Viper / Car Stripe Fitting Instructions - The Wet Method

These fitting instructions describe the process and tools required to fit Viper Stripes and Car Stripes from the Underground Graphics Street Version range of products.  Street Kits are a lower cost option from our Pro Kits in that they may contain fewer parts than the Pro Kit or require to be fitted using the Wet Method which has a lower production cost meaning we can pass the savings on to you.  Street Kits and Pro Kits both use exactly the same high quality grade of vinyl.

Required Tools

• Scissors or Scalpel with new blade
• Measuring tape
• Spray bottle with water
• Masking tape
• Squeegee [flexible tool like a heavy credit card]

Optional Tools

The following tools will make the fitting job easier but are not absolutely required to fit your graphics.

• Spirit level
• Metal rule
• Kitchen paper

1. Unpack your decals carefully and lay them out on a flat surface to familiarise yourself with the kit
2. Thoroughly clean the area of the car the decals will be applied to taking care to remove any tar spots as they will show through the vinyl as small lumps
3. Cut the stripes using the metal rule and scalpel [or scissors] to sizes to fit bonnet, roof, doors etc.  making sure you know what cuts are to be made before starting
4. Mark the area the stripes are to be applied to using the masking tape so you know where the stripe should start and finish otherwise you risk having the stripes running at an angle
5. Soak the area you are applying the stripe to with water from the spray bottle then peel the vinyl slowly from the backing paper, also soaking the vinyl as you peel it off
6. Lay the vinyl down on the car, lining it up with the masking tape guides and adjust as necessary until straight
7. Wrap the squeegee with a sheet of kitchen paper and start to squeeze the water out from under the vinyl.  This should be done firmly but not forcefully as too much pressure can buckle or stretch the vinyl
8. Repeat until full set of stripes has been applied
9. Check for bubbles and if any are found pop with a pin or the tip of a new scalpel blade then squeegee the water out

Notes

Some people advise putting a few drops of washing up liquid or even baby shampoo into the water in your spray bottle.  This is not necessary or recommended as it can prevent the adhesive on the vinyl from sticking correctly.

Vinyl fitting should be carried out indoors at room temperature where possible.  Cold weather can impair the adhesive from sticking and if it is too warm it can stick too quickly and be difficult to lift if you need to correct a mistake.  If you can’t fit indoors the minimum conditions are to find somewhere dry and sheltered.

Having someone available to help when you do this job is recommended, especially when working with pieces of vinyl longer than a meter.  Always take your time and plan what you are going to do before you start.