Window Etches / Decals

[Graeme*Kustom*]

Here is a handy guide for installing our window etch (http://www.kustompcs.co.uk/acatalog/Kustom_PCs_Shop_Appliques___Etches_40.html)kits or vinyl decals (http://www.kustompcs.co.uk/acatalog/Decals.html).

1. Carefully prepare the area you wish to apply your decals to. It must be clean, dry and free of dust/polish etc.

http://www.kustompcs.co.uk/articles/etch/1.jpg


2. To remove the backing paper lay your decal face down and peel the backing paper off slowly, keeping it as close to the decal as possible as you go.

http://www.kustompcs.co.uk/articles/etch/2.jpg
Make sure all of the vinyl stays stuck to the application tape. If a piece of vinyl won't lift off the backing paper turn your decal over and press/rub the letter with a squeegee [credit card like applicator] to ensure they are stuck to the application tape.

3. Carefully place the top edge of your decal onto the surface it is to be applied to, and stick it down. At this stage it may be useful to have someone to hand to stand back and check it is correctly aligned. Hold the bottom of your decal firmly away from the surface whilst pressing down from top to bottom to apply your decal fully onto the surface.

http://www.kustompcs.co.uk/articles/etch/5.jpg
4. Using a squeegee rub over the entire decal to ensure it is stuck down.

http://www.kustompcs.co.uk/articles/etch/6.jpg
5. Peel the application tape back slowly at an angle of 45 degrees. Check that no parts of the decal [be especially careful at the corners and with small parts like the dot above an 'i'] lift off at this stage. If they do simply squeegee them back down.

http://www.kustompcs.co.uk/articles/etch/8.jpg
6. Stand back and admire your work!

http://www.kustompcs.co.uk/articles/etch/10.jpg

[Tami]

To apply an "ETCH" , Hinge Method (perfect placement).

1. Place the logo EXACTLY where you want it transfer tape side up and tape it down along ONE edge.

2. Using a floppy disk edge squegee it FLAT to bond the backing.

3. Use the tape as a hinge and fold the logo over.

4. Peel the backing from one corner using a rolling motion, make sure the logo does not lift from the transfer tape.

5. From the "hinge" edge, start folding the logo and transfer tape back using the floppy to squeegee it as you go preventing any air bubbles from being trapped.

6. from one corner using a rolling motion peel the transfer tape off being careful not to lift the logo, if it comes starts to come up squegee some more.

To apply an "Etch" WET method (for larger graphics where air is easily trapped).

1. Place the logo EXACTLY where you want it transfer tape side up and tape it down along ONE edge.

2. Using a floppy disk edge squegee it FLAT to bond the backing.

3. Use the tape as a hinge and fold the logo over.

4. Peel the backing from one corner using a rolling motion, make sure the logo does not lift from the transfer tape.

5. Using a FINE spray bottle spray the logo with water with a drop of fairy liquid in it all over the logo and the area you about to apply it to.

6. From the "hinge" edge, start folding the logo and transfer tape back using the floppy to squegee it as you go preventing any air bubbles from being trapped and pushing the water out.

7. using a hair dryer dry it using warm NOT overly hot air until the tape is dry (or wait 24 hours).

8. from one corner using a rolling motion peel the transfer tape off being careful not to lift the logo, if it comes starts to come up squegee some more (or make sure you dried it enough).

[Sub]

wouldn't that hinge method create a curl in the 'Etch' which would later become problematic?