Decal Installation Instructions for
AVERY Graphics “EZ” Films & 3M Controltac Films

Avery Vehicle Wrap Installation Instructions for Adobe Reader Step by step installation guide with images:

Installation Guide: Basic
Application Type: DRY method

IMPORTANT: THIS IS NOT A WET APPLICATION The material of your graphics is designed specifically to be installed dry. The material your decals are comprised of are a Pressure Sensitive High Performance Vinyl. This EZ Feature is a performance attribute and renders the application process easier to install for the applicator than most other types of vinyl.

Material Type: Avery Dennison films MPI 1005 EZ or MPI 1007EZ Pressure Sensitive Vinyl with DOL 1000 Laminate

3M Controltac with air release technology

Application Tools:
1. Squeegee
2. Low Friction Sleeve: Smooth cloth to wrap squeegee, this prevents scratching of decal during application
3. Razor Knife: Exacto or similar (Sharp new blade)
4. Masking Tape: 1” or 2” width is appropriate
5. Tape Measure
6. Marking Pencil: Grease pencil if possible
7. Air Release Tool (Straight Pin)
8. Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA): Depending on surface condition you may need other solvents see: Cleaning and Preparation below.

SURFACE PREPARATION:
Proper cleaning and preparation of substrate prior to decal application is critical to the success of the decal. The following cleaning and surface preparation conditions must be followed immediately prior to application. Failure to adhere to these requirements can cause adhesion and therefore reduce the durability and performance level of the decal. The following paint manufacturer requirements can lead to decal failures and/ or removal problems.

Cleaning Preparation
Pre cleaning recommendations (before preparation) The surface to which Avery Dennison films are applied must be completely cleaned, smooth, and dry before final preparation.
• Remove all dirt and grime with a commercial detergent solution and water
• If grease, oil, wax etc. are present, the substrate must be scrubbed with a solvent wipe isopropyl alcohol (IPA) and or other solvents if necessary ie: (Xylene, heptane, ethylacetate.)

CAUTION: prior to cleaning with solvents, test the cleaning solvent on an inconspicuous area of the application surface to check for potential damage from solvent usaeage.

Final surface cleaning and preparation
• After proper cleaning, the substrate surface should be thoroughly wiped using a clean rag saturated with a cleaner such as rubbing alcohol or windex
• After thoroughly wiping with the cleaner, dry wipe the surface completely using a clean, soft, lint-free cloth before the solvent evaporates. NOTE: there must be no dirt, oil, grease or solvent residue remaining on the substrate prior to decal installation. “SQUEAKY CLEAN”
Decal application size- under 8 square feet

1. Ensure that the application surface is clean and dry before application of any graphic film
2. Be sure the air, film and substrate are within the temperature range recommended for the film. The recommended application temperature for optimal performance and ease of use is 60-72 degrees Fahrenheit. The surface should be out of direct sunlight, indoors in a well lighted clean environment.
3. Experiment with what tool and technique works best before applying graphics. EZ series films are designed to work with a variety of tools and techniques. Whatever the tool or technique, it is important to use enough pressure to make sure the graphic adheres to the substrate. NOTE_ pre masked graphics require additional pressure.
4. Overlap all strokes by about 50%
5. If a squeegee is used, hold it at a 50-70 degree angle to the surface. The flatter the squeegee the better
6. Locate where to position the graphics and mark the spot using either a grease pencil or small piece of masking tape.
7. If the graphics are less than 8 square feet, remove the entire liner. Position the graphic on the marked points using light tacking pressure.
8. If the graphics are large, tape it into position securely with masking tape and use the masking tape hinge method
9. Squeegee the film using moderately firm overlapping strokes, making sure the applicator (squeegee) edge is flat with the substrate along the entire length of the stroke.
10. Remove air bubbles and tenting around rivets by using an air release tool. (straight pin)

Final squeegee pass
1. Wait at least 10 minutes after application to allow the adhesion to build a functioning bond level.
2. remove pre-mask
3. re-squeegee all graphic edges, overlaps and seams (if any) using firm pressure. Use a squeegee with a low friction sleeve to prevent scratching or damage to the decal.
4. Re-squeegee is an absolute must on ALL edges of the decal.

Decal application size- over 8 square feet

1. Application temperature: minimum surface/ambient air application temp- 45F (7 C) flat surfaces with/without rivets 50 F (10 C) for corrugated surfaces. Maximum application temperature: 100 F (38 C)
2. measure and position the decal, use masking tape to hold it in place. It is a good idea to mark the position of the panel in case the graphic comes loose using a grease pencil or a small piece of masking tape. Make sure the graphic is completely smooth and taut.
3. Determine the best starting point based on the shape of the vehicle and the graphic elements to be applied. At this point the liner can be removed to expose the adhesive on the desired starting area. (it is not necessary to remove the entire liner at once, in fact it is usually better to remove it at bit at a time as you squeegee)
4. Hold the decal smooth and taught, away from the application surface with one hand and squeegee horizontally from the center towards the outer edges. Continue squeegeeing , using firm, overlapping strokes from the center, out working away from the starting point.
5. Re-squeegee the entire decal using very firm squeegee pressure, including all edges. Puncture any air bubbles with a straight pin and re-squeegee from the edge of the bubble towards the puncture hole. (note- Avery films with the “EZ” feature usually do not require making a hole to eliminate bubbles, just squeegee the bubbles or apply pressure with a finger or thumb)