OT - Sticker & Vinyl, Installation Instructions Options

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If you ordered a sticker it probably was mailed yesterday (except for Garold and the admins). Proper cleaning is important for the life of your sticker. Please follow the instructions below.
In addition the directions below, be careful of the ".com" as they are small and need special attention. If adhered properly, they will stay put. I've had one on my car since Aug 04 and been through several carwashes-both the high pressure and cloth touchy type without any issues.
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Preparing the Surface
The high-quality special adhesives used on ORACAL and ORALITE pressure-sensitive films create an excellent bond with just about any clean, smooth, weather-resistant surface that is free of grease, dust, or any contaminates. For a long-lasting bond, the target surfaces must be properly prepared. Before mounting the material, clean the surface with isopropyl alcohol and wipe it dry with a clean cloth. Isopropyl alcohol is recommended as the cleaning agent as other agents may, under certain conditions, attack the paint or reduce the adhesive strength of the film. Gas bubbles may form between the film and the surface if any solvent residue remains as a result of improper cleaning or if paint on the surface is too fresh. Freshly lacquered or painted surfaces should be allowed to stand for at least three weeks after complete curing before adhering the film. The compatibility of selected lacquers and paints should be tested by the end-user, prior to use.

When using materials that tend to outgas, such as polycarbonate or polystyrene products, we recommend the following steps: Clean the surface, mount a piece of film to it, and store at 140 °F for 24 hours. If bubbles form after 24 hours, outgassing is still occurring. Either treat the plastic with a heat source or store it for an extended period at room temperature conditions in order to cure the substrate prior to application of the vinyl.

Application Temperatures
ORACAL films should never be adhered at temperatures below 46 °F. A significant drop in temperature should be avoided during the first 24 hours after adhesion. Should this occur nonetheless, we recommend treating the film with warm air from a heat gun or other heat source.

Removing the Silicone Release Liner
Lay the cut film on a flat surface with the film side down. Pull back only as much release liner as required to begin mounting. Always draw the release liner from the film, never the other way around.

Adhesion
There are two major methods of application: dry and wet adhesion. For all applications it is important to use a high-tack application tape due to Oracal's high adhesion liners.

For dry adhesion, first arrange the cut film on the surface to which it is to be adhered and press it firmly to the surface at one corner. Then adhere the remainder by bringing a plastic squeegee across the film in overlapping sweeps. Depending on the size of the cut being mounted, the release liner may be removed completely before bonding or gradually during the adhering procedure. When using ORATAPE mounting paper or film, pull these slowly away from the film at a 180° angle.

Wet adhesion should only be done during warm weather periods of at least 64 °F. Spray the exposed adhesive side with low-surface-tension water (water mixed with a flushing agent, don’t use concentrated agents - I use a mild soap and water) and place it upon the application surface. Position the cut film where you want it. The wet application method allows for more precise positioning of film. Press the film to the surface using sweeping, overlapping motions with a squeegee. Be certain that there is no water between the surface and adhesive to avoid bubbles and ensure a positive bond.

After a short drying period, remove the application tape carefully at a 180° angle.

Removing Permanently Bonded ORACAL Films
The environment and surface temperatures must be at least 68 °F before these films can be removed. Using a knife, first lift up one corner of the film, then slowly draw the film from the surface at a 180° angle. Heating the film with a heat gun while pulling makes removal easier. If the film being removed is very old, a small amount of residue from the adhesive may remain on the surface. This can be removed easily with varnish thinner.

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