Installation...

Download PDF Instructions

In order for your Graphic to look its best and provide a long lasting enhancement to your vehicle, the following instructions MUST be followed. We will not replace images, or refund costs due to installation errors.

PLEASE FOLLOW THESE SIMPLE INSTRUCTIONS!  

1. Preparing your vehicle window

The vehicle window receiving the image must not be below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Do not attempt to warm glass with a blow dryer, or heat gun. If outside temperature is below 50 degrees, find a heated indoor garage, or other heated space. Cold installation will cause material to be stiff and brittle, and adhesive will not bond! Clean window surface with soap and water. Dish soap works well. A mild abrasive “scrubby” will also ensure oily deposits are removed from glass surface. Rinse and dry thoroughly! DO NOT use solvents or ammonia based cleaners! DO NOT attempt to install image on wet or dirty glass.  

2. Position your image on window

Using strips of masking tape at top of image, secure in the desired location. REMEMBER, your image is slightly larger than the window glass. Make sure image is centered properly and there is adequate material to go beyond all edges of window. Once image is in place, it is very difficult to move. Be sure the image is where you want it before you proceed.

NOTE TO SUV OWNERS: Be mindful that important elements of your image are not placed over handles, wiper mechanisms, etc., as these areas will be trimmed out later in the installation process. (See “Trimming image”)  

3. Bonding image to window

Flip image up onto roof, insuring the masking tape is secure. Peel back 2-4 inches of the adhesive “backing” at the top of the image. Fold this backing back, out of the way, or simply tear it off. Flip image back over and into place. Gently press “sticky” side of image against glass. This initial bonding MUST be done right to insure remainder of installation will go smoothly. Double check that the placement of the image is correct. Because only a small portion of the adhesive is in contact with glass, minor modifications can be made. If needed, carefully peel image and re-position. The less this is done, the better off you will be! Once image placement is confirmed, peel half the backing by tearing it down the middle, exposing one half of the sticky underside. As the “backing” is peeled back, hold the graphic away from the window. Carefully smooth the image with a vinyl squeegee*. WORK FROM THE CENTER OUT. PEEL AND PLACE ONE SIDE, THEN THE OTHER. If a bubble or crease occurs, gently peel image back to release the problem area, before proceeding. PULL GENTLY, AS THE MATERIAL WILL STRETCH OR BREAK IF PULLED AGGRESSIVELY. Use the squeegee to press out any air, and smooth out the image. Small bubbles (dime size) can be released with a needle after installation. * A credit or ID card can work well as a substitute for a vinyl squeegee.

NOTE TO SUV OWNERS: When installing your graphic, you must be mindful of your window’s hinges, latch, handle and wiper mechanism. DON’T PANIC! These items are easy to accommodate. As you press your graphic into place, use your squeegee to press the material around these items. In some cases, as in handles, a small cut must be placed in the material, to allow the graphic to “wrap” around. You will then trim around these items (See “Trimming image”)  

4. Trimming image

Each graphic should reach beyond the glass edge, to insure a neat final fit. Because of this, some minor trimming is required. You MUST use a clean, new razor blade. Any fresh razor blade, utility knife, or razor knife will work. Using your squeegee, press the image up against the edge of the window rubber gasket. This will push the graphic right up to the edge of the surface being covered, and allow for an easier, cleaner trim along this gasket edge. Slowly, carefully trace the edge of the window gasket with your razor. The image material will cut VERY easily. This final stage is where many mistakes are made. You are nearly finished. DO NOT RUSH the process now! Once the excess is trimmed and removed, press the edges of your image firmly to insure a good adhesive hold.

NOTE TO SUV OWNERS: Your rear window will have a few additional elements that will need to be trimmed around. If you have exposed hinges, wiper mechanisms, etc, simply follow the same instructions as trimming the graphic edge. Press the material up tight with your squeegee, and then carefully trim around the object. If there is glass beneath a window element, as with a handle, carefully slice one side of the material beyond the handle creating a “flap.” This ‘Flap” can then be trimmed and pressed against the window below the handle, creating a wraparound effect. TAKE YOUR TIME AND USE COMMON SENSE.  

5. Let adhesive “cure”

Give your newly installed graphic at least 24 hours to “cure” before attempting to wash. Avoid power washing for at least one week, and NEVER point the water stream at the edges of your graphic, or it will cause the adhesive to fail. If washing is needed, use a gentle hand wash on the window graphic. Sharp window scrapers, old and worn rear window wipers, stiff brushes will also reduce the life of your window graphics. For best results, treat your new window graphics like your vehicle’s exterior paint.

NOTE FOR SUV OWNERS: If your vehicle has a rear wiper, be sure to keep a fresh blade installed and to use it as sparingly as possible to improve the life of your graphic. MOISTURE CAN FILL PERFORATIONS, CAUSING LIMITED VISIBILITY. EXCELLENT VISIBILITY WILL RETURN ONCE YOUR IMAGE HAS DRIED. USE CAUTION UNTIL DRYING HAS OCCURRED. A CHAMOIS, OR SIMILAR ABSORBANT TOWEL WILL SPEED UP THIS PROCESS. For more information, or help with your installation please email us at: customerservice@StickAPrint.com