Cold weather and applying vinyl don’t mix

We just wanted to remind everyone that spring isn’t quite here yet and when you get your vinyl order that goes on a window or outdoor surface you really shouldn’t install it if that surface is below 60 degrees.  Great examples of this are applying vinyl to a window in the northern part of the US.  You will find that the adhesive never properly binds to the surface in these conditions.  The result will be your lettering could come off prematurely. 

It may be tempting to take a heat gun to glass during the winter time to remove lettering or heat up the surface for application.  **CAUTION** DON’T, just like taking a warm glass and filling it with cold water will cause it to crack the same thing happens with a window!  Odds are you will crack it and make for a bad day.  Our advice, wait for a nice sunny day, even though the outside temperature may be low the surface temperature of the glass will likely be much higher than the ambient temperature, if this is the case you can probably apply your lettering without worry.

Wet or Dry Method for Applying Vinyl Lettering?

A common question we are asked is which is the best method for applying vinyl lettering?  There are two basic methods that you can use.  The first is the wet method, the second is the dry method.  Now you will find that there are variations of the dry method however they are similar.  To get a full understanding of how each method works visit our online application instructions.

Wet Method 

The wet method is all around a more forgiving method of installing vinyl on any surface.  This can be used on a vehicle, window, or boat.  The wet method creates a liquid barrier preventing the adhesive from bonding to the surface this allows you to slide the vinyl around before final positioning.  Bubbles are easy to work out from under the vinyl since they are able to escape.  The wet method can be difficult to use when you have a sharp contoured surface rather than flat.  This is because the adhesive cannot bond so the vinyl will not stick properly around the surface.  This is where high end wrap vinyl is more appropriate. 

Dry Method

The dry method is the most commonly used method but is less forgiving.  Once you start to make an application with the dry method you usually can’t go back.  Since the vinyl is in direct contact with the surface the adhesive will grab immediately.  Advantages of the dry method include the ability to instantly apply your letters while the wet requires a cure time.  The dry method works great on flat surfaces too.