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Installation Tips

Enhanced Adhesion Cleaning Method

Simple steps can maximize vinyl decal adhesion. 
Follow our Pro TIPS to ensure the best chance for vinyl adhesion.

Because the paint formulations are protected by trade secrets, it is difficult for any vinyl decal manufacturer to understand how film adhesives interact with these paints.

We have found through extensive testing that there is no single vinyl decal or adhesive that works “best” on each paint tested. In fact, one vinyl decal can perform well on one paint and poorly on another paint.

However, by following the guide on Adhesion Cleaning Method prior to installation, and our PRO TIPS during installation, you can quickly, easily and successfully adhere almost any decal to most wall paints.

BUBBLES HAVE APPEARED UNDER THE DECAL?
If a bubble re-appears over the next day or two, pressing and lightly rubbing can removeit. This can happen occasionally if oil, dirt,or dustis onyour surface. Use a sewing pin to pop the bubble,and thensmooth it out with your fingers in a circular motion. In the very rare instance thatbubbles keepre-appearing, you may want to move your Photo Tex to another areaas there is something preventing the adhesive to stick. Most causes of bubbles are because the wall was painted within the last 30 days or cleaning chemicals where used prior.

WHY IS PAINT IMPORTANT?
Most interior walls are painted. Unlike the sign industry, there isn’t a standard vinyl-friendly paint in use on interior walls, so there are variables that can affect success. The two most common interior paints used are enamel and latex. Enamel is best because, like glass and aluminum, it provides a smooth, non-porous surface. Latex is more porous and is not as suitable for vinyl graphic application. The bigger issue with paint is out-gassing. Freshly painted walls emit gaseous solvents until the paint cures. If these gases are trapped under an applied vinyl graphic, they may cause bubbles or react chemically with the adhesive and weaken it leading to failure. That’s right, I said failure. Putting vinyl graphics on any freshly painted surface will lead to failure due to out-gassing of the substrate. ORACAL advises that you allow paint to cure for at least five days before applying vinyl graphics.