The stripes and decals adhere to a painted surface using pressure sensitive adhesive.

The use of a wetting solution aids the technician in lifting and positioning the stripe or decal during the installation. The wetting solution ensures a better bond between the stripe or decal and the panel assembly.

Complete the metal repair and/or refinish operations before installing the stripe or decal. This includes stripe or decal replacement involving collision damage, or damage to an underlying painted surface.

Important: Allow the freshly painted surfaces to dry thoroughly before installing the stripe or decal. Residual solvents in fresh painted surfaces may lead to subsequent blistering concerns if you apply the stripe or decal before the complete release of the solvents. The striping material highlights the vehicle surface imperfections. Eliminate the following conditions before applying the stripe or decal:

Maintain the body surfaces and decals between 21-38°C (70-100°F) during installation. Use auxiliary heat sources in order to warm the body surfaces and decals if the temperature is below 21°C (70°F).

Important: Do not apply decals when the body surface and decal temperatures are below 21°C (70°F).

The stripes and decals may be applied dry. If the dry method does not result in a consistent bubble free application, use the wet method. Use the wet method in order to apply large graphics packages.

Important: Use the wet method in order to apply the stripes or decals that are applied on flexible surfaces (fascias, etc.). This will reduce the formation of bubbles under the decal due to the outgassing potential of the flexible materials.

The following equipment and materials or equivalent are necessary when making a quality stripe or decal installation:

Notice: Use of harsh chemicals when cleaning can damage exterior lamps. Suggested cleaners are a mild soap and water, or Varnish Makers and Painters (VM&P) Naptha. VM&P Naptha is a specific type of naptha and should not be substituted by any other naptha.

1. Remove the necessary molding or trim panel.
2. Use Liquid Wash and Wax GM P/N 1052870 or the equivalent in order to wash and clean the following areas:

•	All repair surfaces

•	The adjacent panel

•	All openings

3. Remove the following components:

•	The molding attaching clips

•	The handles

•	The sidemarker reflector

•	Other parts that overlap the stripe or decal

Notice: To avoid damaging the paint finish, do not use pointed or sharp instruments to remove the stripe or the decal.

4. Start at one edge and peel the stripe or decal from the panel surface in order to remove the stripe or decal. Use a heat gun in order to aid in the removal of the stripe or the decal.
5. Use the following items in order to remove all traces of adhesive or residue from the painted surfaces:

•	A silicone, wax, and grease remover

•	A varnish makers and painters (VM&P) Naptha

Notice: To prevent possible vehicle, stripe or decal damage, always refer to manufacturer's packaged instructions.

1. Prepare the surface of the vehicle.

Important: If the area where the stripe or decal is to be applied has been refinished, remove any imperfections that may show through the stripe or decal.

2. Clean the painted surface using the silicone, wax and grease remover.
3. Use a 50/50 mixture of isopropyl alcohol and water in order to clean the area where you the stripe or decal is to be applied.
4. Wipe the panel surface using a clean cloth while the solvent is still wet. Allow the panel surface to dry.
5. Apply the wetting solution to the area where the stripe or decal is to be installed.

Important: Do not touch the adhesive backing of the stripes.

6. Put the wetting solution on the adhesive side of the stripe or decal.

Remove the backing material of the stripe or decal as necessary.

7. Install the stripe or decal to the panel. Complete the following steps:

7.1.	Working from the center where possible, squeegee the stripe or decal into position. Use additional wetting solution if necessary in order to ease the installation of the stripe or decal. Use a soapy wetting solution on the top side of the stripe or decal for the following reasons:

•	In order to ease the pull of the squeegee on the stripe or decal

•	In order to help eliminate damage

7.2.	Apply heat to the stripe or decal at the recessed areas. Press the stripe or decal into the recess in order to obtain a firm bond.

7.3.	Use adequate light reflection in order to inspect the stripe or decal from a critical angle. This technique allows detection of any irregularities that may have developed during the installation.

Important: Do not use a razor blade or knife edge to remove the air bubbles.

7.4.	Remove all of the air bubbles by piercing the bubble with one of the following items:

•	A safety pin

•

A needle

•	A tool with the same size piercing tip as the pin or needle

7.5.	Pierce the bubble on the outer edge and force the air out through the opposite edge using the blade of the squeegee.

8. Install the previously removed parts. Clean the parts as needed.