The following is a general recommendation on steps that can be taken to apply Graphic Materials International self-adhesive products. Many of the points highlighted have proven to supply trouble free performance after the application in undertaken.

TEMPERATURE:
The application surface and surrounding atmosphere should be 50°F. or above for best results. If applications are to be made under 50°F., the application surface should be cleaned with isopropyl alcohol to insure good initial adhesion.

CLEANING:
In general, the first step in application is to remove any grease, wax, oily substance, oil and/or dirt before applying the film. Normal dirt may be removed with a standard commercial detergent solution or mild soap. Cleaners such as "409" or "Fantastik" can also be used. Oil, grease, or oil substances should be removed by a solvent wipe using toluol, lacquer thinner, zylol, mineral spirits, or cyclohexanone. After cleaning, the application surface should be then rinsed with clean, warm water and dried with a clean, lint-free soft cloth.

Experience has proven the pressure sensitive adhesives on Graphic Materials International films to be durable and lasting when applied to properly prepared surfaces. Excellent adhesion can be obtained on surfaces such as glass, hardboard, plywood, lacquer, painted enamel, steel, aluminum, and many kinds of plastics.

Some unpainted aluminum extrusions have a surface contamination which must be removed prior to application. Uncoated and unetched aluminum surfaces should be etched and degreased. For pre-etched, anodized surfaces, a solvent wipe is required. Unpainted aluminum vehicle bodies can either be steam-cleaned or detergent and water washed, followed by a water rinse. Either method requires a subsequent solvent wipe.

Unpainted chrome, stainless steel or chrome-plated should be solvent wiped. Painted enamel should be allowed to dry sufficiently. For most air drying paints, one week is acceptable. While all long oil alkyd enamels are slow to dry, baked enamels, on the other hand, can be used immediately after cooling. Special attention should be given to lacquer thinner, Naphtha and VMP and Xylol solvent wiping, as these solvents may dull some painted surfaces.

Lacquered surfaces may be cleaned with mineral spirits or heptane:

Surface preparation of high density plywood, for general use or sign grade only, should be as follows:

Clear, non-tinted glass should be solvent wiped. Due to temperature stress factors, it is recommended that markings be applied on the outside or not exceed 10% of the glass surface area on the inside applications.