New Wheels, New Camera, Clean xB = Photo Shoot in the PNW...
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Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 792
From: WA
On the vinyl stuff...
Actually, if you are going to do a wet application...make sure you know what type of vinyl it is first. And make sure that whatever you use is ammonia free. Ammonia is bad for vinyl. I did vinyl work at my last job for 3 years. We used an isopropyl alcohol solution and it worked really well. Especially if you are going to be applying it to any part of your windows. I don't know what isopropyl alcohol will do to your paint, so you might want to look into that first, because I never used it on cars, but I don't think it causes any damage.
This also depends on if you have a full 1 piece graphic or not. If there are a lot of little parts to it, it's defenitly easier to remove bubbles if it isn't completley set.
Some people actually just use water, but I find that it takes way too long to dry. In a pinch, i like to use an ammonia free window cleaner. It's safe on the car paint and it won't ruin the vinyl. Plus it dries relativley quickly. I would recommend though that no matter what solution you use, let your car sit for at least 24 hours before driving anywhere. This will give the vinyl a chance to settle and tack themselves to your car. Remember, if you get the adhesive wet, it isn't going to tack right away. This gives you a chance to adjust the stickers if need be. But there is always a chance that driving right away will adjust them if they are still wet.
Just take your time with it and it'll be fine. On bigger stickers, try to start in the middle of it. It sounds hard, but it'll be a lot easier to line the sticker up without adding creases. If you just peel back half of the paper part, then you can start in the center without having to adjust anything.
If you have smaller sticker or some really long ones (like the length of the car) then use some masking tape and tape it to the car before you begin. Then start at one end and peel just a little back. Then you don't have to worry about the other end falling on the ground or something. Just work your way back and take a little at a time off of the backing.
It really isn't as hard as it sounds. You'll do fine.
Actually, if you are going to do a wet application...make sure you know what type of vinyl it is first. And make sure that whatever you use is ammonia free. Ammonia is bad for vinyl. I did vinyl work at my last job for 3 years. We used an isopropyl alcohol solution and it worked really well. Especially if you are going to be applying it to any part of your windows. I don't know what isopropyl alcohol will do to your paint, so you might want to look into that first, because I never used it on cars, but I don't think it causes any damage.
This also depends on if you have a full 1 piece graphic or not. If there are a lot of little parts to it, it's defenitly easier to remove bubbles if it isn't completley set.
Some people actually just use water, but I find that it takes way too long to dry. In a pinch, i like to use an ammonia free window cleaner. It's safe on the car paint and it won't ruin the vinyl. Plus it dries relativley quickly. I would recommend though that no matter what solution you use, let your car sit for at least 24 hours before driving anywhere. This will give the vinyl a chance to settle and tack themselves to your car. Remember, if you get the adhesive wet, it isn't going to tack right away. This gives you a chance to adjust the stickers if need be. But there is always a chance that driving right away will adjust them if they are still wet.
Just take your time with it and it'll be fine. On bigger stickers, try to start in the middle of it. It sounds hard, but it'll be a lot easier to line the sticker up without adding creases. If you just peel back half of the paper part, then you can start in the center without having to adjust anything.
If you have smaller sticker or some really long ones (like the length of the car) then use some masking tape and tape it to the car before you begin. Then start at one end and peel just a little back. Then you don't have to worry about the other end falling on the ground or something. Just work your way back and take a little at a time off of the backing.
It really isn't as hard as it sounds. You'll do fine.
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Scion Evolution
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 792
From: WA
Yeah, I don't know about it on paint. I know it works great when applying to banners and stuff.
I have heard that rubbing alcohol works wonders on minor scratch removal. So that might be an alternative.
I have heard that rubbing alcohol works wonders on minor scratch removal. So that might be an alternative.
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AlphaSquad
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Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 6,663
From: Sumner, WA
Looks good. Are you going to powder coat the lips on your rims? I know a ton of people in cali w/ those wheels & they powder coated the lips a diff. color & it looks hot
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Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 470
From: Silverdale, WA
I have the stuff that we need for the vinyl install. Don't worry, we'll take care of it.
Make sure you bring your camera tomorrow night. Are you still planning on coming out.
Make sure you bring your camera tomorrow night. Are you still planning on coming out.
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 14,570
From: University Place, WA
When the 3M paint protection film (clear urethane) was put on the front of my xB (professional installation), the film and the paint surface were kept wetted with a 50/50 mix of water and isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol...I asked. 
