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These
decals are simple to apply! There is certainly more information here than you will need, but because we want you to get the most from your
purchase, we have overly detailed two methods and care instructions. Enjoy!
Your new
decal is made of high-performance cast vinyl material with an acrylic
adhesive that is built to endure years (3-7) of exposure to the elements, UV
light, and sunlight without peeling, fading, cracking, or shrinking.
INSTRUCTIONS
FOR VINYL DECALS
You should read these instructions all the way through before
starting.
The surface must be clean, and free of all oils, waxes and dirt. Use
windex or a comparable cleaner to clean glass or surface. For cars, if you use rainex, try
formula 409 to remove it. For drums and other surfaces I also use Rubbing
Alcohol, but always test first on an
inconspicuous area.
These decals come to you in three layers.
The
Top layer is
called transfer tape. It looks either like clear plastic or somewhat like regular masking tape.
The
Middle layer is the actual
decal.
The
Bottom layer is a backing paper
treated with a release agent.
Note:
WE have found that applying to a head stretched on a drum is just as
easy as a head alone, straight out of the box. But when it comes to
squeegeeing the decal, we put a phonebook under the head area, to create a
firm work surface.
Application
using the Dry Transfer Method:
easy
for decals smaller than 10”x10”
You will need big needle, and a credit card or
similar plastic squeegee (we sell great squeegees for just $2.00 see order
page) .
Try to apply at room temperature or above, the warmer it is, the
better it works, but not in direct sunlight.
Take credit card (squeegee) and flatten decal from both sides by rubbing over
top. Work from the center out!. Do not work from just left end to right end.
Make sure all bubbles are out as much as possible.
Look to see if the Decals are cut to be placed on the
inside or the outside.
Turn decal upside down and pull backing off, SLOWLY. The
backing is the heavier gauge paper -usually white or light blue. Using needle, pushpin, or similar
pointed object, hold edges of letters and all small areas while pulling away
backing. If a letter moves, just position back in place by pushing backing
down and move letter back to original position. At an angle, you can
see an impression of each line in the backing from when it was cut.
Choose
where you want the decal, once you start to stick it, it cannot be pulled up
and repositioned!. So make sure you place it correctly, right from the
start.
Position decal and flatten from the center out. Use credit card
again to flatten as much as possible. If the credit card is too bendy, try
holding two together. The transfer tape will allow you to rub the Decal
without damaging it.
Peel back edge of transfer tape slowly, watching for small
letters and corners to make sure they are stuck to drumhead, and not to tape.
Take your fingers and check all edges and make sure they are
tight. If you have an air bubble, use a pin and poke a small hole, allowing
air to escape. The bubbles may disappear after a day or two.
Once the decal touches the
dry surface, it cannot be moved again!
Application
using the WET Transfer Method:
What
We Recommend for Most Decals
This
method allows you more freedom to correct placement and helps keep small
bubbles out of your logo. This is especially important if your logo has
large solid areas.
First
grab an absorbant paper/cloth towel. Check out our
ready to use spray bottle of Decal application fluid for $3.00. no muss- no
fuss (goto order page).or
Homemade recipe- Mix
a gallon or so of water with a few drops of dishwashing liquid. Use a spray
bottle and wet the area where decal is to be applied. Get it really wet and
keep it wet until your happy with placement!
Trim away the transfer tape so that the tape is about (within
1/2") the size as the decal. Remove the backing and place the decal,
still attached to the transfer tape, to the thoroughly wetted surface. The
decal can now be moved and repositioned correctly, as it will
"float" and slide on the
thin film of solution trapped between the vinyl decal and the surface. If it
starts to dry and you're still working, lift and rewet! This especially
helpful in Hot Weather because once it dries it'll stick and stay. If
you are doing a curved surface decal and need to curve the letters, cut the tape
between the letters about 3/4 of the way from top to bottom with a knife and
position the letters where needed.
DO NOT
cut all the way through as this will mess up the spacing between the
letters.
When the decal is in the final location, use a small squeegee,
credit card to squeeze the water and detergent solution out from under the
decal. Always squeegee from the center to the outsides. The transfer tape will protect the Decal during this process.
CAUTION!
Be sure to squeegee as much solution as possible from under the
Decal. Take your time, because if not enough solution is removed from under
the Decal, it will not adhere to the surface enough to allow the easy
removal of the transfer tape.
Although a Squeege is the recommend tool, the water can be also
removed using the fingers, or a soft cloth. When through with the
squeegee, the transfer tape can be carefully removed. Work the Decal
with your fingers, and a soft, absorbent cloth around the edges to remove
any remaining solution. Warm weather is best for this application, but Hot
weather can dry the solution before you're ready.
If there are bubbles present under the Decal that cannot be
removed by working them to the edge of the Decal with your fingers, then a
small pin or needle can be used to puncture the Decal at the bubble, and
remove the air. A small pin hole will not be seen after the air bubble has
been worked out with the fingers.
Maintenance:
Decals on
drums can be cleaned but be wary of sharp edges that can grab a towel and
start to lift. Blotting works best. This vinyl seems to do just fine with
just about any surface cleaner. and is probably much less picky than your
head. So always test first if your unsure.
For Window applications, In colder climates, Decals can be
damaged by the scraping of frost or ice from the windows. Mild window
cleaner may be used to clean the windows without damage to the Decal.
On painted surfaces of vehicles, care must be taken when
waxing. Wax will build up around the edges of the Decal, and will need to be
removed. Use a soft cloth, and take your time, and be gentle. A brush, for
example will force the wax underneath the edge of the Decal, and the Decal
will begin to peel. The Decal will not be damaged by normal use of
automotive car wash products, or water. Although the decals will
withstand pressure washers, and automatic car washes, These will reduce the
life and appearance of the Decal. The Decals will not last forever, but
will give many years of service if taken care of.
Removing
Vinyl Decals
On your
drumhead, start by warming up the adhesive in the decal with a hair dryer.
then gently peeling off with your fingernails or a credit card. To remove
excess adhesive residue, We use rubbing alcohol, but with such a cleaner,
always test to make sure it doesn't cloud your shiny head surface.
The application of
this vinyl Decal is fairly simple, but requires a degree of dexterity, and
concentration. If you feel you cannot apply this Decal yourself, you can
mail us your head and we can apply it for free (you pay shipping) We cannot be responsible
for replacing Decals that have been damaged during home application.
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