How to Install Your Car or Boat Graphic – JoyRide Graphics

 

Overview

Applying JoyRide Graphics to any surface is not difficult.  Please read the following tips, tricks and guidelines.  If you are unsure of your ability to install your graphics, please consult a sign shop or your local marina or auto shop for help.

 

General Tips

JoyRide Graphics should NOT BE APPLIED to extremely hot or extremely cold surfaces.  The surface should be at least 40F degrees.

The adhesive side of your graphic should remain clean and untouched to allow the adhesive to fully bond with your surface.

 

Step 1: Collect Your Tools

Vinyl squeegee
X-actor knife
Scissors
Measuring tape
2" wide masking tape or painters tape
Spray bottle filled with water and dish washing solution (1/2 teaspoon of dish soap to a full bottle of water)
One or two assistants (optional)

 

Step 2: Surface Preparation

Clean the surface to which you will be applying your JoyRide graphic.  The surface should be clean and dry before beginning.

 

Step 3: Prepare Your Graphic

Unroll your graphic and allow it to stretch out.  You may need to place books on the graphic and give it some time to flatten.

 

Step 4:  Apply Your Graphic

Lay your JoyRide Graphic on a flat surface with the wax paper backing up. Carefully and slowly peel the wax paper off at a 45 degree angle, starting at one corner, until it is completely removed from the graphic.
Thoroughly spray the surface with your soap and water solution where applying the graphic.

Position your graphic with the transfer tape still in place on your surface. Slide the graphic into position and align it as you wish.  The soap and water solution that you sprayed will allow you to easily slide your graphic into place before the adhesive on the back side of the vinyl has a chance to stick.

Start from the center of your graphic and squeegee upwards. Now go back to the center of the graphic and squeegee down to the bottom. Now go back to the center of the graphic and continue this upward and downward squeegee motion as you work from the center of the graphic to one side or the other. Go back to the center of the graphic and repeat this process as you work toward to opposite end of the graphic. Repeat this process across the entire section of the graphic until all of the soap and water solution has been squeegeed out from under the actual vinyl graphic.

Work out any bubbles in the graphic using your squeegee.  Some installers use a pin to poke a hole in larger bubbles and release any air.

Allow the graphic to sit for 20 to 30 minutes before attempting to remove the transfer tape.

Spray the transfer tape with your soap and water solution and let it soak in for 2 to 3 minutes. This will soften the transfer tape and make it easier to remove. Slowly and carefully peel off the transfer tape at a 45 degree angle leaving the actual vinyl graphic on the boat.

If need be, use a standard hair blow dryer to speed up the drying time.  Hold the dryer a minimum of 12" from the transfer tape and move the dryer over the entire surface of the section you are working with for 3 to 5 minutes.

Step 5: Pat Yourself on the Back, Share a Beer and Show Off Your Graphic

Get out on the road or get out on the water and strut your stuff!  AND BE SURE TO SEND US PICTURES!