GenVibe - Community for Pontiac Vibe Enthusiasts

I got quite a number of decals from Grafxwerks recently. Because I'm impatient, I may have screwed one of them up. I got the decal to go into the "PONTIAC" rear inset. Since it is winter, it is pretty cold out (mistake 1). Also, to clean the area, I used a baby wipe (mistake 2). I was trying to apply the "P", and it wasn't even coming close to sticking - almost like there was not adhesive. THEN, I remembered other people here talking about using a hair dryer to heat the decal/area. So, I've decided to be patient and wait until I have the proper time. BUT, do you think that "P" will ever stick now?

>NEVA!!

You should use a Q-Tip and rubbing alcohol to clean the application area. Works like a charm.As to whether or not it will stick, if it wouldn't stick from the start, maybe the adhesive was defective? Reach out for Ryan @ grafxwerks.grafx@grafxwerks.com

In cold weather (below 40), you should also heat the surface any way you can. Heat lamps, space heater, even a hair dryer. As you apply the graphics, have someone assist by preheating the surface just ahead of you with a hair dryer. Use this same approach when removing the top carrier sheet. Heat the area, squeegee down and pull off the top paper sheet. You might even want to apply just a little heat to the graphic after it is installed.

Agreed.Even in summer, I used a hair dryer to heat it up after I adhered it, to help the adhesive set.

yes, wehn i installed all my graphics, i always have my hairdryer to heat it up first, spray a little water to help for minor adjustments, aim, lay, and squeegee. then heat it up again and press firmly. helps keep it sticking. but, sounds like you killed the adhesive with the chemicals in the baby wipe. probably won't stick... ever.

email ryan at grafxwerks. he is real good to work with, tell him what happened he will probably send you a new one. Don't put glue on it.

Quote, originally posted by scherry2 »email ryan at grafxwerks. he is real good to work with, tell him what happened he will probably send you a new one. Don't put glue on it.Enough said....If you were supposed to use glue it would say "USE GLUE." Just take your time, maybe do it inside a garage were it is warmer..... Good Luck!

Sounds like somebody didn't read the instructions! Tragic!E-mail me and I'll send out a replacement.- RyanGrafxWerks

Quote, originally posted by GrafxWerks »Sounds like somebody didn't read the instructions! Tragic!- RyanGrafxWerksIt must be a guy thing we never read instructions. LOL

that's great you will send a replacement when you don't have to. now that's customer service!

Quote, originally posted by trdvibe »that's great you will send a replacement when you don't have to. now that's customer service! I dread being mentioned in your sig!! - RyanGrafxWerks

I'm going to try again first before BUYING new ones (I ordered the wrong color in the first place). It was my f-up and I'm not going to have Ryan pay for my inability to have patience. My first mistake was that it was too cold (about 50 degrees in my garage - I don't have a heated garage). My second mistake was that in order to clean the area, I used a baby wipe, thinking that it wouldn't have any chemicals that would mess up the surface. I then used a paper towel to dry the area. I think I needed to wait until the area fully dried before trying to put the decal on. The decal was still sticky to the touch after my little mishap, so I think it will still work.I don't think it is a "guy" thing, I think it is an impatience thing. This is why I cannot do many of the custom things people are doing to their cars - I'm not patient enough to do it right.

it was close to 100F outside when i applied mine, worked like a charm

Quote, originally posted by Reynoma »I'm going to try again first before BUYING new ones (I ordered the wrong color in the first place). It was my f-up and I'm not going to have Ryan pay for my inability to have patience.You were honest about the situation - I've had many people claim the decals were "defective" in some way when I'm certain they were simply applied improperly. This is bad for me because it makes me question the integrity of my product (the last thing I want to do is make changes to my designs or the brand of vinyl I use for no reason). Combined with the fact that you are a repeat customer, I am happy to help you out with a free replacement.- RyanGrafxWerks

if i wanted a brake light overlay w/the "S" word in it, would you do that for me ryan?

Quote, originally posted by drunkenvibe »if i wanted a brake light overlay w/the "S" word in it, would you do that for me ryan?You mean "Shift"? Yeah, doesn't matter to me - its not my car! I will gladly make you a collection of fun words! haha- RyanGrafxWerks

Quote, originally posted by Reynoma »My second mistake was that in order to clean the area, I used a baby wipe, thinking that it wouldn't have any chemicals that would mess up the surface. I bet if you went and cleaned the area again with rubbing alcohol it would remove any crap the wipe left behind...Rubbing alcohol is a fantastic all purpose cleaner.

Quote, originally posted by Reynoma »I don't think it is a "guy" thing, I think it is an impatience thing. I'm a guy, and isn't it the same thing?

Quote, originally posted by scherry2 » I'm a guy, and isn't it the same thing? I have to agree there.The day I got my new HU, it was 12 AM when I finally got home, but I had to install it, right then, right there.And I did.It's a guy thing.

I tried again yesterday, and everything went on great. No problems what so ever. I do have to say that the rear bumber inset overlays were a PAIN-IN-THE-NECK to put on, but well worth the time. I am always impressed with Ryan's quality products. I'll post some pics as soon as I can get a good day.