ANSWERS TO FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT ADHESIVE
VINYL INSTALLATION :
Q - How do I line up rally stripes so they are straight?
A - Take a piece of rope or string and run it from the front of the
car to the back. Center the string and secure it. Using the string
as a benchmark measure out both ways the distance you want you stripes to
be apart. For example, if you want your stripes to be 2 inches apart
you simply measure an inch each way and then make marks along where the inside
of the stripe will go with a crayon. When you lay your stripes down
do not put them over your marks since adhesive will not adhere to wax. Instead
go out a fraction of an inch from the marks. You can also use masking tape and run it from the front of the car to the back. If you want your stripes an inch apart use one inch masking tape. Once the tape is in place apply the stripes right up against it.
Q - How do I keep from scratching the stripes with the squeegee after they
are in position?
A - Spray a little of the soapy water solution on top of the stripe. This
makes it easier to squeegee the stripe down and also keeps the squeegee from
scratching the stripe. Also, wrapping a cloth around the squeegee will also prevent scratches.
Q - Can I still wax and wash my car like normal?
A - Yes, just be careful not to aim a high pressure sprayer directly at the
edge of the stripes at a close distance. Also, be careful when using
a power buffer. It would probably be best to hand wash the car and
hand wax it. At least around the stripes.
Q - How long should the stripes last?
A - The kits are cut from a 6 year vinyl but the actual longevitiy of the
stripe depends on how much it is exposed to the elements. Stripes on
a car that is kept inside will far outlast those on a car left in the sun
and rain all day. Some will go longer than 6 years and some less.
Q - How do I remove adhesive vinyl from my car?
A - Take a hair dryer and heat up the stripe starting at one end. Peel
up an edge and then while keeping the stripe warm slowly pull the vinyl off
the car. The older the stripe the more brittle it may have become and
thus the more difficult it may be to remove. After the decal or stripe
is removed excess adhesive can be taken off with Goo Gone or Bug and Tar
Remover.
Q - I sprayed the car and the back of the stripe with the soapy water, applied and squeegeed it on, but when I go to pull off the transfer tape the stripe wants to come up with the tape.
A - You need to let the soapy water completely evaporate before pulling off the transfer tape. I will often let a decal sit for 30 minutes just to give it plenty of evaporation and adhesion time. I also will spray the surface of the transfer tape and run a squeegee across it to help it release from the decal. Also, make sure to NEVER use too much soap in the water for your soapy water mix. Use only a few drops per 16 - 20 ounces. It only takes a little. Make sure to clean the application area really well with alcohol. Especially if the car has be recently waxed. Trying to apply vinyl to fresh wax is like trying to stick a decal to a teflon coated pan.
Q - The stripe tends to crinkle when I pull it off the wax backing.
A - Lay the stripe face down on a flat surface and peel the backing off the stripe. This will minimize any creasing. Most creases will come out when the stripes heat up in the sun.
Q - I put my stripes on and drove the car and they started to come off.
A - The stripes either have not dried long enough or you used too much soap in the soapy water mix. Do not exceed 1/4 teaspoon per 16 ounces of water. Test the leading edges of your stripes before driving. It normally only takes 30 - 60 minutes for them to dry.