Preparion and Surface Cleaning

Dash Kit Installation Guidelines

 

Please take a moment to read and understand the installation process of your Rvinyl Dash kit. If any process is unclear please feel free to contact a sales representative prior to installation.

Rvinyl.com Preparation Guidelines:

- Ideal application temperature range is 70º to 80º F (21º to 27º C).
- Application during periods of high relative humidity is not recommended.
- Surfaces must be clean and dry prior to application.
- Applying, removing and reapplying pieces for alignment purposes is not recommended. This will cause delamination.
 
Dash Kit Installation Guideline Step 1: Dash Cleaning Guidelines
- For proper adhesion, clean all surfaces using a 2:1 mixture of water to Isopropyl alcohol, Prepsol, or cleaning solutions available at in our application section of Rvinyl.com Note: Prior to cleaning test solution in an inconspicuous area.
- Use a clean, lint-free cloth to cleanse the application area. Insure it is dry and all oils and residues have been removed prior to application.
- A good test is to see if masking tape will stick to the application surface, if it sticks then the surface is ready for application.  If it does not stick then further cleaning may be necessary.

This is the most important step of the application process, please take the time to prepare the surface as we are not responsible for adhesion problems due to improper surface cleaning.
 
Dash Kit Cleaning Preparation
Dash Kit Installation Guideline Step 2: Dash Cleaning Guidelines
Certain dash kits cover large surface areas and, as such, may be cut into smaller pieces for ease of installation. Carefully consider this before applying the kit. If pieces are to be dissected, this must be done when the kit is still attached to its release liner. Although Rvinyl.com Dash Kits are designed to be installed exactly as manufactured, we understand that some large areas may be easier for some installers to do sectionally.

Please start with a small, relatively simple piece so that you may familiarize yourself with the installation process.
 
Dash Kit Application Temperature
Dash Kit Installation Guideline Step 3: Application
Work left to right or vice versa. Do not work from the center out when applying pieces. Be sure not to bridge any areas by sticking the top and bottom and then trying to stick the middle of the kit as this will create air bubbles.

Note: Do not touch or allow dust or dirt to touch the prepared area or the pressure sensitive backed adhesive. Body oils and contaminants will promote delamination.

Note: Do not apply and then reposition the piece as this will promote delamination.  Attempt to align the piece and then apply it, if you remove the piece it will not properly adhere.
 
Dash Kit Installation Alignment
Dash Kit Installation Guideline Step 4: Adhesion
Start at one edge of the dash kit and work through bends using the palm of your hand (rather than your thumb) applying the kit to the surface. Large sections of vinyl may be applied by using a squeegee or other similar object to apply pressure and greatly reduce air bubbles. A hair dryer may be used to help "cure" the vinyl to the surface and ensure adhesion to areas of the dash which may not be perfectly flat.

Note: Adhesion may be difficult in cold weather, humid areas or if the surface has not been properly cleaned prior to application. The hotter the ambient temperature, the easier for adhesion to take place, but the more difficult it is for the application process.  The pieces may become to soft and flexible for easy application.

Note: Do not apply and then reposition the piece as this will promote delamination.  Attempt to align the piece and then apply it, if you remove the piece it will not properly adhere.
 
Dasj Kikt Application Adhesion
Dash Kit Installation Guideline Step 5: Removing the Application Liner
After allowing your dash kit to properly bond for at least one hour at the proper ambient temperatures, you may begin to slowly peel back the liner.

You may wish to use a pin or other small sharp instrument to "pick" the liner off of the dash kit.

Slowly peel it back, be sure and apply pressure to the dash kit as you are peeling back the liner to insure proper adhesion.
 
Dash Kit Installation Guideline Step 6: Trimming
Allow the kit to cure for 48 hours, trim any extra covered area as desired with razor blade. Pieces may be heated with a hair dryer to insure adhesion and aid in the trimming process.

All aftermarket dash kits are designed to trim or accent the interior of your vehicle and may not entirely cover all areas. These are not replacement dash pieces and as such will only accent the area it is applied to.  Rvinyl.com kits are the only kits on the market which may be trimmed after application to insure a true custom look.
 
Dash Kit Installation Complete
Dash Kit Installation Guideline Step 7: Air Bubbles
If large air bubbles are present they may be popped with a pin and gentle pressure may be applied to release trapped air. As the vinyl breathes, small bubbles will gradually dissipate over time.
 
Dash Kit Installation - Tips & Tricks
When applying your dash kit, please take the time to review the online diagram to insure that you are applying the appropriate piece to the appropriate area of your dash. Rvinyl.com only offers the kits as shown in the diagram, not all pieces may fit all vehicles.  We attempt to include as many pieces as possible to fit as many sub-models as possible of your vehicle.

Be patient, applying a vinyl dash kit can be difficult. Take the time necessary to install each piece carefully, if the piece is removed and then reapplied delamination may occur.  It is better to trim the kit than it is to remove it an reapply it.

Be sure to have properly cleaned your dash.  This is the number one reason for delamination.  If aftermarket dash polishes are used, they must be thoroughly removed  prior to application.

Rvinyl.com stands behind its dash kits, if you have any issues with your installation please contact us.

We do not offer refunds on installed products, take the time to understand the installation process prior to applying the kit.


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