Choosing Your Installation Method
The instructional videos below cover three primary installation types.
- Quick Hinge: This method is speedy and great for small to medium-sized items.
- Full Hinge: It offers increased precision as the tape enables you to position your print accurately. This method is suitable for installing larger prints.
- Freestyle: Use this method for small stickers, repositionable adhesives, or if you have prior installation experience.
These methods work best for basic installations on smooth or slightly textured flat surfaces with subtle curves.
Typically, a squeegee isn’t necessary; you can use your hands. However, a squeegee is beneficial with certain material types and surfaces. They are available for purchase on our website at checkout.
For smaller items, a single person can handle the installation. However, for larger items, having a second person is advisable. They can assist in holding the item in place while the other person affixes it. If you don’t have a second person, you can use tape to secure the item in position as you work.
- If you have a very large print it’s recommended to use the Full Hinge method.
- Have a second person available to help hold the item if possible.
- Use painter’s tape or similar to hold the item while finding the correct position.
- If you encounter some wrinkles or the vinyl is bunching up in areas. You should be able to lift the vinyl from the surface a bit to remove wrinkles and continue. This may be more difficult on certain paint types or high energy surfaces.
Follow our surface preparation steps if you do not have installation experience.
Quick Hinge
This method offers a quick and straightforward approach to installing a vinyl print. Essentially, you expose a section of the adhesive as you locate the correct (or close-to-correct) position. Once you’ve anchored your hinge in that initial spot, you can proceed with the installation until you reach the end.
Horizontal (Landscape) Item
Use this method for print items that have a width greater than the height.
Vertical (Portrait) Item
Use this method for print items that have a height greater than the width.
We recommend using the Vertical Item method if your item has equal width and height dimensions, such as a perfect square or circle, provided that there is no curvature on your surface.
Full Hinge
The hinge method, while not the fastest way to install, offers a more precise alternative to the quick hinge installation. You’ll need to use tape to secure sections and create a vertical or horizontal tape divider to act as a hinge. We’ll demonstrate this method, but in most cases, especially for repositionable print installations, it might be more than you need.
Horizontal (Landscape) Item
Use this method for print items that have a width greater than the height.
Vertical (Portrait) Item
Use this method for print items that have a height greater than the width.
We recommend using the Vertical Item method if your item has equal width and height dimensions, such as a perfect square or circle, provided that there is no curvature on your surface.
Freestyle
Get ready, folks! This method might seem bold, but when executed correctly, it’s quick and efficient. Here’s the scoop: you peel off the entire backing liner and go in without any cover. Just keep in mind that it’s repositionable (unless you are using a super aggressive adhesive – on a high surface energy installation), so as long as your surface and hands are clean, you won’t mess up the adhesive.
And remember, don’t let that sticky side make contact with itself. If you’re dealing with a big item, having an extra set of hands can be a lifesaver.
Horizontal (Landscape) Item
Use this method for print items that have a width greater than the height.
Vertical (Portrait) Item
Use this method for print items that have a height greater than the width.
We recommend using the Vertical Item method if your item has equal width and height dimensions, such as a perfect square or circle, provided that there is no curvature on your surface.
