Questions About Graphics

Q: 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. Have another question about decals, signs, lettering, or stripes?

Q: 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. Have another question about decals, signs, lettering, or stripes?

Q: 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. Have another question about decals, signs, lettering, or stripes?

Q: 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. Have another question about decals, signs, lettering, or stripes?

Q: What is the cost to install side graphics? Who can install the side graphics for me?

Detailed Customer Question 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. 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! Have another question about decals, signs, lettering, or stripes?

Q: The graphic kept sticking to the paper backing. What should I do?

Detailed Customer Question 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? 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 Have another question about decals, signs, lettering, or stripes?

Q: Do you spray the back of the decal or the surface? I’m confused!

Detailed Customer Question 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. 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 Have another question about decals, signs, lettering, or stripes?

Q: What size are your graphics at wildstripes.com? I don’t see a size listed?

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. 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. Have another question about decals, signs, lettering, or stripes?

Q: 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. Have another question about decals, signs, lettering, or stripes?

Q: 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. Have another question about decals, signs, lettering, or stripes?

Question 1

Can I put your graphics on painted wood?

Answer

Graphics can be applied to painted wood, but their longevity depends entirely on the quality and preparation of the underlying paint. The vinyl adheres well to the paint, but if the paint job is poor or begins to fail, the graphic will peel off along with it. Because the condition of the painted surface cannot be guaranteed, the application is not officially warranted.

Question 2

Can your graphics be applied to a boat?

Answer

Yes, boat applications are ideal for these graphics. Since many pre-made graphics are sized for vehicles, it is recommended to browse the Wildstripes Vault, where graphics can be easily customized to fit a boat. Simply measure the desired area on your boat and enter those dimensions into the sizing page to see a scaled preview of the graphic.

Question 3

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

Answer

Although the manufacturer does not recommend applying a clear coat over graphics or stripes, many body shops do so without issues. The primary risk is that the vinyl expands and contracts at a different rate than the clear coat, which can occasionally cause the clear coat to peel or pop off. However, a top coat is not necessary for the durability of the graphic.

Question 4

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

Answer

You can spray the application solution on either the back of the decal or the target surface; it does not matter. However, using more solution or a stronger soap mixture will increase the time required for the decal to fully adhere. In cooler weather below 60 degrees, it is best to use little to no solution, and care should be taken not to wet the wax paper backing.

Question 5

How difficult is it to remove the graphic?

Answer

Graphics are designed to stay in place until you decide to remove them, at which point they come off easily without damaging the underlying paint. On glass, simply slide a razor blade underneath and clean any residue with glass cleaner. On painted surfaces, pick at the edges with your fingernail, preferably while the surface is warm from the sun, and remove any leftover adhesive using mineral spirits.

Question 6

How long do the graphics last?

Answer

Graphics typically last at least five years, but often much longer. Lifespan can be reduced to around five years if the graphic is installed on a flat horizontal surface, submerged below the waterline on a boat, or exposed to harsh chemicals and wax buildup along the edges. As a general rule, any chemical or condition that can damage the underlying paint will also damage the vinyl.

Question 7

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

Answer

The graphics do not have a background; they consist of pre-spaced designs applied to a wax paper backing and covered with transfer tape. When installed, the transfer tape is removed, leaving only the graphic itself on the surface, meaning the background is completely clear and takes on the color of the underlying surface.

Question 8

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

Answer

If the graphic sticks to the paper backing instead of the transfer tape, it is likely due to high humidity during shipping. To fix this, lay the graphic flat with the paper backing on the bottom and re-squeegee the transfer tape on top. If the wax paper has torn and stuck to the vinyl, carefully use a razor blade or fingernail to separate them before proceeding with the installation.

Question 9

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

Answer

Because computer monitors and phones display colors differently, it is difficult to guarantee an exact color match from a screen. If an exact match is required, you can request a free physical color chart by mail. Once you select a color from the physical chart, place your order and email the order number with the specific color code to ensure accuracy before production.

Question 10

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

Answer

Professional installation of side graphics typically costs between $80 and $120, depending on the complexity of the vehicle. The company recommends seeking out local auto trim shops like Auto Trim Express or Trim-Line, which often offer mobile services. For a more budget-friendly option, a local car body shop or painter can also perform the installation, as they possess the necessary attention to detail.

Question 11

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

Answer

Graphics from wildstripes.com are fully custom, meaning a designer works with a template of your vehicle to create a graphic that fits perfectly before sending the file to production. Because the design is tailored to your specific ride, there is no standard pre-set size, unlike the pre-designed graphics in the Wildstripes Vault where you provide the exact dimensions.

Question 12

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

Answer

Graphic stripes will not harm your vehicle’s paint, provided the paint is fully cured before application. Applying stripes to fresh paint can trap solvents and cause damage. Once cured, the stripe actually protects the paint underneath; however, removing it after many years may reveal a slight color difference due to the surrounding paint fading, which can usually be resolved with wax or buffing.