 degrees across the graphic, not 90 degrees away from the substrate.
8. Graphic should be re-squeegeed after removal of pre-mask, especially where removal begins and at small points.
9. Air bubbles can be popped and removed by using a tool with a fine point, like a pin. Do not use a wide blade like a Stanley or exacto knife.
Below is a step by step guide to successful graphic removal
1. Soften graphic and adhesive by first warming the graphic with a heat gun or blow dryer. Facing graphic to the sun on a warm day will also help.
2. After removing graphic, any remaining adhesive can be removed by using chemical cleaners such as lacquer thinner or citrus cleaner.
3. Make sure to thoroughly clean residue left behind by these chemicals with isopropyl alcohol before applying a replacement graphic.
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10-31-2008, 04:59 AM
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#2
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Montana Master
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Arnold
Posts: 1,200
M.O.C. #2586
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Thanks, Jim. Have some new ones to install! Good info.
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10-31-2008, 05:33 AM
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#3
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Montana Master
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Land O Lakes
Posts: 2,751
M.O.C. #7753
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Having work for the sign company that did all the graphic replacement at O'Hare and Miami airports I had to do a ton (literally) of vinyl installs. If you have a long graphic that tends to flop around and fold down during handling then here is another method that works very well. Position the graphic exactly where you want it with the backing in place. Then use masking tape to hold just the top in place. usually three pieces will do. Then carefully lift the bottom of the graphic and peel the bottom half of the backing off. Extra hands help in this maneuver. Hold the bottom away from surface but taught. Then squeegee from the center toward the bottom and sides until the entire bottom half of the graphic has been done. Remove the tape from the top half and repeat in the opposite direction. This method keeps you from having to fight with the graphic flopping around during install... Dave
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10-31-2008, 08:12 PM
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#4
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Seasoned Camper
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Glendale
Posts: 59
M.O.C. #8548
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There are a couple of different ways to install it. Either the top hinge or center hinge work best for larger graphics. The top hinge is the method that Dave talked about and the center hinge is done by positioning the graphic with backing exactly where you want it and apply the masking tape from top to bottom in the center of the graphic. Then starting at the middle remove the backing from one side and squeegee from the center out. Once that is in place then go back to the center and remove the rest of the backing work the other direction.
If you have smooth sides with no rivets or screws to cover you can also use an application fluid such as RapidTac to make the job easier. The application fluid works great with solvent based adhesive which is what most high performance vinyls use. Just try to avoid application fluid when rivets or screw heads are involved. It is hard to squeege the fluid out from around the heads and can leave you with air bubbles. The use of application fluid is more forgiving for the novice installer. It allows you to reposition the graphic in case of a misalignment or large air bubble. www.rapidtac.com has a couple of how to videos that may help. Also the following youtube has a quick tutorial.
Mark
__________________
2015 Montana 3625LE
2015 GMC Denali
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11-01-2008, 10:29 AM
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#5
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Seasoned Camper
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Manassas
Posts: 92
M.O.C. #6385
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A spray bottle of water with 4-5 drops of dish washing liquid mixed in works very well and allows you to reposition the graphic easily.
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11-01-2008, 11:53 AM
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#6
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Montana Master
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Arnold
Posts: 1,200
M.O.C. #2586
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When we did our boat graphics, we sprayed the surface w/Windex, applied the graphics, removed the backing, and used a squeegee to smooth it out, position, and remove bubbles. Plan to use that on mine unless I hear a better solution?!!!
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