For 1990-2009 cars

### Stripe and Decals

Notice: Allow freshly painted surfaces to dry thoroughly before installing a stripe or a decal. Residual solvents in freshly painted surfaces can lead to subsequent blistering problems when the stripe or the decal is applied before the complete release of the solvents.

Notice: Use of harsh chemicals when cleaning can damage exterior lamps. Suggested cleaners are a mild soap and water, or Varnish Makers and Painters (VM&P) Naptha. VM&P Naptha is a specific type of naptha and should not be substituted by any other naptha.

Stripes and decals adhere to a painted surface with pressure sensitive adhesive.

Use a wetting solution in order to assist in lifting and positioning the stripe or decal during installation. A wetting solution also ensures a better bond between a stripe or decal and the panel.

Maintain the temperature of the body surfaces and the decals at 21-38°C (70-100°F) before installation. Use auxiliary heat sources in order to warm the body surfaces and the decals if the temperature is below 21°C (70°F).

You may apply dry strips and decals. If this method does not provide a consistent bubble-free application, use the wet method. The wet method may be used for large graphics packages.

Always use the wet method in order to apply stripes or decals to flexible surfaces. Flexible surfaces may cause bubbles, due to the out gassing potential of the flexible material. One exception to this policy is the application of a stripe or a decal to a TPO fascia. Use the dry method when you apply a stripe or a decal onto the TPO material.

Use the following equipment and materials or equivalents in order to install stripes or decals:

• | A wetting solution

| Use one of the following wetting solutions:

- | A foaming window cleaner that does not contain ammonia

- | A solution of 7.4 ml (1/4 oz) of liquid detergent to 0.9 L (1 qt) of water.

• | A wax and silicone remover

| Use one of the following wax and silicone removers:

- | Prep-Sol

- | Pre-Kleano

- | Acryli-Clean

• | Isopropyl alcohol

• | A squeegee

| Use a plastic or hard rubber squeegee that is 75-100 mm (3-4 in) wide. Deburr any sharp or rough edges in order to prevent scratching the stripe or decal.

• | A water bucket and a sponge or a spray bottle

• | Sandpaper

| Use 600 grit or finer sandpaper. Use either wet or dry type sandpaper.

• | A heat gun or an infrared heat lamp

• | Clean, lint-free cloths

• | A sharp knife or a razor blade

• | Scissors

• | A fine pin or a needle

• | A marking pencil

### Removal Procedure

1. Remove any moldings or trim, as needed.
2. Wash and clean the following areas, as needed:

• | The repair surfaces

• | The adjacent panels

• | Openings

Notice: To avoid damaging the paint finish, do not use pointed or sharp instruments to remove the stripe or the decal.

3. Starting at one edge, peel the stripe or the decal away from the panel surface in order to remove the stripe or decal. Apply heat at the point of removal in order to assist in the removal.
4. Use a silicone, wax and grease remover solvent in order to clean the adhesive residue from the painted surfaces.

### Installation Procedure (Wet Method)

Notice: To prevent possible vehicle, stripe or decal damage, always refer to manufacturer's packaged instructions.

1. Use a silicone, wax and grease remover in order to clean the painted surface. Wipe the surface with a clean cloth. Allow the surface to dry.
2. Remove any imperfections that could show through the stripe or decal.
3. Prepare a 1:1 solution (by volume) of isopropyl alcohol and water. Use the solution in order to clean the area where you will apply the stripe or decal.
4. Use a clean cloth in order to wipe the panel surface while the solvent is still wet.
5. Allow the panel surface to dry.
6. Apply the wetting solution to the area where you will apply the stripe or decal.

Remove any backing material from the stripe or the decal and apply wetting solution to the adhesive side.

7. Apply the stripe or decal to the panel. The wetting solution will allow you to move the stripe or decal to the correct position.
8. Use a squeegee in order to press the stripe or decal into position:

• | Apply the squeegee from the center of the decal outward, if possible.

• | Apply extra wetting solution in order to ease the installation of the stripe or the decal, as needed. Extra wetting solution on the top side of the decal eases the pull of the squeegee and prevents damage to the decal.

9. Apply heat to the stripe or decal at the recessed areas. Press the stripe or decal into the recess in order to obtain a firm bond.
10. Inspect the stripe or decal from the critical angle. Use light reflection in order to determine if any irregularities developed during installation.

Important: Do not use a razor blade or a knife in order to pierce an air bubble.

11. Use the following steps in order to remove any air bubbles:

• | Use a needle or a small, sharp tool in order to pierce the bubble at the outer edge of the bubble.

• | Starting from the side opposite the pierced area, use the squeegee in order to force out the air.

12. Install any moldings and trim, as needed.
13. Clean the surfaces, as needed.

### Installation Procedure (Dry Method)

Notice: To prevent possible vehicle, stripe or decal damage, always refer to manufacturer's packaged instructions.

1. Use a silicone, wax and grease remover in order to clean the painted surface. Wipe the surface with a clean cloth. Allow the surface to dry.
2. Remove any imperfections that could show through the stripe or decal.
3. Prepare a 1:1 solution (by volume) of isopropyl alcohol and water. Use the solution in order to clean the area where you will apply the stripe or decal.
4. Use a clean cloth in order to wipe the panel surface while the solvent is still wet.
5. Apply an adhesive promoter to the area where you will apply the decal. Follow the manufacturer's instructions.
6. Remove any backing material from the stripe or the decal.
7. Use a squeegee in order to press the stripe or decal into position:

• | Apply the squeegee from the center of the decal outward, if possible.

• | Remove all of the air bubbles.

8. Remove the paper or plastic pre-mask from the stripe.

Do not reposition the decal or stripe after you remove the pre-mask. Moving the stripe or decal will distort the shape and damage the surface.

9. Use the squeegee in order to press down the entire decal surface. Apply extra pressure to the edges of the decal.
10. Inspect the stripe or decal from the critical angle. Use light reflection in order to determine if any irregularities developed during installation.

Important: Do not use a razor blade or a knife in order to pierce an air bubble.

11. Use the following steps in order to remove any air bubbles:

• | Use a needle or a small, sharp tool in order to pierce the at the outer edge of the bubble.

• | Starting from the side opposite the pierced area, use the squeegee in order to force out the air.

12. Install any moldings and trim, as needed.
13. Clean the surfaces, as needed.