Tips, Tricks & Instructions

Adhesive Backed Vinyl Application Instructions - Dry Method

• Clean the surface well to avoid dust and oil under the vinyl.
• Read all our directions first.
• Without removing the backing, place decal exactly in the position it is to be located.
• Tape everything temporarily into place with masking tape.
• Step back and see how it looks
• Once applied, it cannot be repositioned.
• Measure twice to assure accuracy, measure from the flat areas on numbers and letters.
• Apply a piece of masking tape across the entire top edge, to make a hinge.
• Fold the decal back along the tape hinge.
• *  Remove the backing, revealing the sticky side.
• CAUTION: Do Not allow the decal to fall freely on the suface.
• ** Hold the decal away from the surface.  With a squeegee (plastic spatula, bondo applicator ...) carefully begin squeegeeing down the top 1 to 2 inches along the top edge. Work from the hinge down, squeegee down and out over the remaining decal area, be careful not to trap any air bubbles behind the vinyl.
• Remove the transfer tape by slowly peeling it back from the decal.
• The decal will remain in place if it has been firmly applied.
• If any air bubbles appear, puncture wiht a pin and squeeze the area to flatten the bubbles.
• Tiny bubbles will dissappear over time with the heat of the sun.

Wet Method Application of Adhesive Backed Vinyl

This method makes it easy to put down large graphics with less air bubbles.  Take your time and you will get professional looking results.  You can use this method as above with a tape hinge by inserting the following steps after the coordinating symbols.  OR You can "float" the decal on without a tape hinge, this will allow a small amount of movement for straightening.

Liquid Soapy Water Mixture:  Mix 1 1/2 teaspoons of dish soap
with 32 oz. of water.  Mix in a spray bottle.  
Prepare mix before you begin application.

*  Spray a liberal amount of soap & water mixture on the surface to which you are applying the vinyl AND the adhesive side of the vinyl - first remove the paper backing.

** Squeegee out the water.  Allow the water to dry before removing the transfer tape.

CAUTION:  Once the decal has been applied it cannot be repositioned.  
It can be removed by applying a little heat with a hair dryer and peeling it away.  The decal is not reusable once it has been removed.

Magnet Application Instructions

To attach magnet to your car, first make sure the area is spotlessly clean.
We use Windex because it evaporates quickly and does not leave a residue.
Position on car.  
Magnets will now cling, unless you have bondo or it's not metal.
Make sure the magnet doesn't go over any moldings or sharp corners.
Now, for the static cling, rub out the air bubbles with a soft cloth or squeegee.
The static cling should now cling.

Static Cling Instructions

To apply the static cling to your car, first make sure the area is spotlessly clean.
We use Windex because it evaporates quickly and does not leave a residue.
Position on car.  
Make sure the static cling doesn't go over any moldings or sharp corners.
Now rub out the air bubbles with a soft cloth or squeegee.
The static cling should now cling.

Static Cling Wet Method

Another way to put on static cling, if you have extra time, atleast a day ahead.
Wet the surface with the soapy water mixture after cleaning it.  
Position the static cling on the wet area.
Squeegee and rub out the excess water.  Now let it dry overnight.
The drying time is important, wet numbers will fly off your car.
Some people believe this method works better.

Removing Old Vinyl

To remove old vinyl, a little bit of heat makes the task much easier.
At our shop, we use two different methods to warm the vinyl and its adhesive
before pulling the vinyl off.

Method One: Let your vehicle sit in the sun on a warm sunny day
in direct sunlight for a couple of hours. Then simply peel off the old vinyl.
Don't forget to turn the otherside of the vehicle into the sun to allow it to warm the vinyl.

Method Two: Use a hair dryer on low heat to warm the vinyl.
This softens the adhesive making it easier to pull off.
Make sure you do not heat it too much with the hair dryer because
you will end up with sticky residue left on your car after peeling the vinyl off.

If you end up with sticky residue, you can find adhesive remover at your local auto parts store.

If you wax your car prior to putting the vinyl on, it will remove easier.

In some circumstances, if the paint was not applied properly, it could come off while removing vinyl.
Squier Design is not responsible for any paint loss during removal of vinyl.

Removing Old Vinyl from Glass (windshield, windows, etc.)

DO NOT use a hair dryer on glass.

Let your vehicle sit in the sun on a warm sunny day in direct sunlight.
Then peel off the old vinyl.

Tips & Tricks

• A well waxed car makes adhesive backed numbers easier to remove later on.
• A well waxed car aids in the flight pattern of static cling numbers under high speed conditions.
• A well waxed car doesn't effect magnetic numbers.
• Use the wet method of application for large numbers and graphics.
• Magnet will not stick to bondo, fiberglass or aluminum.
• If you plan to order and use magnetic numbers, please check your car for bondo, even if it is new.
• Static cling works best on glass and fiberglass.
• Static cling works best applied atleast the day before using the wet method.
• Both magnet and static cling may fly off under high speed conditions.
• Magnet and Static Cling are not recommended for road racing, but are great for autocross.
• Always drag your squeegee, never push it. Pushing catches edges.
• Layout all your pieces on the car (tab tape with masking tape) to make sure they fit the space and look good.
• Never let your wife see how much you are spending on your race car.
• If you want both of your numbers to slant either to the front or to the back of your car order one slant left and one slant right.
• Slanting Numbers to the Back of the Car: Place the slant right number on the driver's side and the slant left number on the passenger side.
• Slanting Numbers to the Front of the Car: Place the slant left number on the driver's side and the slant right number on the passenger side.