Decal Sheet

If I'm buying self adhesive Vinyl for a decal to apply to plastic, Do i need to use masking to apply? explain?

I'm trying to do my own decal work on my hockey mask and I'm buying vinyl that already has adhesive on the sheets. I've seen videos where is is necessary to use a squeegee and masking to apply the vinyl. Do I need to use masking when the vinyl comes with adhesive already? thanks!

Masking tape is used to aid in positioning. Before you take off the release paper on the back of the vinyl exposing the adhesive, running a piece of masking tape along one edge leaving one half of the strip free to be able to tape in place onto the object creating sort of a hinge. One would then fold over like opening a book, take the release paper off and slowly - working from the hinge area firs- close the book working the adhesive side of the vinyl onto the item. Once the vinyl is down the masking tape would be removed.

Now here is another definition- in the sign business we use masking in wide rolls to cover the surface of the vinyl to stabilize the vinyl while applying it. So to be clear you have the vinyl ,a release paper on the back and masking on the front.

Think of it as a whole long word being held in place by both from and back. If you did not have the masking on the front when you removed the release paper backing you would have a bunch of individual letters all over the place. It is hard to describe any better here. Maybe going to www.gregory1.com - maybe there you can find some visuals about the process.

BUT BUT BUT -you have a very special item and that technique will not work! It only works on relatively flat surfaces.

Here's what to do. If you lightly moisten the mask with a fine mist if water if you do not have the special liquids that sign makers have. Then place the vinyl adhesive side down. When you smooth out the bubbles the water will carry out the air and allow the adhesive to contact and conform to the irregular surface. It will be a little work but this method can help sometimes with minor repositioning too.
The adhesive it not effected by the water and will be permanent once squeegeed firmly and dry.

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