Xerox 003R06709 User Manual

Application Ideas and Procedures

Xerox Wide Format Supplies Applications Guide 

Version 2.0; April 2005

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IMPORTANT: It is the responsibility of the end-user/applicator to ensure all painted substrates have been processed
and cured per the paint manufacturer’s requirements. Failure to follow paint manufacturer requirements can lead to
decal failures and/or removal problems. The surface to which vinyl is applied must be completely clean, smooth, and
dry before final preparation. There must be no dirt, oil, grease or solvent residue remaining on the substrate prior to
decal application. Prior to cleaning with solvents, test the cleaning solvent on an inconspicuous area of the application
surface to check for potential damage from solvent usage. Always test adhesion and paint/adhesive compatibility prior
to installation.

Follow all manufacturers’ recommended procedures and safety recommendations. Refer to the container label and the
Material Safety Data Sheet for health and safety information.

Proper cleaning and preparation of substrate prior to decal application is critical to the success of the decal. The 
following cleaning and surface preparation conditions must be followed immediately prior to application. Failure to
adhere to these requirements can cause adhesion loss and therefore reduce the durability and performance level of 
the decal. The following conditions are relevant to properly prepared paint systems processed correctly per paint 
manufacturer specifications.

• Remove all dirt and grime with soapy water. If grease, oil, wax, etc., are present, the substrate must be scrubbed with a 

solvent wipe.

• After proper cleaning, the substrate surface should be thoroughly wiped by using a clean rag saturated with a cleaner.

• Highly pigmented or flat metallic paints (which tend to chalk and flake promoting poor vinyl adhesion), flat latex paint, 

all latex paints on wooden substrates, paints containing migratory agents (such as chlorinated waxes and silicone which may
cause adhesion failure), oil alkyd primers and enamels (as they are slow to dry and will adversely affect adhesion of 
a vinyl).

• The use of high quality exterior grade paints are recommended, followed by substrate cleaning and preparation instructions as

specified in above section.

• Painted metal should have a minimum of one finish coat.
• If applying film to a newly painted surface, follow all drying and curing instructions provided by the paint manufacturer 

prior to surface preparation and vinyl application.

• All air-drying paints should be allowed to dwell at or near room temperature and humidity conditions for one week prior 

to vinyl application.

• Baked enamel paints may be used directly upon cooling.
• Chalked and otherwise weathered paint surfaces must be refurbished with buffing followed by substrate preparation and 

cleaning instructions as specified in the previous section.

• Some paint systems provide an extremely smooth surface, hence, initial adhesion will be low–extra dwell time is necessary

before maximum adhesion is achieved.

• Any section of painted metal with bare or rust spots must be entirely resurfaced.