Vinyl Wall Graphic Printing & Application Tips

Wall graphics must be applied to a smooth, non-porous surface. Freshly applied paint should be allowed to cure for three full weeks prior to wall graphic application.

Surface Preparation

When preparing a wall for a graphic, it is important to understand that not all surfaces are suitable for vinyl film application. Wall graphics can only successfully be applied to smooth, non-porous surfaces. Each of the following items can cause either poor adhesion or damage during film removal:

• Highly textured paint.
• Poor initial paint bond.
• Poorly painted edges.
• Patched areas that have not been primed.
• Moisture behind the drywall, which can cause the drywall paper to release. Watch for walls that back up to cooling systems, water pipes, overhead windows and windows that have been boarded up. These areas are prone to condensation that may not be obvious at the time of installation.
• Dust, dirt or other contaminants on the wall.
• Wallpaper that is not securely bonded to the wall in all areas.
• Cuts made to the graphic during the installation process that penetrate both film and substrate
• Freshly painted walls that have not had ample time to cure. Wall graphics tend to bubble and release from the wall while paint is in the curing process.

If your wall is painted, Oracal recommends using a primer and paint from the same manufacturer, since the products are designed to work together.

The goal is to achieve a good bond between the substrate and the primer/paint. When applying the primer, it is important to use a high quality, oil-based primer such as Kilz® or Zinsser®. Once the primer is dry apply two coats of a high quality Satin or Semi-Gloss paint to ensure a cohesive bond between the paint and primer.

Avoid applying graphics to heavily tinted paints which have more than 1 oz of tint per gallon of paint. The surfactants and colorants that make up darker paint colors tend to need longer periods to leach or outgas.

Avoid matte finish latex paints and paints that use antigraffiti agents.

When applying the paint, use a 3/8” nap roller cover to reduce stippling.

Once the paint has had ample time to cure, it’s important to clean the surface immediately before applying the film. Dust and other contaminants can collect quickly on the wall and prevent the film from adhering properly. Wipe down the wall with a dry tack cloth or a lint-free microfiber cloth to remove any dust, paying special attention to the wall’s edges and corners.

Printing and Laminating

There are three critical steps that need to be followed when producing your wall graphics.

• Since wall graphics may be viewed up close it is very important the correct profiles are used. http://www.oracal.com/knowledge/iccprofiles.asp The profile will automatically set the ink levels, heater settings, resolution, and pass count to help ensure quality printing.
• Prior to trimming or laminating it is very important that the graphic sit for 48 hours to allow the graphic to outgas. Prints heavy in ink saturation need to cure & outgas for approximately 72 hours. This is crucial to ensure your wall graphics do not start curling around the edges. (For best results on contour cut wall graphics leave a ½” unprinted white border all the way around to diminish potential edge curl.)
• When choosing the laminate it is important to know what the lighting conditions are in the room. If there is an abundance of lighting you may choose a matte laminate. If the lighting is poor in the room you might want to choose a semi-gloss laminate.

Installation

When installing your graphic, always use a dry application method; under no circumstances should a wet application be used.

Wall graphics are installed using the same techniques as any other installation. Lay the graphic, image-side down, on a flat surface and pull back the liner about 3 inches.

Sharply crease the liner while holding it away from the adhesive. Align the graphic on the wall and use finger pressure to tack in place.

Using a squeegee, work from the center to the edge, then return to the center and work to the opposite edge. Use overlapping strokes while applying a small portion of the graphic at a time.

If your graphic is made up of more than one panel, avoid using horizontal seams when possible.

When the entire graphic has been applied to the wall, re-squeegee the edges of the graphic to ensure a good bond. (If the graphic will come into contact with regular cleanings, such as mopping, soil removal, etc., graphics should be sealed in those areas. This is especially important where the graphic is terminated at the floor. Use of a clear silicone sealant along the edges of the graphic is recommended.)

Post Care Maintenance

In order to maintain your wall graphic’s original appearance for the warranted durability, it is important to adhere to the following guidelines:

• When cleaning the graphic only use household cleaners or detergents that DO NOT contain bleach or petroleum products.
• Graphics should be hand-washed only. Wash graphic beginning at the top and washing down.
• Use lint-free cloth rags or sponges for cleaning. Do not use scrubbing pads or scouring sponge.
• To remove difficult items such as lipstick or crayon, choose a citrusbased cleaner to remove stain, then immediately rinse with detergent and water.
• If your wall graphic has seams be sure that you DO NOT wipe into the seam. This could cause the edges to lift and curl up from the wall.
• After cleaning graphic, use dry lintfree micro-fiber cloths for drying.
• Inspect graphic regularly.

General Information

This information is based on our knowledge and experience. We have not explained all aspects of application. Specialized or occupational knowledge and competence of a professional sign maker are presupposed. Due to the diversity of potential influencing factors during application and use, we recommend end-users test our products before final application. No legally binding warranty of certain qualities can be derived from our information.

Oracal USA, INC
1100 Oracal Parkway
Black Creek, GA 31308
08.01.2008

NOTE: Vinyl decorative lettering and embellishments is a decorative medium. We hereby disclaim any implied warranties of fitness for a particular purpose or merchantability. Additionally, Testimonies Vinyl Graphics shall not be liable for any damage, including but not limited to paint or wall damage