Wet Method Windshield Banner Installation

The wet application method is a great option for installing larger windshield decals and banners. It allows you to position and adjust the decal before it fully adheres and can help reduce bubbles during installation.

⚠️ Important — Please Read Before Installation

• Inspect your decal before installation. If your decal arrives damaged, defective, creased, or with any other issue, please contact us before attempting installation. Include clear photos of the decal and packaging so we can assist you.

• Do not install a damaged decal. Once installation has been attempted, we may be unable to determine whether damage occurred during shipping or application.

• We are not responsible for damage caused by improper installation. This includes wrinkles, creases, tearing, stretching, bubbles, incorrect positioning, or other damage that occurs during application.

• Apply decals in temperatures of at least 10°C (50°F). Vinyl may not adhere properly when applied in cold temperatures. For best results, install in a warm, dry environment.

• Do not apply to a hot windshield or in direct sunlight. Application fluid can dry too quickly, making installation more difficult.

• The windshield must be completely clean before installation. Dirt, grease, wax, ceramic coatings, or other residues can interfere with adhesion.

• Allow adequate drying time. Wet-applied vinyl will not have the same immediate adhesion as a dry-applied decal. Do not rush the removal of the transfer tape.

What You'll Need

Before starting, have the following ready:

• Spray bottle

• Clean water

• Mild dish soap

• Squeegee or application card

• Measuring tape

• Masking or painter's tape

• Microfibre cloth

• Isopropyl alcohol

• Scissors if needed

Prepare Your Application Solution

Fill a spray bottle with approximately 500 mL (16 oz) of clean water and add only 1–2 small drops of mild dish soap.

Gently mix the solution.

Do not use too much soap. Excess soap can interfere with the adhesive and significantly increase the amount of time required for the vinyl to bond to the glass.

Step 1 — Clean the Windshield

Thoroughly clean the outside of the windshield where the banner will be installed.

Remove all dirt, grease, wax, bugs and other contamination.

For your final cleaning step, wipe the installation area with isopropyl alcohol and a clean microfibre cloth.

Allow the windshield to dry completely before continuing.

Step 2 — Position & Measure Your Banner

Before removing any backing paper, place the banner against the windshield to determine your desired position.

Measure from both sides of the windshield to ensure the banner is centred and level.

You can use small pieces of masking or painter's tape to mark your desired position.

Take your time with this step. Having reference points will make positioning much easier once the backing paper has been removed.

Step 3 — Spray the Windshield

Remove the decal from the windshield and lightly spray the installation area with your application solution.

The surface should be evenly misted, but it does not need to be dripping wet.

The application solution temporarily reduces the vinyl's initial tack, giving you more time to position the banner.

Step 4 — Remove the Backing Paper

Place the banner face-down on a clean, flat surface with the transfer tape facing downward.

Slowly peel the backing paper away from the vinyl.

Peel the backing paper away from the vinyl rather than pulling the vinyl away from the backing.

Make sure all letters and pieces of the design remain attached to the transfer tape.

Once the backing has been removed, you can lightly mist the exposed adhesive side of the vinyl with your application solution.

Step 5 — Position the Banner

Carefully place the banner onto the wet windshield.

Because the surface is wet, you should have some ability to slide and reposition the banner before the adhesive begins to grab.

Use the reference points you created earlier to centre and level the design.

Check your positioning from several angles before beginning to squeegee.

Step 6 — Squeegee Out the Application Fluid

Once you're happy with the placement, begin squeegeeing from the centre of the banner outward toward the edges.

Use firm, overlapping strokes.

Your goal is to push as much water and air as possible out from underneath the vinyl.

Work gradually across the entire banner rather than trying to squeegee large areas at once.

Pay extra attention to small lettering, thin lines, sharp points and detailed areas. These areas need good contact with the glass before the transfer tape is removed.

Once finished, firmly squeegee over the entire design again.

Step 7 — Let the Vinyl Set

Do not immediately remove the transfer tape.

Because the decal was installed wet, the adhesive needs time to begin bonding to the windshield.

Drying time will vary depending on the temperature, humidity, amount of application solution used and the size of the decal.

Before removing the transfer tape, test a small corner.

If the vinyl begins lifting from the windshield with the transfer tape, stop and wait longer.

You can lay the transfer tape back down, firmly squeegee the area again and allow additional drying time.

Never force the transfer tape off while the vinyl is still lifting.

Step 8 — Remove the Transfer Tape

Once the vinyl is adhering firmly to the glass, slowly begin removing the transfer tape.

Peel the transfer tape back on itself at a sharp angle, keeping it low and close to the windshield.

Do not pull the transfer tape straight outward from the glass.

Work slowly across the banner.

If any letter or section begins lifting:

Stop → lay the transfer tape back down → squeegee firmly → allow additional drying time → try again.

Do not continue pulling if the vinyl isn't staying on the windshield.

Step 9 — Final Check

Once the transfer tape has been completely removed, inspect the entire banner.

Gently press down any edges, corners or detailed areas that need additional adhesion.

Small amounts of moisture or a slightly cloudy appearance underneath the vinyl may be visible immediately after wet installation. Remaining moisture should gradually evaporate as the decal cures.

Avoid picking at or repeatedly pressing any small bubbles while the vinyl is still curing.

After Installation

Give your new windshield banner time to fully bond to the glass.

For the first 24–48 hours:

• Avoid washing the vehicle.

• Avoid pressure washing the windshield or decal.

• Avoid scraping or picking at the edges.

• Keep the vehicle dry when possible.

• Do not attempt to reposition the vinyl after it has begun bonding.

Cool or humid conditions may require additional drying time.

Once properly installed and cured, your Oracal 651 windshield banner is ready to enjoy!