Important

Please thoroughly and carefully read these instructions — failure to do so may result in permanent damage to your decal. 

 

Unfortunately, installing a large vinyl decal is not as simple as “peel and stick.” Many variables can cause damage to your decal before, during, and after installation. Understanding how our decals are constructed and what variables can affect the decal will significantly improve your installation experience. Please visit www.acorngfx.com/support for installation videos and additional information. 

 

Due to the many variables that can affect installation, we do not offer any warranties on our decals, nor do we offer refunds or replacements for decals damaged during or after installation. If your decal is damaged during or after installation, we will off you a discount to purchase a replacement within ninety (90) days from the original purchase date. 

 

We highly recommend having a professional install your decal.

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Package Arrival

Your decal will arrive rolled-up, face-out inside our 100% recyclable shipping tube and box. Please get in touch with us before installing your decal if there is visible damage to the decal itself. The extra release liner and transfer tape around the decal is designed to protect the decal during shipping and may be damaged — this will not affect the installation of your decal. 

 

After inspection, we highly recommend that you roll the decal face-out (just like it was shipped) inside the shipping tube until the day of installation. This will help keep the transfer tape from delaminating from the decal. Store the decal out of direct sunlight in a cool, dry, climate-controlled area until the day of installation.

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Returns, Exchanges & Refunds

Your decal will arrive rolled-up, face-out inside our 100% recyclable shipping tube and box. Please get in touch with us before installing your decal if there is visible damage to the decal itself. If the decal arrives damaged, we will replace the decal at no additional charge. We will not offer replacements or refunds for decals that have been damaged during or after installation. 

 

The extra release liner and transfer tape around the decal is designed to protect the decal during shipping and may be damaged, which will not affect the installation of your decal. 

 

After inspection, we highly recommend that you roll the decal face-out (just like it was shipped) inside the shipping tube until the day of installation. This will help keep the transfer tape from delaminating from the decal. Store the decal out of direct sunlight in a cool, dry, climate-controlled area until the day of installation.

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Professional vs. Self Installation

We highly recommend hiring a professional to install your decal. Most tint, sign, or wrap companies will install our decals for a fee. A professional will have the experience and additional tools and have a climate-controlled area to complete the installation. Please ask them to review these instructions before installation. Most professional installers will use the dry/hinge method as it’s the quickest method to complete the installation. If the wet method is used, it may take up to 12 hours to complete the installation.

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Installation Methods

There are many ways to install vinyl decals, but we recommend one of the two methods: the wet installation method and the dry/hinge installation method. Determining which method to use will depend on your confidence/experience level and environmental conditions.

 

Wet Method

The wet installation takes the most time to complete (up to 12 hours). However, it allows you to reposition and reapply the decal during installation, making it great for beginners. The temperature, humidity, and amount of application fluid used will determine the required amount of dry time. 

 

Dry/Hinge Method

The dry/hinge installation is the fastest method to install decals (average 20-90 minute installation times). However, unlike the wet method, you only have one attempt to get it positioned and installed. Once the decal touches the window surface, it cannot be removed without causing permanent damage.

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Decal Construction

Our decals are constructed in three layers: (1) the release liner, (2) the vinyl decal, and (3) the transfer tape. 

 

Release Liner

The release liner is a white (or blue if you ordered white vinyl) silicone-coated paper that protects the adhesive side of the decal during production, shipping, and installation. The release liner will be removed, either in whole or in part, during the installation and discarded. 

 

Decal (Vinyl Material)

The decal is sandwiched between the release liner and transfer tape and has a specially formulated clear, solvent-based adhesive coated on the back of the material.

 

Transfer Tape

The transfer tape is a transparent vinyl material with a medium-tack adhesive coating designed to adhere to the decal and keep the design together in one piece during installation. Once the decal is installed (and you have allowed enough dry time if you use the wet installation method), the transfer tape will be removed and discarded. 

 

Your decal will be produced with additional release liner and transfer tape around the outside edge of the decal. This material is intended to protect the decal during shipping and aid with the wet installation method. However, it may be trimmed up to the vinyl material with scissors before installation.

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Environmental Conditions

Many environmental factors can affect the decal before, during, and after installation, including the installation location, air temperature, window temperature, humidity level, wind, and window cleanliness.

 

Although we recommend installing the decal in an enclosed, climate-controlled environment (e.g., a garage or shop), the installation may be completed outside. If you are performing the installation outside, you want to choose a location out of direct sunlight and free from airborne contaminants (e.g., under a tree that sheds leaves/cotton or in the middle of a dirt field). 

 

The ideal air temperature and window temperature are between 60°F and 80°F. Temperatures above 80°F may cause the adhesive to become incredibly tacky and can warp the transfer tape and vinyl, making installation difficult. Temperatures below 60°F will cause the adhesive to lose its adhesive properties, causing the decal to not adhere to the window. 

 

The humidity level, combined with the air temperature, will determine the drying time required for the wet installation method. If the humidity is high and temperatures are low, dry times will be longer. The dry/hinge method is typically not affected by humidity. 

 

We do not recommend installing the decal while it is windy. You will not only be exposing the adhesive side of the vinyl to the open air, but you will also be holding part of the decal with one hand and performing the installation with the other (unless you have someone assisting you). 

 

Inadequate or incorrect cleaning is the number one cause of decal failure. Make sure you thoroughly clean the window with a non-residue, oil-free and ammonia-free glass cleaner. If there are stubborn contaminants, use a small amount of denatured alcohol (rubbing alcohol works too). You may also use a square-edge razor blade scraper to remove contaminants like tree sap, or tar — just be extremely careful not to scratch your window. Waxes, polishes, ceramic coats, or other vehicle treatments must be thoroughly removed from the surface of the window.

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Tools & Supplies

We have included an application squeegee with your purchase. However, the wet installation method will require additional tools and supplies, which include:

 

Application Fluid

The application fluid is a temporary lubricant that allows you to move the decal around or reapply the decal to the window. To create the mixture, you will need 7.5oz of water (we prefer distilled), 0.5 oz of denatured alcohol (rubbing alcohol will also work), and 1/16 tsp of dish soap. It is best to mix and use the solution in a clean spray bottle. 

 

Glass Cleaner

It is used to clean and prepare the window surface before installation. Use non-residue, oil-free, and ammonia-free glass cleaners only.

 

Clean, Lint-Free Paper Towels or Microfiber Cloths

It is used to clean the window and soak-up excess application fluid from around the outside of the decal during installation. 

 

Denatured Alcohol (Rubbing Alcohol)

It is used to clean stubborn contaminants from the window surface before installation.

 

Masking Tape

Used to help hold the decal in various places during installation. Any generic masking tape will work. 

 

Scissors/Razor Blade

It is used to trim excess release liner/transfer tape from around the outside edge of the decal (if desired).

 

Assistant

Find someone who can help you hold the decal and grab supplies during installation.

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Preparation

We recommend starting the wet installation method in the late evening, out of direct sunlight, and allowing the decal to dry overnight before removing the transfer tape. If you are performing the installation outside, check the weather to ensure no chance of rain, snow, or high winds are forecast for the day of and day after you plan to complete the installation. 

 

The ideal air and window surface temperatures are between 60°F and 80°F. Temperatures above 80°F may cause the adhesive to become incredibly tacky and can warp the transfer tape and vinyl material. Temperatures below 60°F can weaken the adhesive coatings, causing the decal to not adhere to the window. 

 

Drying times will vary widely but typically take 2-12 hours. The humidity level, air temperature, and amount of application fluid used will determine the drying time required. If the humidity is high, dry times will be longer. 

 

If you are completing the installation outside, only work on one decal at a time. Leave any additional decals inside a climate-controlled area and out of direct sunlight. Leaving the decal exposed to low/high temperatures or direct sunlight before installation may cause the transfer tape and vinyl material to delaminate and warp.

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Installation

If you purchased a set of decals (driver and passenger side), follow these steps individually for each decal:

 

Step 1

Un-box and unroll the decal inside a climate-controlled area and lay it face-up on a smooth, flat, clean surface. Using the squeegee at a 45° angle with moderate pressure, start in the center of the decal and squeegee towards the outside edges of the decal. This will help re-adhere any areas of the transfer tape that may have become delaminated from the decal.

 

Optional: Trim the excess release liner and transfer tape from around the outside edge of the decal. 

 

Step 2

Bring the decal to the vehicle and slowly begin peeling the transfer tape away from the release liner – you can do this on a table next to the vehicle or use the side of the vehicle. The decal should remain attached to the transfer tape and release from the release liner. If you come to a section or piece of the decal that remains on the release liner, stop peeling. Carefully roll the transfer tape back over that area and use the squeegee to re-adhere the section/piece. Continue removing the transfer tape with the decal attached until the release liner is completely separated.

 

Be very careful not to touch the adhesive side of the vinyl decal to anything.

 

Step 3

Mist the adhesive side of the decal with the application fluid and the window surface. You want a fine, even mist – don’t flood the decal or window with the fluid. Gently place the adhesive side of the decal onto the window. You should feel a little tack but still be able to position or remove and reapply the decal. Align the decal to the window – keeping in mind that it has been designed with a 1/8” offset from the outside edge of the window. In other words, the decal is 1/8” smaller than the actual window. Some decals come with installation guides (1/8” vinyl lines that follow the shape of the window), which will be removed after installation. 

 

Step 4

Once you have the decal positioned where you want it, use the squeegee at a 45° angle starting in the center of the decal and begin pushing the fluid towards the outside edges. Once you’ve gone over the decal with the squeegee, use a clean, lint-free paper towel to soak up excess fluid from around the outer edge of the transfer tape. Continue using the squeegee with moderate pressure to force as much fluid as possible out from under the decal/transfer tape. The more fluid you can get out, the faster the decal will dry – but keep in mind that you will not get all of the fluid out with the squeegee. 

 

Step 5

For the best results, allow the decal to dry overnight with the transfer tape still applied. Dry times can vary widely depending on the temperature and humidity. It can take up to 12 hours for your decal to dry before you can remove the transfer tape. 

 

Step 6

Once you’ve allowed the decal to dry, begin slowly and gently removing the transfer tape from the decal. If the decal remains adhered to the transfer tape, you may need to allow more time for the decal to dry. If the decal remains attached to the window, continue slowly removing the transfer tape. If a section or piece of the decal remains on the transfer tape, slowly roll the transfer tape back over the section/piece and use the squeegee to adhere it to the window. Continue this process until the transfer tape is completely removed. 

 

Step 7

With a clean, lint-free paper towel, soak up any remaining moisture around the decal. Allow the decal to continue drying for at least 72 hours before washing your vehicle or cleaning on and/or immediately around the decal. 

 

Your installation is now complete. Please allow at least 72 hours before washing your vehicle.

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Care & Maintenance

Air Bubbles

Tiny air bubbles are expected (especially with the dry/hinge method) but don’t worry; they will dissipate on their own over a few weeks. If they do not dissipate or are larger than 1/4” in diameter, you can use a pinhead to poke a tiny hole in the center of the bubble and work the air out.

 

Cleaning the Decal

Cleaning your decal is easy and prolongs their life expectancy when done correctly. We recommend cleaning your decal each time you wash your vehicle or when there is a build-up of dirt or contaminants around the vinyl material. 

 

Using clean, dry, lint-free paper towels and ammonia-free glass cleaner, lightly mist the decal/window with the glass cleaner and carefully wipe the surface with a paper towel — being cautious around the vinyl edges. Use another clean and dry piece of paper towel to absorb any remaining moisture. 

 

Besides ammonia-free glass cleaner, mild dish soap, or mild car wash soap on or near the decal, do not use any chemicals or cleaners. Although possible, most commercial car washes and residential pressure washers will not damage your decal. We do not recommend using extreme high-pressure or high-temperature pressure washers or automatic touch car washes as they may reduce the life expectancy and permanently damage the decal.  

 

Please note that small elements within a design are more susceptible

to damage than larger areas and may fall off over time. 

 

Maintaining the Decal

Although vinyl is a resilient material, it can fail due to various reasons. However, most failures are small and can be easily repaired at home. Most of our decals are intricate and contain small, sharp vinyl edges. These areas of the design are considered weak spots and are the most likely to fail. 

 

If you notice a piece of vinyl that is beginning to peel, use an Exacto-knife to trim it — but be careful not to scratch your window. For large areas that have failed, we encourage you to use your imagination and trim the vinyl in a way that compliments the design.

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Additional Feedback & Support

Thank you for supporting our small business — it truly means so much to us that you love our designs and craftsmanship. Please feel free to reach out anytime if you have questions, issues, or concerns regarding your new decals. 

 

If you are dissatisfied with our decals or service, please let us know. We'd love to have the opportunity to resolve any issues you may have. 

 

Please consider leaving us a review, tagging us in your social media posts, and following us on TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram — @acorngfx.