Decals

Why does the vinyl material your graphic kits are manufactured from seem so thin?

Great Question! One would think that thick vinyl material would be better and last longer than thin. Incorrect. Here’s why:

In the graphic film industry there are basically two (2) types of film that can be used for graphic markings. The first is Calendered Film. Sometimes called Intermediate Film, this product proves ideal for medium-term outdoor applications. Due to the manufacturing process, thicknesses can range between 2.5 to 3.2 mil. While calendered film may be thicker and easier to apply than other films, it does not last long (3-5 years) and tends to shrink at the edges – thus, it is unstable for long term automotive vehicle graphic usage.

The film we use is called High Performance Premium Cast. Life expectancy of cast films ranges from 6-10 years (vertical surface applications). Cast films tend to conform better over irregular surfaces, fade less, carry a higher gloss and do not shrink. Thickness of cast films is generally no more than 2 mil.

While we have seen other companies provide graphic kits with calendered film, rest assured that we will always provide our customer base with products that are built to last.

Note: Please review information in regard to graphics installed on horizontal surfaces in the Warranty Section of our Standard Color Chart.
Do you manufacture Steering Wheel and Front Dash emblems/decals?
While many vehicles have areas located on their steering wheel or dash area that afford the opportunity  for decorative emblems/decals, due to liability reasons, we have chosen not to manufacture product for these areas. Safety Restraint Systems (SRS) found in today's vehicles have the ability to turn emblems/decals into projectiles, potentially causing severe injury to the occupant. For this reason, we have conscientiously made it our policy not to create, manufacture or provide items for such areas.
Your ad states "Simulated Carbon Fiber". What is that?
The look of Carbon Fiber is desirable in the automotive market for accent items such as shift knobs, e-brake levers, dash kits, etc. However, due to the costs associated with real carbon fiber and other high-strength fabrics such as Kevlar, a good share of products on the market are manufactured with a simulated appearance.
Our Simulated Carbon Fiber products consist of a Carbon Fiber image thermally printed onto automotive grade vinyl material. In the design stage we'll further enhance the pattern with 3-D effects that give the product certain depth. When viewed from a short distance, it is difficult to discern whether the item is manufactured with real or simulated carbon fiber.
Do you have Prismatic vinyl available for your decal sets?
Special effect vinyls such as holographic, multi-lens and prismatic metallized films have the ability to create visual excitement for specific applications. Unfortunately though, these materials have an outdoor life rating of only 6-12 months.
Thus, until manufacturers create a better product with a longer life, we have chosen not to offer such films to our valued customer base.
Can your Headlight "Eyelid" decals be moved at a later date once installed?
Due to the fact that our Eyelid decals are manufactured from pressure-sensitive automotive grade vinyl, they cannot be relocated. Once they are installed they can be removed with a little heat from a heat gun, however they will not be usable after removal. Moreover, depending on the age of the fixture, factory applied clearcoat on polycarbonate lenses may release with the vinyl thereby rendering a dull finish. Thus, please be advised ~ We are not responsible for durability/quality of factory applied clearcoat on polycarbonate lenses during the installation of our decal kits or in the event they are removed at a later date.
Is your Simulated Fuel Door a decal or an actual operating Fuel Door?
The item advertised consists of a decal that applies onto the vehicle's existing Fuel Door. The graphic is uniquely designed to simulate the look of a real race type fuel door as noted in the description. Vinyl product used in the manufacture of the decal consists of automotive grade premium materials that are warranted for 5-7 years against delamination and colorfastness.
Does your Windshield Lettering set install on the inside or outside of the windshield?
Unless otherwise specified, all of our Windshield Lettering sets are designed to be installed on the outside of the windshield. In many cases, our customer's windshield is tinted at the top. Thus, if the decal were to be installed on the inside it would be difficult to see from the outside.
How hard is it to get existing decal(s) off my vehicle? I don't want to scratch my painted surface.
Existing decals are relatively easy to remove. Simply warm the decal so as to soften the adhesive system and start peeling at a corner. The decal should release from the existing paint without any damage to the surface. Adhesive residue can be removed with Adhesive Remover. Any discoloration from paint fade can usually be buffed out with polish. 'Click' here for easy-to-follow illustrated instructions.
How well do your decals hold up to regular washing and weathering?

Vinyl product used in the manufacture of our decals consists of automotive grade premium materials that are warranted for 5-8 years against delamination and colorfastness. Washing your vehicle on a regular basis will not affect the material (please review our Technical Bulletin in regard to Graphic Care). Waxing/polishing over our graphics/decals will void manufacturer warranties. The only finish we allow for use over our graphics/decals is Rod & Custom Show Gloss Creme urethane finish sealant. For more information on Warranty coverage for our various product materials, we invite you to review the Warranty Reference Chart found at the bottom of our Standard Color Chart.
Once installed, is it easy to remove your decals/graphics?
Our decals are relatively easy to remove. Simply warm the decal so as to soften the adhesive system and start peeling at a corner. The decal should release from the existing paint without any damage to the surface. Adhesive residue can be removed with Adhesive Remover. Any discoloration from paint fade can usually be buffed out with polish. 'Click' here for easy-to-follow illustrated instructions.
Can an automotive grade clear coat be sprayed over your vinyl graphics/decals?
The majority of our vinyl products are created from materials that carry a warranty of 5-10 years. This warranty is void once coverings of any kind (clear coats, paint, waxes, polishes, etc.) are placed on the material.
That being said however, many of our customers have had success in spraying an automotive clear over our graphics, especially motorcycles. Care needs to be taken however to build up the clear in many light coats rather than a few heavy coats. The vinyl can actually melt from the aggressive chemicals of the clear coat if too heavy of a coat is placed on the vinyl.
As far as waxes/polishes are concerned, please be advised that waxing/polishing over our graphics/decals will void manufacturer warranties. The only finish we allow for use over our graphics/decals is Rod & Custom Show Gloss Creme urethane finish sealant.
What type and brand of vinyl do you use for your graphics?
Vinyl film used in the manufacture of our vehicle graphics consist of 2 mil cast automotive grade vinyl. While we use a variety  of film manufacturers (Oracal, 3M, Avery Dennison, etc.), rest assured that the quality of your product both meets and exceeds minimum industry standards for the vehicle graphics industry. For Warranty information, we invite you to review the information found at the bottom of our Standard Color Chart.
Lastly, due to the amount of vinyl film we process in any given year, your kit will undoubtedly come from the freshest stock available. In fact, in the 2010 calendar year we processed over 37,000 square feet of product. This relates to the area of:  one (1) football field;  or, a little more than one-half a soccer field;  or, over twenty-five (25) 1500 square feet homes;  and, if we were to lay a 12" strip of the vinyl we used, it would reach over seven (7) miles. Thus, there is very little shelf time for our vinyl films.

What holds your decals on? Will I need some type of glue to install your decals?
Our graphic and decal products are manufactured with a solvent based pressure-sensitive adhesive backing that assists in affixing the item to the prepared surface that it is intended for. Additional glue/adhesive is not required. You may wish to purchase a hard squeegee for ease of installation. Squeegees may be found at your local hardware store or on the Shopping Pages of our website.
Is it safe to take my vehicle through automatic car washes with your decals/graphics?
We suggest hand washing your vehicle for the first two (2) weeks after the installation of your decals/graphics. This will allow the product's adhesive system to set. Automatic car wash facilities, at times, have their jets set at high pressures that can peel graphics and emblems off of finished vehicle surfaces. Thus, we suggest checking with the car wash attendant to see if their car wash is set for suggested vehicle graphic pressures. Furthermore, most traditional wash products are buffered acids or caustics that clean by etching vehicle surfaces. Not only do these prove toxic to the environment and to those who come in contact with them, but they can also affect the life of vinyl graphics. It is our position that hand washing is the best method to care for vehicle and graphic products (please review our Technical Bulletin in regard to Graphic Care).
As far as waxes/polishes are concerned, please be advised that waxing/polishing over our graphics/decals will void manufacturer warranties. The only finish we allow for use over our graphics/decals is Rod & Custom Show Gloss Creme urethane finish sealant.
Your Installation Instructions suggest the use of "Denatured Alcohol". Is there a substitute that can be used?

While Denatured Alcohol is a common product at local hardware stores in the United States, we realize it may not be available in other countries. Thus, Methyl Hydrate may be used as a substitute.

The goal with either of these chemicals is to provide a clean surface for the installation of graphics, decals and our InvisiGARD® line of products. Denatured Alcohol and/or Methyl Hydrate does not leave an oily film such as other cleaners that contain petroleum distillates.
I feel uncomfortable installing the graphic kit on my own. How would one go about locating a shop or individual to apply the graphic?

With the online instructions provided for the kits offered, just about any area sign/graphic shop should be able to install our graphics. Most of the kits are created so that minimal, if any, trimming is required, thereby making it easy for just about anyone to install.

Alternatively, an area body shop may have a technician experienced with graphic installation as well.
For a list of distributors we may currently have in your area, 'click' here.

In any case, prior to selecting a company to perform the installation, it is wise to view pictures of recent projects and inquire of their labor and workmanship warranty. While they obviously cannot warranty the product, it is customary to offer a warranty on the installation services provided.
I purchased a graphic from you for my vehicle. The graphic shops in my area will not install the kit because they feel it is cheap vinyl that won’t last. They say it will shrink within six (6) months. What can I do?
Rest assured materials used in all our graphic kits are of premium automotive grade “cast” vinyl. Cast film lasts longer and is what most OEM's use for factory graphic kits.
While we use a variety  of film manufacturers (Oracal, 3M, Avery Dennison, etc.), the quality of your product both meets and exceeds minimum industry standards for the vehicle graphics industry. For Warranty information, we invite you to review the information found at the bottom of our Standard Color Chart.
Unfortunately, we’ve heard of some graphic or sign shops being reluctant or even jealous due to the fact customers in their area did not purchase product from them.
Whenever a customer chooses not to install a graphics kit themselves, we suggest they contact the Body Shop at their local auto dealership (Chevrolet, Ford, Dodge, etc.) as the attending Manager or personnel may know of qualified and perhaps unbiased installers.
Can I use soap and water to install your graphic kits?
Yes. However, please review an excerpt from our Custom Graphics Installation Instructions: Wet Application Method: Spraying a light mist of our Rapid Tac or Rapid Tac II application solution onto your application surface will delay the adhesive activation between the bonding surface and vinyl transfer, resulting in a bubble-free, wrinkle-free application. CAUTION: Wet application may delay the immediate removal of the application tape. A waiting period of up to 30 minutes may be necessary.
Just got my decal. Looks great. However, there are some fine white lines in the print. What are they?

When designing our simulated carbon fiber, billet or camouflage products, we use image editing programs to enhance the product with a three-dimensional appearance. Part of the design process renders given areas with a raised, embossed look. This is achieved through simulated light casts and shadowing.
For the most part, our program casts a light from the upper left-hand corner of the image, resulting in a design that includes fine white lines along the top parts of the 3D areas and darker shadows at the bottom right.
At times, it may be difficult to discern the 3D effect until the decal has been successfully installed. Moreover, we suggest viewing the decal, once installed, from a distance of no closer than 3-4 feet to appreciate the “look” as it is intended.
'Click' here to view an example.

Just installed my decals/graphics, peeled the outer Application Paper and noticed a residue of the graphic on the adhesive. What’s up?

No need to worry. In the DuraCOLOR thermal process utilized, there may be some excess transfer of the foil during printing due to high pigment load. This excess usually comes off and appears as a “ghosted” image with the product’s outer application tape.

I’ve seen graphics similar to yours on other sites/auctions that are cheaper. Why do your prices seem higher?

Well…, we'd like to say “You Get What You Pay For” but that seems so cliché.
Let’s try this on for size:    All Prices have been Artificially Inflated for Customer Convenience.
As a public service, we pledge that our prices are higher than you can find anywhere else. Our customers have embraced this policy so they can rest assured they’re paying the most possible.
In the event you find prices higher than ours, please contact us and we'll be happy to increase the cost based on our popular 10% Maximum Price Match Guarantee.   ;)
 
In all seriousness, with decades of design experience as well as proven commitment to customer satisfaction with superior product and service, we base prices on criteria such as design, material content, manufacturing processes, fulfillment costs and intrinsic value. Put altogether with a pinch of markup and we have a price.
It’s long been our policy to not concern ourselves with what others are charging but rather what we require to service our customers for years to come.
Perhaps that's why we’re still here.
 
 
InvisiGARD® Paint Protection
Does the protection have an adhesive or does it stay on by static?
Our InvisiGARD® Paint and Headlight Protection product is manufactured with an optically clear solvent-based adhesive system that is designed to adhere to paint, plastic, polycarbonate and glass surfaces. InvisiGARD® protection pieces can be removed, if desired, with no damage to the substrate. Simply warm the protector so as to soften the adhesive system and start peeling at a corner. The decal should release from the surface easily. Adhesive residue can be removed with Adhesive Remover. Once removed however, our InvisiGARD® product cannot be reapplied.

Will your InvisiGARD® product damage my vehicle’s paint upon removal?
Once installed, there is very little reason to remove our InvisiGARD® film.

While our adhesive system proves to be aggressive, it can be removed without any damage to your vehicle’s paint. In fact, you may find that the painted surface protected by our InvisiGARD® film will look better than the adjacent areas. Careful removal of our film will reveal a painted surface that looks as good as the day it was installed.

Will InvisiGARD® pull my vehicle’s paint off upon removal?

Painted surfaces are only as good as the preparation of such surfaces. Factory painted vehicles, for the most part, have been prepared in such a way that creates a strong bond between metal and paint. Assembly line vehicles are painted in controlled environments and are more likely to hold up to the removal of pressure-sensitive adhesive backed products. While we cannot provide an unequivocal guarantee that our InvisiGARD® film won’t pull paint upon removal, we can say that occurrences of such are remote. Careful removal of our product with a little warm heat will reveal a painted surface that looks as good as the day it was installed.

Can decals/graphics be applied over your InvisiGARD® film?

Our InvisiGARD® Paint and Headlight protection film is a urethane based product. With it’s ultra-gloss finish it can be an ideal substrate for the application of decals and/or graphics. However, if the decals/graphics need to be removed at a later date one needs to take care in the removal process. Warming the decal/graphic with a heat gun will assist in it’s removal, however too much heat will also allow the adhesive system of our InvisiGARD® to release from the vehicle surface. Thus, take care to just “warm” the decal while peeling slowly.
Adhesive residue may be removed with a non-toxic formula such as our environmentally friendly Rapid Remover. Adhesive removers with petroleum distillates as well as denatured alcohol will damage the finish of your InvisiGARD®.
While we cautiously allow the installation of decals/graphics over our product, please be advised that we cannot be responsible for finish degradation or damage that may occur from the removal of such.
Your Installation Instructions suggest the use of "Denatured Alcohol". Is there a substitute that can be used?

While Denatured Alcohol is a common product at local hardware stores in the United States, we realize it may not be available in other countries. Thus, Methyl Hydrate may be used as a substitute.

The goal with either of these chemicals is to provide a clean surface for the installation of graphics, decals and our InvisiGARD® line of products. Denatured Alcohol and/or Methyl Hydrate does not leave an oily film such as other cleaners that contain petroleum distillates.

What's the difference between your Paint Protection kits and Spray-On Chip Protection available on the market?

While it is our belief that just about every product on the market has it’s place, there are several things to consider in regard to sprayable chip protection.
1)  Spray-on chip protection comes as a 2-part liquid process that requires preparation, mixing and application in a dust-free, temperature and moisture controlled environment. Thus, application by a facility such as a body shop is recommended. Therefore, one must consider not only  the cost of the kit itself but also the work involved to apply the product.

While a clean area is important, installation of our kits can be performed by just about any handy person. If you desire the kit to be installed by someone else, professional graphic installers, window tinters or auto body shops have the abilities to assist.

2)  Another matter to consider is product warranty. While our product is covered under our Limited Lifetime Warranty, it is wise to carefully review the warranty coverage of spray-on coatings, if any.

3)  Lastly, most vehicle manufacturer warranties in relation to paint finish become void in the event a permanent coating such as spray clears are added to the vehicle. Due to the fact that our kits are removable, your vehicle warranty will not be affected.
 

Click here for more InvisiGARD® Paint Protection FAQ's
 
InvisiGARD® Headlight Protection
Is your InvisiGARD® Headlight Protection available in colors?
Our InvisiGARD® product is optically clear and features the industry's glossiest look with absolutely no "orange peel". It is warranted to never yellow, peel or crack. Due to the fact that colored films tend to obscure light transmittance, they are not legal on headlight surfaces. Thus, we do not offer colored film at this time.
How much heat can your InvisiGARD® Headlight Protection handle?
Our 8 mil InvisiGARD® urethane product can withstand continuous use temperatures of up to 212 degrees. For more information in regard to the specifics of our product, please review our Technical Data Information sheet.
Do you offer a "Headlight Replacement Warranty" with your InvisiGARD® Headlight Protection product?
Our 8 mil InvisiGARD® product has been rigorously tested for protection from rocks, pebbles, abrasions, etc. While our product is warranted for life from yellowing, peeling and cracking, we do not provide a Headlight Replacement Warranty.
Carefully reviewing the "fine print" of the Headlight Replacement Warranty of other companies, you'll note that there are quite a number of "hoops" that one has to jump through prior to the company ever agreeing to fulfill a claim. The probability of someone actually meeting all the qualifications to actually collect on a claim is very slim.
Thus, we have made a commitment to promote our InvisiGARD® based on the strength and superior quality of the material. Not only is our protection film glossier and more optically clear; due to the fact that our product is a urethane, it will not shrink - as others have the tendency to do.
Does the protection have an adhesive backing or does it stay on by static?
Our InvisiGARD® Paint and Headlight Protection product is manufactured with an optically clear solvent-based adhesive system that is designed to adhere to paint, plastic, polycarbonate and glass surfaces. InvisiGARD® protection pieces can be removed, if desired, with no damage to the substrate. Simply warm the protector so as to soften the adhesive system and start peeling at a corner. The material should release from the surface easily. Adhesive residue can be removed with Adhesive Remover. Once removed however, our InvisiGARD® product cannot be reapplied.
My existing Headlights are hazed already. Will your InvisiGARD® Headlight protection help me?
Hazed headlights can be restored by simply buffing the lense with a polishing compound. Once restored, our InvisiGARD® Headlight protectors will preserve the clarity and shine of your headlights.
WARNING  ***  INSTALLATION NOTE  *** WARNING

Most headlamp lenses and assemblies are manufactured from plastic materials. After the lense is molded to it’s current shape, a protective clear is sprayed onto the surface and subsequently baked to harden.
The following link to a YouTube video show the complete process of Headlamp manufacturing: https://youtu.be/KoBfqvSZN7c
As the vehicle and headlamp lense ages, factors such as atmospheric conditions (sun, rain, cold) as well as outside occurrences (road debris [sand, rocks, etc.]) deteriorate the clearcoat initially sprayed onto the plastic during the manufacturing process.
Thus, in most cases, this leaves the plastic lense exposed which allows the material to haze as well as release more and more of the protective clearcoat.
Extra care is required for vehicles older than one (1) year so as to not peel the existing clearcoat. Liberal use of application fluid as well as limited re-positioning, if any, will assist in a successful installation.
Rest assured that once the InvisiGARD protector is successfully applied, further deterioration of the clearcoat and lense is remarkably suppressed.
Your Installation Instructions suggest the use of "Denatured Alcohol". Is there a substitute that can be used?

While Denatured Alcohol is a common product at local hardware stores in the United States, we realize it may not be available in other countries. Thus, Methyl Hydrate may be used as a substitute.

The goal with either of these chemicals is to provide a clean surface for the installation of graphics, decals and our InvisiGARD® line of products. Denatured Alcohol and/or Methyl Hydrate does not leave an oily film such as other cleaners that contain petroleum distillates.

I don’t see a Headlight Protection kit available for my vehicle. Can you create one?

While it’s our endeavor to stay up-to-date with new vehicle headlight protection kits, there may be older vehicles that we currently do not have outlines for. We invite you to visit our website for a listing of kits in inventory.
If you do not see your vehicle listed, no problem. In an effort to increase our ever-expanding line of products, we’ll be happy to create the kit for you. We need your help though. If you would be willing to assist us in providing outlines of your existing Headlight and associated light fixtures, it is our desire to provide a discount of 40% of what our Suggested Retail price for the new item would be.
Simply follow the link below for information on our Headlight Pattern Tracing program.

InvisiGARD® Headlight Pattern Tracing Instructions
 

Click here for more InvisiGARD® Headlight Protection FAQ's
 
Shipping
Do you ship elsewhere other than the United States?
Our unique products are enjoyed by customers all over the world. We ship via United States Postal Service (USPS) at the rates as listed in the auction description.
Why are you shipping rates so high?
For secure shipping, our preferred method is USPS Priority with Delivery Confirmation. This way our customers have the satisfaction of being able to track their shipment for delivery information.
Thus, while it may appear a little higher than Ground Mail, our experience has proved that it is worth the extra cost.
'Click' Here for more information on Shipping.
Will my shipment arrive by Christmas?
For those who observe the Christmas holiday and desire their item(s) to be received on a timely basis, we suggest placing your order by the second (2nd) Tuesday of December. While we ship via USPS Priority, we cannot guarantee the exact time of product arrival, especially during such a busy shipping time of the year.
As a "rule of thumb", we recommend ordering at least 8-10 business days (M-F) prior to your event/holiday to ensure timely delivery.
Next Day service is available for most products. Feel free to contact us at 920-832-0094, weekdays, for further information.
 
 
Got more questions? email them to: customerservice@autotrimdesign.com
 
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