Install Instructions

Choose the instructions for your product before you begin. Follow any product-specific directions supplied with your order. If you are unsure which method to use, contact CutRiteFX before applying it.

Credit card skins

Apply card skins dry. Do not use the water-and-soap method shown in the vehicle example below.

  1. Prepare the card. Wipe the application area with a soft cloth and let it dry completely.
  2. Check alignment. Before peeling the backing, check the skin’s orientation and align any chip opening with your card. If the opening or shape does not line up, contact us before applying.
  3. Peel and position. Carefully peel the backing away, keeping your fingers off the adhesive as much as possible. Align the skin before pressing it down.
  4. Smooth gradually. Press from the center toward the edges with your fingers or a soft cloth. Work slowly and do not stretch the skin or force it over the chip.
  5. Check the edges. Press around the edges and chip opening. Do not trim the skin while it is on the card.

Credit card skin photo guide

The visual guide below shows the full dry-application process from cleaning the card through final edge pressing.

Credit card skin installation guide showing cleaning, peeling, alignment, application, smoothing, edge pressing, and finished installation

Vehicle decals and graphics

The center-hinge method below is for decals supplied with transfer tape. Transfer tape is the top layer that holds the vinyl pieces in position; the backing paper protects the adhesive.

Before you begin

  • Gather painter’s tape, a tape measure, a squeegee, and a clean lint-free cloth.
  • Work on a smooth, clean surface. Remove dirt, wax, and other residue using a cleaner suitable for the surface, then let it dry.
  • Check the graphic’s position with the backing still attached. For large graphics, ask a second person to help.
  • Keep blades away from paint and glass. Trim loose backing paper away from the vehicle.
  1. Position and secure. Tape the complete graphic in place, measure, and adjust its alignment.
  2. Create a center hinge. Place a vertical strip of painter’s tape through the center to hold the alignment.
  3. Expose one half. Lift one half, peel its backing paper toward the hinge, and carefully trim the loose backing without cutting the vinyl.
  4. Apply from the center outward. Hold the vinyl clear of the surface until you reach it with the squeegee. Use firm, overlapping strokes from the hinge toward the outer edge.
  5. Repeat on the other half. Remove the hinge tape as needed, peel the remaining backing, and squeegee outward.
  6. Remove the transfer tape. Peel it back slowly at a low angle. If vinyl lifts, lay the tape back down and squeegee again before continuing.
  7. Check your work. Inspect edges and panel gaps. Do not pull or stretch the graphic to force it into position. Contact us if you need guidance on curves or trimming.

Wet application: only when appropriate for your graphic

The rocker stripe example below shows a wet installation. Use this method only when your product’s instructions allow it. If you are unsure, contact us first. Never wet the backing paper, and do not use this method on credit card skins.

For a suitable graphic, mix one drop of soap into one cup of water and lightly mist the application surface after peeling the backing. Use very little solution. Squeegee the liquid toward the edges and allow the vinyl to adhere before removing the transfer tape.

Rocker stripe photo walkthrough

These original photos show the process on a vehicle. They illustrate positioning, a center hinge, working in sections, and removing transfer tape.

1. Position and measure

Clean the surface, then tape the graphic in place and check the alignment.

Rocker stripe positioned along the vehicle before application

2. Tape the center hinge

Secure the center with painter’s tape so the graphic stays aligned while you work on one half.

Painter’s tape holding the center of the rocker stripe

3. Work in manageable sections

If the design has separate sections, divide only between those sections. Do not cut through the design or against the vehicle’s paint.

Rocker stripe divided into smaller application sections

4. Peel and trim the backing

Lift one section, peel back the backing paper, and trim the loose paper away from the vehicle.

Backing paper peeled away from one section

Loose backing paper removed near the hinge

5. Mist the surface if wet application is approved

Lightly mist the exposed application area. Keep the backing paper dry.

Light mist applied to the vehicle surface for wet installation

6. Squeegee outward

Lay the section down gradually and squeegee from the hinge toward the edge, pushing the solution out.

Squeegee used to apply the rocker stripe

7. Apply the remaining half

Repeat the backing-removal and application steps on the other half.

Remaining half of the rocker stripe being applied

8. Remove the transfer tape slowly

Check that the vinyl has adhered before peeling. If it lifts, lay the tape back down, squeegee again, and allow more time before trying again.

Transfer tape peeled back while checking vinyl adhesion

Close view of vinyl as the transfer tape is removed

9. Check for trapped liquid and bubbles

Work gently toward an edge with the squeegee. Do not scrape the vinyl or puncture it with a blade.

Final smoothing of the installed rocker stripe

10. Finish the edges

Check the edges and door gaps. Follow your graphic’s directions for wrapping or trimming; avoid cutting directly on painted surfaces.

Rocker stripe finished near the door edge

Completed rocker stripe installation

Installation video

Need help before installing?

Contact CutRiteFX with your order number, product name, and a photo of the area you plan to apply it to.