While working as a full time graphics designer, there is no logical reason for me to install graphics for our customers; however, I came across an opportunity to install my own on a few platforms including the rear of a vehicle, above a license plate on a RV and on the side of a mailbox. When starting the process, I reviewed our recommended instructions.
I started with the graphic on the RV, which was digitally printed and then clear coated. After cleaning the surface with rubbing alcohol and positioning the graphic where I wanted it, I made a hinge in the middle with masking tape, as suggested. After peeling back the bottom layer of paper, leaving the graphic on the pre-mask, which is the top layer, I cut the peeled bottom portion at the hinge. While holding the loose end of the decal away from the surface, to prevent it from accidentally sticking to the surface of the RV, I used a squeegee to slowly lower the decal to the substrate from the middle towards the edges. After it was set in place, I removed the masking tape hinge and repeated the process on the remaining side followed by removing the pre-mask. As a novice, I think it turned out pretty good to move on to the next one, the graphic on the rear of the vehicle.
In using the same application process, I noticed that it was a little easier not only due to it being my second application but the lamination as opposed to the clear coat made the material a little thicker allowing it to have a lessor chance of creasing or bubbles forming under the decal that would later need to be smoothed over with the squeegee. With a second application under my belt, I was ready for the third graphic, which was address numbers to a mailbox. This graphic consisted of cut pigmented reflective vinyl unlike the other two graphics but needed the pre-mask to allow for registration of the numbers. Seeing as the graphic was much smaller than the other two and I had some experience under my belt, I felt the hinge method unsuitable so I removed the paper back completely, leaving the pre-mask (top layer) in place to maintain spacing. After positioning the decal over the mailbox area, I slowly placed the graphic in place followed by using a squeegee to apply pressure onto the pre-mask to hold the decal in place. After removing the pre-mask starting at one corner…I felt like a graphic application pro! I may not be a hired graphic installer for Wisconsin Screen Process, Inc. and the Sign Shoppe but I can honestly say that I know what it takes to get the job done.