Do Not let decal paper backing paper get wet at any time previous to removal. This will leave paper fragments in your adhesive and will be visible from the front side of graphic, especially ones printed on clear. This IS NOT COVERED BY WARRANTY OR A STRIPE DEFECT.

  Stripes / Decals should be installed by qualified person / professional. If you are unsure of placement please see pictures or diagrams on appropriate pages. 

Do Not let anything touch the back of the decal after exposed, especially fingers (most important with stripes printed on clear).  Hold stripe by liner only.  Large decals SHOULD NOT be applied to fresh paint that is still out-gassing (small solvent bubbles may occur in decal - This is NOT covered by warranty).  2-3 days recommended if baked, 5-7 if air cured.  See paint manufactures guidelines for specific times.

    Prep vehicle based on condition.  New paint should be cleaned with an alcohol wipe to remove any dirt or compounds. Factory or non-new paint should be prepped with a "tar, wax and grease remover" prior to cleaning with alcohol.  After cleaning, tack dust or lint off vehicle prior to installation (most kits are printed on clear, allowing dust or dirt to show through).

    Decal shall be applied with a soapy water solution (6-10 drops of non fragranced dish soap, not squirts, per quart of water) in a spray bottle.  Usually cooler weather the low end of soap drops and the warmer the higher number of drops. Ivory or Dawn are suggested for soaps.  Up to 10% of alcohol can added to solution depending on weather conditions to aid in drying.  Test by spraying on glass, mixture should sheet, not separate into droplets.  If decal grabs too aggressively, add more soap one drop at a time until correct mixture for your conditions is achieved.  Too much soap can compromise the strength of the adhesive.

    After vehicle is cleaned and tacked of any dust or lint build up, remove decal backing and spray both vehicle and adhesive side of decal.  Set in place and work out soapy-water solution with a squeegee evenly from the center out.  Remove liner off decal after sufficient setup and dry time has occurred.  Wetting liner can help lessen its grip for an easier removal.

Decal Care Instructions.

    Stripes should be cared for the same way as your paint.  They can be waxed for added protection.  Make sure the wax says that it is vinyl graphic safe.  Most waxes or paint care products without abrasives are safe.  Always rub with the stripe, not against or across.  Never aim a high pressure washer or air nozzle close to or directly at your stripe.  Remember, if it can hurt your paint or skin, it can hurt your stripe.

Decal removal Instructions.

    Removal of decals varies based on condition of striping on the vehicle.  In general the newer the decal the easier they are to remove and the least amount of image left behind.  Experience is really the only way to assess the best way to remove a stripe, if even possible.  Here are some suggestions though.

    If a stripe is still soft, pliable and not dried out, removal can be done with a heat gun and some pulling.  Gently warm the area ahead of you and pull on the stripe with and shallow stretching motion.  Do not pull out and away from the vehicle (such as at a 90 degree angle) for this will leave behind more glue for you to clean off.  After stripe is removed use a solvent such as Xylol or Xylene which can be found at most hardware stores.  Be careful however, this usually won't hurt factory paint,  but it might damage repaints.  Test an area first.  If the rag drags on the paint or starts to leave marks, use a milder solvent.  Soak the glue area till it softens with a solvent wet rag.  Rub glue to remove. Repeat till glue is gone.  A vinyl squeegee may help to scrape or wipe softened glue off, but use extreme caution.

    If stripe is dry and or cracked, a vinyl and adhesive removal tool, such as the 2 versions by 3M, will be needed.  They can be used by a do it yourselfer, but is better left to a professional at a stripe specialty facility such as Auto Trim Design.  These methods can quickly damage paint (especially older or repaints) if not familiar with there effects.  After stripe and glue is removed with removal wheels, there will be some glue residue that will need to be cleaned in the same manner listed above.  Older stripe however will leave a scar in the paint that will either need to be recovered or repainted.  Adding a little rubbing compound to your final cleaning rag will help diminish the scar and equalize the difference from the exposed paint and the stripe covered paint.

    Most importantly, be careful,  use gloves with any solvents and work in a well ventilated area.  Never use a razor blade of any kind to remove stripes or decals.  They can leave nasty gouges and cuts in both you and your paint.