Required tools

• Vinyl film/sticker (for lettering/detail elements, possibly with transfer film)
• Professional squeegee with felt edge (available in our shop)
• Microfiber cloth
• Adhesive tape (painter's/masking tape, optional for alignment)

Step 1 – Prepare the surface

• The surface must be smooth, clean, dry and dust-free.
• Clean with mild soapy water; completely remove grease and fingerprints.
• Dry with a lint-free microfiber cloth . Avoid using harsh cleaners that leave residue.
• Allow freshly painted walls to cure for at least 2 weeks .

Step 2 – Position & Align

There are two proven approaches to alignment. Choose the method that best fits your project:

Method 1 – Adhesive Tape Hinge

1. Place the film in the desired position.
2. Fix the top edge with a strip of painter's tape - this creates a hinge .
3. When gluing, peel off the backing paper gradually downwards.

Method 2 – Peel & Fold (without tape)

1. Carefully peel off the top 15-20 cm of the backing paper.
2. Fold the removed backing paper flat back under the film (adhesive is exposed at the top).
3. Position the film precisely and start gluing it in this exposed area.

Step 3 – Start bonding (dry method)

• Hold the film straight with one hand and slightly taut – do not stretch or bend it.
• With the other hand, apply the squeegee with the felt edge : start in the center of the exposed area.
• Firm, even pressure , short overlapping strips , working from the center to the edges.
• Squeegee angle approx. 45° to the surface, continuous, controlled movement.

Step 4 – Work down in sections

• Peel back another 10-15 cm of the backing paper, keeping the film taut (slightly taut).
• Fix each new section with overlapping squeegee strokes – center → edge , displacing air to the outside.
• Constant speed, no rushing ; work out wrinkles early with small, controlled strokes.
• For large motifs, work in logical segments (e.g. letter fields or line sections).

Step 5 – Completion & Control

• Once the adhesive has been completely bonded, press the entire surface down again with the squeegee , strip by strip and overlapping .
• Apply increased pressure to cleanly apply edges and corners.
• Peel off any existing transfer film (for plotters/writing) flat and at a small angle .
• Work out any small air pockets toward the nearest edge. If tiny microbubbles remain, they often disappear on their own after a few days.

Common mistakes – and how to avoid them

• Insufficient cleaning: Dust/grease reduces adhesion → Clean surface thoroughly and allow to dry completely.
• Wrong tools: No paper/kitchen towels, no hard/abrasive pads; use a squeegee with a felt edge .
• Pulling/stretching the film: Do not stretch the material – tension will later lead to edge lifting.
• Sections that are too large: Work in small steps (10–15 cm), maintain control.
• Missing alignment: Ensure exact position before gluing (tape hinge or peel & fold method).