DIY Stripe Decal ApplicationUpdated 3 months ago

Applying large vinyl decals can be tricky, but using the right method makes it easier and produces a better result.

Your primary goal is to avoid trapping air under the decal, which will result in bubbles that ruin the look of the decal.

Start by checking out some videos on Youtube. Here's a simple explanation that will help get you familiar with the process:

Note that it can be helpful to have two people for this process, since one can hold the decal while the other uses a credit card or similar to stick the decal on.

For our stripe decals, we recommend applying them in the following order:

1. Start with the sides. Each side decal has a faint white "fold line" at either end where the stripe takes a slight turn. The decal is meant to fold over the edge of your Polycade on this line, so you'll want to position the stripe such that each of these fold lines matches the edge of the side face. Then, you'll tape the decal down in this position as indicated in the video above.
    

2. Once you have stuck the sides on, you can then put the front door piece on as now you'll be able to see where it should line up to the side pieces. Once again, follow the tape & center hinge method from the video above.

3. Next, if you have the marquee topper, you'll want to do the side pieces for it next. We'd recommend attaching the marquee topper to the top of your Sente, again so that you can see where to line up the stripes. The marquee topper side stripes have a fold line as well, this fold line is meant to line up to the top edge of the marquee. Once again tape this down. Line up and tape down both sides of the marquee stripes. Next, we'd recommend removing the marquee topper from your Sente, so that you can fold the bottom part of the stripes under the marquee when you stick them on.

4. Lastly, you'll place the top stripe on. If you don't have the marquee, the top stripe will be on top of your Sente. If you have the marquee, the top stripe will be on the top of the marquee. Either way, line it up to the side stripes and use the same hinge method to stick it down.

A few more tips:

• If you need to trim any piece, you'll want to use a super sharp razor blade or exacto-knife.
• If you notice bubbles while you're sticking the decal on, you should be able to pull it up a bit and try again.
• If you do end up with bubbles, you can try using a super sharp exacto knife to make a tiny incision in the bubble - ideally, this is made at a slight upward angle so that any underlying white that shows from the incision won't be visible. Once the incision is made, you can release the air and stick the bubble down. If your knife is sharp enough, you likely won't be able to see the incision. 

Good luck & may the force be with you!