Northstar Truck Lettering & Signs, LLC of NJ Tips Of The Trade

RALLY STRIPE INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS - To install our stripe kits first take a pair of scissors and cut the stripes into the lengths you will need for the hood, roof and trunk of your car. Make sure to cut each piece a little longer than the section you are striping. Keep these sections dry and set them aside.

Remove any emblems that may get in the way of the stripe. (replace them after the stripes are applied)

Clean the application area with rubbing alcohol.

After the car is clean, mix in a spray bottle 20 ounces of water, 1/4 teaspoon of unscented clear liquid JOY and 1/2 teaspoon of Isopropyl Alcohol. (if you do cannot get clear liquid joy then I recommend using baby shampoo)

I normally find the center of the car and then take a roll of masking tape and run it from the front to the back of the car. If I want the stripes to be an inch apart I use one inch wide tape. If I want them two inches apart I use two inch tape and so on.

Once I have marked where the stripes will go I spray the car with soapy water and then I peel off the backing and spray the adhesive side of the first stripe with the soapy water as well. Position the stripe where you want it and slide it into place up against the masking tape you applied. For longer sections is it nice to have a second person help out. As long as the stripe and the car are wet with the soapy water you can work with the stripe. Keep the stripes you are not working with DRY.

Once the stripe is where you want it you simply squeegee it on. Spray a little soapy water on the stripe to allow the squeegee to glide over the stripe without scratching it. (wrapping the squeegee in a soft cloth will also protect the stripe from scratches) Repeat this process on all stripes and then trim any excess vinyl away with an exacto knife or razor blade.

TIP - for bumpers and other curved areas try heating the material with a hair dryer as you apply. This makes the vinyl soft and pliable.

BRINGING TRANSFER TAPE BACK TO LIFE - If you leave a roll of transfer tape where it is subject to the elements. Most of the time, the roll is shot. However, if you put the roll in the microwave for about 30 seconds, it will usually bring the tape back from the dead.

STUBBORN TRANSFER TAPE - Should you put too much soap in your application spray bottle, or if your are installing in very cold temperatures or you, are in a rush and can't wait for your vinyl to adhere, there is a solution. After you apply the vinyl, and for whatever reason, the vinyl is taking a long time to adhere. Then try this little trick. Take a bottle of glass cleaner and spray the back side of the transfer tape. Make sure it's pretty saturated and let sit for 3 minutes. Then in most cases, the paper will practically fall of the vinyl. This happens because it dissolves the glue on the transfer tape. This only works with paper transfer tape and not the clear polymer tape.

DON"T SCRATCH THE VINYL - The best way to not scratch the vinyl when squeegeeing it unprotected, is to wrap the squeegee in a paper towel. This helps two fold. One, it won't scratch the vinyl and two, it absorbs the water solution before it get's sucked back under the vinyl.

THE HINGE OR DRY METHOD FOR LETTERING -

STEP 1 - Clean the Surface
Using a strong cleaner which will not harm the sign surface, wipe the entire
area and beyond. Wipe the area again with a very mild detergent or just plain
water to remove any residue. Wipe the surface dry with a lint-free cloth.

STEP 2 - Align the Vinyl Lettering
Place masking tape along the top edge of the sheet. With the backing paper and
application tape still attached, position the vinyl lettering so that it is properly aligned and level.

STEP 3 - Tape the Graphics in Place
Using the squeegee, stick the masking tape to the sign surface to hold it in place.
Use care to make sure the sheet with letters is not wrinkled.

STEP 4 - Cut Long Sheets to Size (optional)
Lettering which is too long to handle easily can be cut vertically with scissors
between letters or words. Cut through the Application Tape and Backing Paper,
leaving each piece of the sheet attached to the surface with the masking tape.

STEP 5 - Remove Backing Paper
Flip the sheet up using care not to peel the masking tape away. Remove the wax
coated backing paper by slowly peeling it away. Be sure the vinyl letters remain
on the application tape.

STEP 6 - Apply Vinyl Letters
Starting at the top edge, firmly slide the squeegee side to side to seal the letters
to the surface. Slowly work your way to the bottom of the sign. Do not let the letters
touch the sign surface until the squeegee passes over the area.

STEP 7 - Remove Application Tape
Slowly peel away application tape, making sure that all letters are sticking properly.
Use your squeegee if any areas of the letters are not sticking well. Air bubbles can be
removed by cutting a small slice in the letter and working air out with the squeegee.