INSTALLATION TIPS
ADHESIVE-BACKED NAMEPLATES
Make sure the surface to be adhered to is smooth and clean and free from grease or oil. As most of our adhesives are pressure-sensitive based, lightly tack the nameplate in place in case you make a mistake as you will have a certain period of time to snap it free and position it again. Then apply firm pressure to set the adhesive. Adhesive will develop a strong bond in time, usually about 12-48 hours.
ADA SIGNAGE
Room ID signs should be mounted on the latch side of the door, with the center of the sign 60 inches from the floor. Side edge of sign should be about 2 to 3 inches away from door trim. Consistency is key: you want the Braille in a predictable location throughout the building.
For more detailed information, check out the United State's ADA regulations here.
Pro Tip: Certain wallpapers and wall surfaces can pose adhesive-mounting problems. In addition to the foam tape on the back of the sign, apply nickel-size dots of silicone adhesive on the back of the sign in the areas between the tape. The tape will hold the sign to the wall while the silicone sets. This will keep your nice signs from falling off the walls!
VINYL GRAPHICS
Cleanliness and patience is key here to a good installation. Clean surface with a mixture of water and isopropyl alcohol to remove any wax and dirt buildup with a clean paper towel (other cleaning agents may have a chemical effect on the vinyl adhesive). Use the "hinge" method of vinyl application in the following 5 steps:
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Leaving the release liner on, position the vinyl on the substrate, taking care to measure and align it properly. When it’s positioned correctly, apply a hinge using blue painter’s tape or something similar down its center, to affix the graphic in place. Your hinge will secure the graphic in place for the next step. Make sure you can apply the vinyl without the substrate shifting underneath as you work.
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With the masked vinyl print secured, lift one side of the vinyl away from the substrate and remove the release liner. Peel the masked vinyl and lay it back down on the other half of the graphic while keeping it from folding on itself and keeping it clean at all times.
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Using scissors, a utility or X-acto knife, carefully cut away the exposed half of the release liner. Take a moment to make sure you still have a clean dry surface. Bits of dust or release liner fragments left behind can cause "bubbles” under your print.
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Raise the half with exposed adhesive and carefully lay it down on the surface, working with your squeegee to get a smooth, bubble and wrinkle-free application. Work from the center hinge outward. Save the section of release liner you cut away for burnishing.
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Then lift the other half, remove the remaining release liner and repeat the process. When both sides are secured, remove the application tape. You may want to use the release liner at this stage to re-squeegee the print. You can lay it on the surface to protect the ink from abrasion, so you can apply adequate pressure to help set the pressure-sensitive adhesive and get a good bond.