Applying Vehicle Graphics: Tools

Series Summary

Vehicles of all types have custom decals and graphics. Police cars have unique graphics in addition to their paint job and lights. Other emergency services, like ambulances and fire trucks, have their own distinct looks that are accomplished, in part, by their decals and graphics. Many people use decals and other graphics to personalize their vehicles, giving them something that expresses something about themselves or their interests.

In this free automotive video series, a professional will show you how to apply vehicle decals and graphics. You will learn what supplies and tools you will need, as well as how to prepare surfaces and care for graphics after they have been applied. You will get tips on measuring application areas and custom trimming of decals and graphics. You will also learn different methods of application, including wet quick, wet top hinge, dry center hinge, dry top hinge and wet center hinge. Finally, you will receive advice on putting vinyl on vinyl, working with curves and removing graphics from vehicles.

Video Transcript

"This demonstration, we'll show you how to apply vehicle graphics and decals. Some of the things that I'd like to share with you today, are some of the tools that you need for the trade. First thing you need is paper towels. You need to get your vehicle good and clean. Good soapy water. Anything to clean that car up, get it made nice and ready. Several of the tools that you need though, one of the main things you need is a measuring stick, whether it could be a ruler or a tape measure cause you've got to have the vehicle graphics on straight. I suggest that you use a ruler, with a medal edge and a cork background. It keeps you from scratching up the vehicle. Squeegees, to simply apply the vinyl. There are several different types. This is a three inch squeegee. You have a six inch squeegee, that also has felt on it. This felt keeps the vinyl from getting scratched. You also have another squeegee. There's a full felt squeegee that's used for using vinyl graphics. It will not allow it to scratch up, mar or stretch. For the larger projects, you have the twelve inch squeegee. In placing the graphics on there, you'll need several different types of masking tape. I have three-quarter, one inch, it just depends on the type of application that you're using. You'll need several types of razor blades, a grease pen, and scissors. Most of the time, your vinyl comes already cut and ready to lay on there. You can take a grease pencil, lay it out, draw it out exactly where you want it, use your masking tape and place it on there. Also you'll use a heat gun. Heat gun sometimes is used for stretching the vinyl. And application fluid. A lot of times, we'll go in further detail on that, but a lot of times application fluid is simply soapy water. It can be used to slide the graphics around."