Vinyl Installation: Dry Application Method Tutorial - VCUarts GOlab

Vinyl Installation: Dry Application Method

The GOLab offers vinyl cutting services to all customers seeking vinyl decals for a variety of projects, installations, and exhibitions. In this video, we will cover basic vinyl installation using the dry application method.

The dry application method for vinyl installation is perfect for adhering quickly and cleanly to drywall and other surfaces. Initially, it creates a higher bond than the wet installation method and does not involve dry times to be gallery ready.

REQUIRED TOOLS:
Dry vinyl installation will require you to have a roll of painter’s tape, a level, a squeegee, a craft knife or razor, and a Magic eraser. You may also want to grab a pencil.

Step 1. Measure and Mark the Wall

Measure where you would like to position your vinyl on the wall, make a mark for the center point of your line.

Step 2. Measure and Mark your vinyl

Measure the top center point on your line of text or image. Make a mark for alignment.

Step 3. Align and hinge tape your vinyl

Use a small piece of tape to position your vinyl onto the area you want it applied.

You’ll want to use a level to make sure any lines or text are straight in proportion to your surface.

Once your vinyl is in a good place, use a larger piece of tape to secure the hinge at the top of your sheet.

Use your level to check proportions again, just for good measure.

Step 4. Cut into smaller pieces

If you have a longer line of text, you can cut the line into smaller, more manageable pieces to apply.

Using a razor or a pair of scissors, cut into the space between words, avoiding the hinge tape.

Step 5. Peel backing and smooth over

Place your squeegee where your tape hinge meets your decal.
Begin to peel the backing of your vinyl down and away from the hinge as you smooth your tape against the wall using the squeegee.

Step 6. Remove transfer tape

Starting from the top left corner, pulling to the right bottom corner, peel your tape off of the wall, away from your decal.
Repeat this process for any additional lines of text or graphics.

Step 7. Clean measure marks

Clean measurement marks from wall with a Magic Eraser.