Substrate preparation:

A substrate has to be cleaned to remove any dirt or small objects.

• Washing with a mild detergent solution, after which the surface should be rinsed and dried with a lint free cloth.
• Vehicles should be wiped with a solvent-saturated cloth, until all dirt and/or grease has been removed. The solvent should be sufficiently mild not to attack the substrate (e.g. methylated spirits). Car wax and polish residues must be completely removed.

Small to medium sized decals

Place the decal down on a flat, clean surface and with a plastic applicator squeegee the entire decal. Turn upside down and remove the liner (with printed markings) along one edge for 20-30mm and fold it backwards. The result is an edge of 20-30mm exposed adhesive or application paper.

Position the decal that is still covered with liner on the application surface. Once it is in the right  position, the exposed edge is pressed to the surface, starting at the middle of the edge, working your way across. Do not allow pleats or bubbles to be formed. You can use normal masking tape to line up your images. Please do a test on the surface with the masking tape beforehand, in an inconspicuous place, to ensure that it does not lift the paint.

 Lift the decal a bit and remove the liner over 150-200mm (or more if you feel experienced enough) distance. Keep the decal close to the application surface and start to apply it with overlapping squeegee strokes, beginning at the middle of the already applied edge. Proceed with this application until the entire decal is applied, peeling back the liner as you go.

 Check if all edges have been applied properly and re-squeegee them if necessary.

Then proceed to remove the application paper slowly at 180 degrees to the surface.

Because of the low adhesive on the vinyl watch for any corners that want to lift and squeegee them back down so as not to tear the vinyl.

 Medium to Large sized decals

A second pair of hands is a good idea. You can apply reference marks, like a straight line, on the application surface so that the position of the decal to be applied can easily be lined up. Masking tape and a light pencil mark will generally do the job.
Again, do a test on the surface with the masking tape beforehand, in an inconspicuous place, to ensure that it does not lift the paint.

Place the decal down on a flat, clean surface and with a plastic applicator squeegee the entire decal. Turn upside down and remove the liner (with printed markings) along one edge for 20-30mm and fold it backwards. The result is an edge of 20-30mm exposed adhesive or application paper.

Take the decal up close to the exposed edge and position the decal on the application surface, making sure it lines up with the reference marks.

Then the exposed edge is pressed to the surface, starting at the middle of the edge working your way up and down or left to right (as shown on this picture). Do not allow pleats or bubbles to be formed.

Lift the decal a bit and remove the liner over 150-200mm (or more, if you feel experienced enough) distance. Keep the decal close to the application surface and start to apply it with overlapping squeegee strokes, beginning at the middle of the already applied edge. Proceed with this application until the entire decal is applied.

Check if all edges have been applied properly and re-squeegee them if necessary.

Application tape is laminated over the graphics and serves as a means of transport and it keeps the graphic in the right shape during the application.

Without touching the adhesive of the graphic, apply it to the surface with a plastic squeegee with overlapping strokes. Proceed with application from the hinge to the other end of the decal.
 

 Remove application tape slowly at 180 degrees to the surface. Because of the low adhesive on the vinyl watch for any corners that want to lift and squeegee them back down so as not to tear the vinyl.

Try it first with a small object, as they can be carefully removed and reapplied. When reapplying, use your fingers or a soft cloth to rub the vinyl back down, as there is no protective application paper on the vinyl, this will avoid scratch marks on the vinyl surface. You will get the hang of it, and build your confidence to tackle a really big vinyl.