How to Apply a Skin


Searching YouTube will yield a myriad of methods to apply vinyl. Of course, you're free to choose whatever method you'd like. When using a skin, it has been our experience that applying the vinyl decal to the skin, allowing time for drying, and then applying the skin to the plate yields the best results. With that said, here's a little tutorial to guide you through that process. In addition to the supplied components, for this method you'll also need: -liquid dishwashing soap, -water -an extremely sharp razor blade (handle with caution!) *If you don't have a skin, and only need to install the vinyl decal, please skip to Step 10.
1. Make sure you're in a clean work area and have all of your materials available.

2. Separate the backing paper from the transfer paper, making sure that the vinyl is attached to the transfer paper. Discard the backing paper, and set the transfer paper aside.

3. Apply one drop of dishwashing soap to the skin.

4. Wet your hand and use it to spread the dishwashing detergent completely over the the skin. Make sure that there are no dry spots on the skin.

5. Position the vinyl decal over the skin and align it as you would like it. The soapy surface of the skin allows you to correct any alignment issues prior to final application.

6. For this part of the application, being methodical and steady will yield the best results, so don't rush. It'll take a little time, but the results will be much better if you take your time. Once you've aligned the decal accordingly, use one hand to hold it in place, and with the other, press the vinyl applicator over the vinyl decal, and slide it towards the edges. The goal is to remove any water and/or air bubbles trapped between the vinyl decal and the skin. Work slowly and steadily, pressing the applicator more firmly against the transfer sheet as you work out the water/air bubbles. Start in the center of the decal, and push to the closest edge. As you work, hold the skin so that you can see bubbles trapped under the vinyl (they'll appear as raised spots) and work them out slowly using the applicator. When you're satisfied, allow it to dry for 2-3 hours, preferably in a warm environment.

7. After the skin has spent time drying, remove the protective film from the vanity plate.

8. Slowly remove the transfer paper from the skin. Doing so too quickly can result in the vinyl decal being removed and/or stretched.

9. Slowly remove the skin from the backing paper. We've found that it's easiest to start at one corner. Be careful not to pull too forcefully, as you don't want to stretch the skin. When finished, set aside the skin, and discard the backing paper.

10. Apply one drop of dishwashing detergent to the vanity plate.

11. Wet your hand and use it to spread the dishwashing detergent completely over the vanity plate. Make sure that there are no dry spots on the plate.

12. Align the skin over the vanity plate. It should cover the plate completely, and no white should be visible. The skins are designed to be slightly bigger than the plate itself, as exact alignment using an exact sized skin could prove challenging.

13. As in Step 6, being methodical and steady will yield the best results, so don't rush. It'll take a little time, but the results will be much better if you take your time. Once you've aligned the skin accordingly, use one hand to hold it in place, and with the other, press the vinyl applicator over the vinyl decal, starting in the middle of the decal, and sliding it towards an edge. If you notice the vinyl decal separating from the skin, STOP! Carefully realign the decal, place the transfer paper over it, use the applicator to remove any air, then allow more drying time. It has been our experience that with adequate drying time, this will not occur. The goal is to remove any water and/or air bubbles trapped between the skin and the vanity plate. Work slowly and steadily, press the applicator more firmly as you work out the water/air bubbles. As you work, hold the skin so that you can see bubbles trapped under the vinyl (they'll appear as raised spots) and work them out slowly using the applicator. Pay close attention to the edges. Making sure there is no trapped water/air will help them adhere properly. When you're satisfied, allow it to dry 2-3 hours, preferably in a warm environment.

14. Turn the plate over and identify where the skin has exceeded the edges of the plate.

15. You will be handling a sharp instrument. Proceed with caution. Turn the plate over, and using the plate straight edge as a guide, starting at the top edge of the plate, slowly trim off the excess skin with the razor blade. A dull blade can "catch" the vinyl, causing the skin to become jagged and/or ripped. Be mindful of the surface on which the plate is resting so you don't scratch said surface. Do this for all 4 sides, saving any corners for last. It has been our experience that when trimming the corners, a very slow sawing movement works best as you round them.