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1. The body of the vehicle must be clean and dry to achieve the best adhesion. 2. The pressure-sensitive adhesive on the molding must not be contaminated during the application. 3. The molding must be applied to achieve complete contact (bond) of the adhesive to the vehicle (i.e. maximum wet out). A. Installation area: 1. The installation area should be kept reasonably clean. Any airborne dust, oils, etc. may contaminate the vehicle or body side molding adhesive and reduce the bond of the tape. B. Vehicle surface preparation: 1. The vehicle surface should be washed with an appropriate solvent, one commonly used system, is a 70% mixture of isopropyl alcohol and water (rubbing alcohol). To assure removal of all contaminants it may be necessary to first wipe with TG prep, then use the 70% Isopropyl alcohol mixture. * Use clean, lint free wiping cloths or disposable wipes, such as Kim wipes. * Reprocessed rags should not be used as they may contain wax or residue. 2. After washing, the vehicle surface should be thoroughly dried. Again, use a clean, lint free cloth.
3. Vehicle surface application temperatures of 80 degrees (25'c) to 110 degrees (44'c) are recommended for best tape adhesion. The warmer surface will help wet out the adhesive on the tape. IMPORTANT NOTE: During cold weather applications, the vehicle surface can be heated with a heat gun, or heat lamps. However, do not heat the surface of the molding with a heat gun. Application of the body side molding at temperatures below 64 degrees (17'c) or above 110 degrees (44'c) must be avoided. C. Body side molding preparation: 1. The body side molding should be stores at room temperature in a clean, dry area. Cold temperatures require heating to warm the molding to the proper application temperature (i.e. floor heater or vehicle). There is no damage to the tape or molding stored at colder temperatures, but moisture and condensation must be avoided. 2. The molding can be heated up to 80 degrees (25'c) for application. This will soften the molding, making it easier to conform to the vehicle contours, as well as improve adhesive wet-out. 3. The liner on the adhesive should not be removed until applied to the vehicle. This will help prevent contamination of the adhesive surface. D. Body Side Molding Application: 1. Align the molding with a key feature such as the front and rear bumpers, or with a body line to ensure proper molding alignment. Placing 1/2" masking tape along the desired installation area is an excellent guide for applying the molding straight. 2. Use molding cutters to trim the molding at door jams and body seams. Be certain to leave enough room for the door to open properly after the molding has been installed. (bevel cut if necessary). 3. Remove the liner from the tape as you are applying the molding to the vehicle. Be careful not to contaminate the adhesive. Common sources of contamination are: oil from the applicators hands, dust or lint from clothing, or work tables. (contaminated moldings should not be used) 4. Apply the moldings with a rolling motion to prevent entrapment of air between the tape and the vehicle surface. Use firm hand pressure to ensure good adhesion of the molding. 5. A roll down with a hard rubber hand roller is recommended to assure complete wet out of the adhesive to the vehicle surface. Apply firm pressure while rolling the molding to properly wet out the adhesive. 6. Check the edges of the molding to assure good tape adhesion. Re-roll with more pressure as necessary to achieve a good bond. For more information call us at (800) 854-6101 New Life Auto Trim
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