Well, not really an installation but my YotaTech.com sticker is now on the Runner.

I'm a little disappointed because I used the wrong reference to calibrate how even the sticker would be. As a result, it's a little crooked. I don't like that, but it still looks fine/good I guess. I hate applying stickers, I shoulda had the gf do it. It would have been straight at least

 

It looks good Al.
I don't think I'd chance it by trying to take it off.

I have bad luck with stickers anyway, so when I get ready to take off the prototype, I'm driving down to Nichol's Designs and have him or his daughter put my new one on.

I like the model with the one underline also.

 

is it possible to have a writeup on the sticker??

 

Haha. I would, but clearly, it would be too much for me to type up.

Here's the most important thing to proper sticker installation:

* Don't ask or get me to do it. *

 

I guess I can do some sticker write-ups...... I don't do stickers for living so they are just my personal experience.... Corey, if you want, you are more then welcome to use it on Yotatech.

The following is only a general guideline since different vinyl materials have different dry time / applying methods but this should work on most cases.

Dry Application (Small graphics, any surface)
===============================
1. Clean the surface
2. Peel off backing off sticker and make sure the vinyl sticker is still on the application tape.
3. Place the sticker on the sruface and sqeegee the center of the sticker with either a sqeegee or a credit card.
4. Sqeegee from center to edges until the sticker has a good contact with surface. Don't start from edges or you'll get bubbles.
5. Slowly peel tape of at an angle.
6. Squeegee out any leftover bubbles.
7. If there are small bubbles left just have it sit under sun for some time and they'll disappear.


Wet Application (Large graphics, non-glass surface)
====================================
1. Clean the surface.
2. Peel off backing off sticker.
3. Spray the cleaned surface and the tacky part w/ application fluid.
4. Place the sticker on the surface and slide it into position.
5. Sqeegee out the fluid and bubbles from the center first and work your way to the edge.
6. Let the sticker sit for at least 5 min, then spray the top of the sticker w/ application fluid to neutralize the glue from the sticker. Squeegee again.
7. Very slowly and carefully peel tape off at an angle.
8. Sqeegee out any leftover bubbles.
9. Use blow dryer or heat gun to dry edges.
10. Let the sticker sit for 24 hours.


Usually I do dry application unless the graphic is large. If you do want to do wet application on glass you'll have to wait a little bit longer before you can remove the application tape.

Now here are some trade secrets......

Signmaker's Glass/Surface Cleaner
=========================
50% white vinegar and 50% water. This will remove oil and silicon from glass. I use the same thing to clean my glass after washing my rig. Don't smell good though...

Application Fluid
===========
People are using this recipe to make $$ so I hope I don't get myself in trouble by posting it here. The idea is using a soapy water. Use either Ivory dish washing liquid or baby shampoo. Don't use anything else since others contain silicon!! 10 drops with 32 oz of water. Add 4 oz of denatured alcohol (not rubbing alcohol) to make it dry faster. This will work on doing your own sticker as well as tinting windows.

Let me know if you guys have any other questions!!

Jeffrey

 

Jeff, that sounds good.
I'll stick it on a page and include the link on the sticker page.

The shop who put mine on used Toulene on my window I think to take the dirt off.
Very nasty smelling stuff.

He was going to include an instruction sheet he said with each order, but I don't know if he did or not.

Your info will help for sure.
Corey

PS, Jeff, check your PM here.

 

Thanks Jeffery for the great hints and all. I am looking into getting my yotatech decal and a set of TRD decals here soon and I know that your little write up there will help me alot when the time comes. I was planning on having a shop do the TRD ones b/c they go on thebody, but now I might just try it myself. Thanks again.

 

Great sticker tips. You may want to add using a single edge razor to scrape the glass using the cleaner or application fluid. Exterior glass usually has fallout and micro bumps that telegraph through the sticker vinyl...good idea on the denatured alcohol.
butnut

 

HBOSS, loks good. Did you put one on the other side of your rig too?

 

No, but that's not a bad idea. I might do that later on.

 

Forgot to mention that if anyone is looking for commercial application fluid/cleaner/remover RapidTac is my personal favorite.

http://www.rapidtac.com

They are nice people and if you send them an email asking for some samples they'll send you few 4oz bottles and a squeegee for you to try out their products!!!

Jeffrey