How to Apply Vinyl Lettering
The centre-hinge method. Video by Lettering.com.
Step by step
Your lettering comes in three layers: backing paper at the back, the vinyl letters, and clear transfer tape on the front. The transfer tape holds the letters in place until they are on the surface.
Key to the drawings
- Backing paper
- Vinyl letters
- Transfer tape (clear)
- Masking tape
1Clean the surface
Spray the surface and wipe it clean. Use water and a little washing-up liquid only. No glass cleaner, no other chemicals. Then dry it fully.
Vinyl does not stick to dust, grease or a wet surface.
2Put it in position
Hold the lettering on the surface with the backing paper still on. Measure down to the bottom edge at both ends, so it sits level.
3Make the hinge
Run a strip of masking tape down the middle, top to bottom, over the lettering and onto the surface. This holds the position while you work on each half.
4Peel one half
Fold one half over the hinge, so its backing paper faces up. Peel the backing paper off that half, back to the hinge. Cut it off along the hinge with scissors.
Keep the sticky side off the surface until you fold it back down.
5Squeegee from the middle out
Fold the half back down onto the surface. Start at the hinge and press outwards in firm, overlapping strokes. This pushes the air out to the edge.
6Do the other half
Take the hinge tape off. Fold the other half over, peel off the rest of the backing paper, then fold it down and squeegee from the middle out.
7Peel off the transfer tape
Start at one end. Peel the clear tape back slowly, folded almost flat against itself. The letters stay on the surface.
If a letter comes up with the tape, lay the tape back down, press that letter hard, and peel again.
Then leave it
Rub over each letter once more with your thumb. Do not wash the surface for two days, so the adhesive can settle.
If something goes wrong
- There is a small air bubble
- Press it out to the nearest edge with your thumb or the card. If it stays, make a tiny hole in it with a pin and press the air out.
- The letters do not let go of the transfer tape
- Squeegee again over the whole design, with more pressure. Then peel the tape slower and flatter.
- It is crooked
- Fix it before you peel the backing paper. Once the vinyl touches the surface, it is very hard to lift it again without stretching it.
- It is very cold or very hot outside
- Apply it on a mild day, out of direct sun. Vinyl sticks badly to a cold surface, and a hot surface makes it grab before you are ready.
Stuck? Call us before you peel.
Phone (08) 9335 2255 or email sales@docuprint.com.au.