Questions About Graphics

• Can I put your graphics on painted wood? ▼

  This is a very common question but the answer is not a simple “Yes” or “No”.

  The answer depends on the paint and how it is applied to the wood. Keep in mind, in time all paints fail. The better the paint and the better it is applied (surface prepped, applied correctly and at the right temperature, and etc…), the better the vinyl will stay applied.

  The problem with vinyl applied to painted wood lies in not that the vinyl comes off the paint, but that the sealed paint (vinyl over it) can come loose if it is not “good paint job” (see above description).

  All this being said, most never have a problem. But because we cannot predict the quality of the painted surface, we cannot guarantee the application.

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  or stripes?

• Can your graphics be applied to a boat? ▼

  Yes, this is an ideal application for our graphics.

  Since many of the pre-made graphics have sizes that are more ideal for cars, trucks, and SUVs – we recommend the graphics in the Wildstripes Vault.

  These graphics can be easily sized to fit your boat. With the graphic you pick in mind, simply measure the area on your boat where you’d like that graphic. Enter those measurements into the ‘sizing’ page and the ‘Vault’ will show you a picture, to scale of the size selected.

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• Can your graphics be clear coated (painted)? If so, what is the procedure? ▼

  As far as the clear coat goes: The manufacturer does not recommend it. That being said, everybody does it. I have been telling body shops for years not to clear coat over stripes and graphics – hardly ever though is there a problem (when they do mess up – the clear coat “pops” off the vinyl). Most body shops never have a problem – but I don’t know how they do it.

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• Do you spray the back of the decal or the surface? I'm confused! ▼

  Detailed Customer Question

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  I have read over the installation instructions, but I don’t understand the part about spraying the adhesive? Does that mean to spray the back that is getting attached to the glass, or the glass itself.

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  Good question. Do you spray the back of the decal or the surface it will go on?

  Answer: it doesn’t matter. However, the more water/soap solution you spray, or the stronger the soap content, the longer you will have to wait for the decal to adhere well (i.e., the longer you will have to wait to remove the top mask). In cooler weather (below 60) many don’t use any solution. If you do so in cooler weather, use very little on either the decal or intended surface. Note: do not get the wax paper wet.

  If you have any other questions let us know.
  Online Decal Instructions Click Here

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  or stripes?

• How difficult is it to remove the graphic? ▼

  The decals will not come off till you want them off. But when you do, they come off easily.

  On glass, very easy. Simply slide a razor blade under the decal. Once removed any glue can be removed with glass cleaner. On painted surfaces a little bit more work. Pick and pick and pick with your finger nail. If the decal is in the sun, it comes off better. But it does come off with no damage to the paint. Remove the glue with mineral spirits.

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• How long do the graphics last? ▼

  Short Answer: At least 5 years with normal “use”.

  However, usually much, much longer. What may reduce durability to just 5 years?

  1. Flat (not vertical) installation. For instance a hood graphic life expectancy is just 5 years.

  2. Submerged graphics. If your graphics are installed on a boat below the waterline, life expectancy is just 5 years. Application in salt water below the water line is not recommended.

  3. Harsh chemicals and detergents can cause damage. This includes “wax buildup”. For instance, if you wax your graphic, lettering, etc… and leave wax along the edges, then some waxes when wet can “eat” at the edges causing damage over time. Also, just as some chemicals can cause wear on paint or plastic, they can also cause the same to the vinyl. A good rule of thumb is: If it can hurt the surface your vinyl is applied to, it can hurt the vinyl. So, as an example, lacquer thinner, acid rain, etc… WILL damage the vinyl just as it will the paint of a car.

  Besides the above, you should get many, many years of use from the vinyl.

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  or stripes?

• Is the background shown for the graphics in the 'Wildstripes Vault' clear vinyl or white? ▼

  No. The lettering is pre-spaced on a wax paper sheet and then covered with a transfer tape to hold them all together (spaced as designed). The transfer paper and lettering is applied to the intended surface. Then the transfer paper is removed, leaving just the stripe or decal.

  You could say that the background is “clear” in that it isn’t there. Still confused? A picture is worth a thousand words. Check out the installation link at the bottom of the page. If you still have questions, email us. We’ll be glad to help.

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• The graphic kept sticking to the paper backing. What should I do? ▼

  Detailed Customer Question

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  I received my decals today and they look great. I have one problem. I tried to apply the decal and I followed the instructions. When I got to step 4 the decal kept sticking to the paper backing. So I am going to wait to hear back from you. Is there anything I can do to prevent this from happening. How can I get it to stick to the masking and not the paperback?

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  This happens because of high humidity. But it can be fixed.

  Lay the graphic on a table with the paper on the bottom, the premask on the top, re-squeegee the premask. Then start back with step #1, it should work now.

  If it went through very high humidity, the wax paper can tear and stick to the vinyl but not to the premask. If this happens, it takes a delicate touch using a knife/razor blade/finger nail (or whatever you have handy) to slide between the paper and graphic where it has torn. This is rare, but it has happened.

  If it messes up, let us know and we’ll send another one out.

  Online Decal Instructions Click Here

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  or stripes?

• What color are your RED Graphics (or your other colors)? ▼

  Excellent question. Computer monitors vary greatly in the way they display colors. For instance, red can appear from tomato red to burgundy – all depending on the monitor.

  If an exact color match is needed we can send you out a color chart right away – no charge. Just let us know where to send it. This is a great idea anyway. The color chart has many colors not available online.

  If you select one of these “special” colors in the color chart, but not offered online, how do you order? First order as usual. Then after you order, email us your order number along with the “correction” (i.e., change to pearl white) and we’ll make the change to your order before production begins.

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• What is the cost to install side graphics? Who can install the side graphics for me? ▼

  Detailed Customer Question

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  I was recently given a set of your side body graphics as a gift for my car. I plan to have someone locally install them for me. What is a generally acceptable price for this kind of installation as I do not want to be taken advantage of.

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  Answer
  Our retail installation cost for our shop here is: $80 -$120

  I looked your order up (only graphic order for a “gift” since Christmas). If I got the right order, you have a white step-side truck. If so, your’s is probably one of the harder installs because of your bed. The actual install time for us here would be under 2 hours.

  We recommend looking up in your phone book Auto Trim Express or Trim-Line for the installation. They are usually honest and fair (but maybe a little high). They install car dealer stripes. Many of them are mobile, so they can come to you.

  For a cheaper price, try a body shop. A good car painter finds this stuff easy. A similar mind set and attention to detail is needed for both kinds of work.

  Hope this helps. Send us a picture when its done, and we’ll post it to our online gallery!

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  or stripes?

• What size are your graphics at wildstripes.com? I don't see a size listed? ▼

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  Detailed Customer Question
  I was wondering if you can tell me what the length and width the graphic you would make for the vehicle is. I took some rough measurements and figured I’d want roughly 132 inches long and 20 inches wide. I’m just wondering what your measurements are cause I don’t know what would look best. I figure you probably know better. Once I figure this out I will be placing an order with you for sure. Your site is great and your email was the fastest response I have ever gotten.

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  Good question on the length. Generally the cost for the stripes found at www.wildstripes.com cost more than the stripes found at the Wildstripes Vault because of the design time. When we get an order from wildstripes, the designer sits down with a template of your ride and the graphic and works with it till he likes it. Then that file, whatever size it is, is passed on to the production department. On the other hand, when we get an order from the Wildstripes Vault the size is given and the designer is bypassed – the reason the cost is generally less.

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• Will the graphic stripe harm my painted surfaces of my vehicle? ▼

  NO!

  But a couple of concerns.

  Do not apply graphic stripes to “fresh” paint. Check with the painter for curing time. The paint should be cured before installation.

  If after many, many years you do remove the stripe, the paint underneath will not have seen any “wear and tear” and will usually have a better gloss (like the day installed). And on some paint colors (i.e., red), fading of the paint where the stripe was not installed is noticed for the first time. But usually, a little wax or buffing solves this problem.

  Besides these two concerns, the stripe will not harm your paint in any way.

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  or stripes?