Decal Installation Guide

Universal guide for all XSTYLR decals — vehicles, motorcycles, boats, windows, laptops & more.

v1.0

Before You Start

Gather the following before beginning. Good prep is the single biggest factor in a long-lasting, bubble-free result.

✓Squeegee or credit card — For smoothing — firm, flat edge
✓Isopropyl alcohol (70%+) — IPA wipes or a cloth & bottle
✓Lint-free cloth — Microfibre works best
✓Masking tape — For dry-fit positioning marks
✓Heat gun or hair dryer — Optional — helpful for curves
✓Spray bottle with soapy water — Optional — wet method for large decals

Ideal conditions: 15 °C – 30 °C, low humidity, out of direct sunlight. Avoid applying in the rain or on a hot summer afternoon.

Step-by-Step Installation

Dry-fit & Mark Position

Before peeling anything, hold the decal in place and use masking tape to mark your target position. Step back and check alignment from multiple angles.

Apply in temperatures between 15 °C and 30 °C — adhesive performs poorly in the cold or direct midday heat.
Avoid applying over fresh paint — wait at least 30 days after a respray.
Not suitable for rough, heavily textured, or powdercoated surfaces.

Clean the Surface Thoroughly

Wipe the application area with isopropyl alcohol (IPA) to remove wax, grease, dust, and silicone. Allow the surface to dry fully — at least 5 minutes.

Even a fingerprint can cause adhesion failure — avoid touching the cleaned area.
For glass: use a razor blade at 45° to remove any hard deposits before cleaning with IPA.
Car wax and silicone sprays are invisible but will ruin adhesion — always use IPA.

Peel the Backing Paper

Lay the decal face-down on a clean surface. Peel the backing paper slowly from one corner. If the vinyl lifts with the backing, press it back down and bend the backing sharply to separate.

For large decals: peel halfway, fold back the backing, and apply in halves.
Cold weather makes backing removal harder — warm the decal briefly with your hands or a hair dryer.

Apply the Decal

Starting at one edge, lower the decal onto the surface. Use a squeegee or credit card to press firmly from the centre outward in overlapping strokes, pushing air to the edges.

Wet method (large decals only): mist the surface with a 10:1 water-to-dish-soap mix. Slide the decal into position, then squeegee the water out from the centre. Allow 24 hrs extra cure time.
Work slowly — once the adhesive contacts the surface it bonds quickly.
For curved panels, use a hair dryer on low heat to gently stretch the vinyl around the curve while pressing.

Remove the Transfer Tape

Peel the transfer tape back slowly at a very low angle (10–20°) — almost parallel to the surface. If the decal starts to lift with the tape, stop, press it down firmly, and continue more slowly.

Warm the tape slightly with a hair dryer if it's pulling the decal up.
Work from one corner diagonally across — don't pull straight back.
Once the tape is off, press the entire decal firmly one more time with the squeegee.

Cure & Aftercare

Avoid washing the vehicle or exposing the decal to rain for at least 48 hours. This allows the adhesive to fully cure and bond to the surface.

Small air bubbles (under 10 mm) will usually self-heal within a few days in warm conditions.
For persistent bubbles: use a fine pin at a 45° angle to release trapped air, then press flat.
For removal: warm with a heat gun on low, peel from a corner at a 45° angle. Clean any residue with IPA.
Hand-wash around the decal area — high-pressure jets and automated car washes can lift edges over time.

Troubleshooting

Decal won't stick to the surface

Check for silicone wax residue — re-clean with fresh IPA. Ensure the surface is completely dry and the temperature is within range.

Large air bubbles after application

Use a fine pin at a 45° angle to pierce the bubble, then press flat with a squeegee. For bubbles near the edge, try lifting the nearest edge slightly and re-applying.

Decal sticks to backing when peeling

The vinyl adhesive may be stronger than the backing paper's coating. Press the decal firmly back onto the backing, then peel more slowly — bending the backing sharply at the peel point helps separate them.

Decal lifting with transfer tape

Press harder with your squeegee before pulling the tape. Pull at a lower angle (closer to 10°). A gentle pass of warm air from a hair dryer helps activate the adhesive.

Edges peeling on curved surfaces

Use a heat gun on low to soften the vinyl, then press firmly along the edge. A small amount of clear vinyl primer (available from auto stores) can also help adhesion on difficult curves.

Questions about your order or installation? hello@retzero.io

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