Application Instructions

Download Application Instructions Here!

IMPORTANT! READ THIS SECTION IMMEDIATELY -- YOUR WARRANTY REQUIRES IT!

Inspect you order IMMEDIATELY upon receipt. Do not leave it in the box until the application date -- by then it will be too late for us to fix any problems that you may encounter.

Do not try to "fix" suspect graphics during application. If you or your applicator is concerned about the condition of the graphics, call NOW. Do not attempt to apply them! We are not able to replace graphics without inspecting them first-hand, and this is impossible once they are applied to the car.

Store graphics flat until application. The longer they stay rolled up, the more difficult to get them flat for application.

Read and follow the application instructions. Even if you or your applicator has applied graphics for decades, our instructions contains specific information on preparing the surface and care of the applied graphics. We have found that many "problems" occur in cases where applicators disregard our instructions.

When in doubt, call us. We have found that most misunderstandings about application and product quality can be avoided with a little communication up front.

Part I - Before Application

Paint curing. Insure that the vehicle's paint has cured. Insufficient curing will cause bubbling of applied graphics. For specific technical information on specific paints, call your body shop or refer to the paint's specifications.

Washing the vehicle. Do not wash the vehicle for 24 hours prior to the application. Water can remain in cracks and seams of the body for extended periods, causing adhesion problems.

Application temperature. Do not attempt to apply graphics in temperatures under 60 degrees F. Graphics will not adhere to cold surfaces.

Clean the vehicle - all surfaces must be considered contaminated and must be cleaned prior to application. Cleaning must be done according to these instructions! Saturate a clean cloth with a petroleum distillate-based cleaner such as DuPont Prep-Sol Cleaner 3919S or Sherwin Williams R7-K156 Sher-Will-Clean and wipe the surface. Dry the surface with a lint-free cloth before the solvent. evaporates. Any of the following solvents may be used, however they should be tested first since they may dull some painted surfaces: Xylol, lacquer thinner, VM&P Naptha or 3M Adhesive Cleaner. Dry the surface before solvent evaporation. 3M technical guidelines DO NOT support the use of any other products; failure to follow these guidelines will void your Grafix Shoppe warranty.

On to Part 2