Technical Release
6/29/2012 Rev. 05
Graphic Application and Removal Instructions
Important: Carefully review the following information before proceeding with application.
Graphic & Overlay Description and Storage
Petroleum Parts Graphic overlays and decals are pre-coated with an aggressive permanent acrylic pressure
sensitive adhesive for application to most clean, dry, wax & oil-free, non-corroded, weather-resistant surfaces.
Graphic application is not recommended to rusted or corroded metal, loose or chalking paint, irregular shaped
framework, welds joints or previously applied decals and overlays.
PPI Graphics can be stored for a period of one year in a cool, dry area at temperatures between 65-75ºF (18-24ºC)
out of direct sunlight and must be applied within the one-year time frame of delivery. Rolls should be stored
horizontally or in their shipping carton. Partially used rolls should be returned to the shipping carton or suspended
from a rod or pipe through the core. Sheeted decals and overlays must be stored horizontally.
Application Preparation Instructions
Tools
1. Plastic Applicator (squeegee), available from PPI
2. Utility knife and scissors
3. Room temperature water (approx. 1 pint) and
unscented liquid dish water soap (i.e.: Ivory Liquid).
Mix approx. 3-5 small drops of soap per pint of clean
water. Place mixture in clean misting (spray) bottle.
DO NOT use any liquid containing ammonia, i.e.
Windex.
4. Flat, clean work surface with no burrs or sharp
areas to scratch application surface or decal
5. 3M™ Scotch-Brite™ Heavy Duty Cleaning Pad
(green or brown); available locally at paint or
industrial supply stores.
6. Lint free paper towel
Application Temperature
For optimum adhesion and durability, PPI Dispenser markings should be applied when air and application surface
temperatures are within the following limits: Minimum 50ºF (10ºC) --- Maximum 100ºF (38ºC)
The markings may also be applied when air and application surface temperatures are beyond these limits with the
following precautions:
* Above 100ºF (38ºC) care must be taken to avoid pre-adhesion. Keep application surface and adhesive wet.
* Below 50ºF (10ºC) the substrate surface may be mechanically heated to a temperature within the application
range by using a portable heater, heat lamps, hot water or steam. If water or steam is used, the surface must be
thoroughly dry before application. School bus marking material should be stored in an area with temperature not
lower than 65ºF (18ºC) until it is about to be applied. In addition, when air temperature is below the minimum
application temperature, the applied markings must also be heated using an industrial heat gun and immediately
re-squeegeed. The heat gun should be held 8-12 inches from the marking to avoid burning, melting or distorting
the marking.
CAUTION: To ensure markings are not distorted, applied heat should be regulated so that the marking surface
does not exceed a temperature that is comfortable to the touch.
Surface Preparation
All surfaces must be considered contaminated and must be cleaned prior to application. Wash surface with
detergent and water to remove dirt and road film. Solvent wipe using a paper towel saturated with isopropyl
alcohol, (Alternatives: 3M™ Prep Solvent 70 or DuPont’s Prep-Sol Brand Solvent Cleaner 3919S). Immediately dry
the surface with a clean, dry paper towel before the solvent dries, paying close attention to welds, rivets, seams
and edge areas where decals will wrap.
Note: An application surface that has been washed dried and solvent wiped can still have poor adhesion in the
area around joints and seams due to cleaning solvent or liquid retention. This problem can be overcome by use of
a heat gun to dry out retained solvent or by allowing a cleaned dispenser or vehicle to stand overnight prior to
application of markings.
Application Procedure
These procedures should be followed to apply the markings to the cleaned dispenser or vehicle surface within the
proper application temperature range.
1. On a clean smooth work surface, place graphic face down with liner material face up. Begin peeling liner from
decal, exposing adhesive. As adhesive is exposed, mist liberally with water soap mixture. (Keep fingers and hand
wet through this process to eliminate finger prints). Remove liner and wet entire adhesive surface.
2. Wet application surface of dispenser and align the marking into position using available edges as reference to
keep marking square or centered. Tack down lightly along reference edge to hold in position.
3. Using hands only, gently work from leading edge and place remaining graphic into position, work out major
wrinkles and air bubbles. Should either the adhesive or the application surface become dry during this step.
apply more misted water and soap solution to act as lubricant to aid positioning of the graphics.
4. Using applicator (squeegee), from the center of the graphic, press the marking to the surface using firm,
overlapping strokes to all outside edges. Be sure all edges are adhered by re-squeegeeing the edges.
5. Markings should not be overlapped to make seams or joints. Markings should be butted together.
6. Do not apply the marking beyond panel edges where moisture and dirt can contaminate the adhesive. Wrap all
edges with marking material when applicable
7. Continue working out all water and air bubbles until smooth application is achieved. Any excess air bubble or
water droplet’s can be punctured with small sharp sewing needle and pressed flat. Edge sealing is required for
markings.
Full or mature adhesion will occur 24 hours after application.
Cleaning & Preservation
Routine washing is recommended for maximum performance. The following cleaning methods are recommended:
• Wash with sponge, cloth or soft brush using water and detergent.
• Standard high-pressure hand spray: Maximum pressure – 1200 PSI/80 bars. Maximum water/wash solution
temperature –140ºF/60ºC.Minimum of 12 inches/30cm distance between cleaning spray tips and markings.
Cleaning wand or spray tips to be at no greater angle than 45 degrees from perpendicular to the markings surface.
• When using metal brighteners, follow manufacturer’s recommendations for dilution. Thoroughly rinse from
marking after soaking Dispenser or vehicle.
Removal Instructions
Required Tools:
1. Single edged razor blades
2. Handled tool to hold razor blades
3. Safety glasses
4. Solvent resistant protective gloves
5. Absorbent paper towels
Recommended Solvents:
1. Isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol)
2. Suggested adhesive removal products:
a. 3M Industrial Cleaner
b. Brake cleaning fluid
c. Paint remover in aerosol can – use ONLY on bare
metals (non-painted)
d. You may try other products to de-tackify the
adhesive. Be cautious as you do not want the finish
to be harmed.
NOTE: Always follow manufacturer’s instructions and safety recommendations
Removing Graphics:
1. Use handled tool containing a new single edged razor blade to lift an edge of the marking.
2. While keeping the edge of the razor close to the surface of the substrate, begin to work the razor from side-toside in small strokes in the direction of removal.
3. Pull the loose marking with minimal tension at approximately 45 degrees away from the substrate while working
the razor back and forth.
4. If graphics break away from the substrate, keep repeating steps 1-3 above. Note: Ease of marking removal will
depend on initial adhesion and time on substrate.
5. It is very important to change razor blades frequently. A sharp blade will give best results.
Removing Adhesive:
1. Spray one of the suggested adhesive removal products onto the adhesive residue.
2. Let the remover soak on the adhesive for 3-5 minutes.
3. Use a sharp razor blade in handled tool to scrape off adhesive.
4. Wipe residue off onto paper towel.
5. It may be necessary to repeat steps 1-4 several times to remove all adhesive.
6. Always use a sharp razor blade for best results.
7. All adhesive residues must be removed before re-application of graphics.
8. The application surface needs to be cleaned with alcohol using one towel to clean and one to wipe away residue
before reapplication of markings.
Petroleum Parts Inc.
Corporate Office: 6926 Quemetco Court, Fort Wayne IN, 46803, Phone: 1.866.994.9200, Fax: 260.493.2486
Sales Office: Phone: 1.800.521.0951, Fax: 1.763.785.7095
©2010, PPI Inc.