Here at Garage Girls, we are striding to encourage females to take the reins and gain confidence when working on, or modifying their cars. For those who are new to working on cars, it can be a daunting thought! 

We want to try and take away some of the fear, and answer the most common questions to help you become more independent when working on your car. 

Applying Sunstrips

Please take the time to read our guidance and don't hesitate to contact us with any questions or queries you have. We are unable to issue replacements for improper installation or errors occurring during application - But please don't let this put you off, give it a go!

What you may need: 

• Masking tape
• Vinyl squeegee 
• Isopropyl alcohol 
• Clean microfibre cloth 
• Soap & water mix 
• Measuring tape 
• Scalpel or safety blade 

First, here are some top tips to ensure you have the basic requirements for the best application. 

Weather conditions play a really big part in the longevity and adhesion of your sunstrip. No vinyl applications should be attempted if the temperature is below 15°C. Bare in mind that the adhesive on vinyl can take between 24-48 hours to fully cure, so cold/damp spells overnight can also affect the adhesion and reduce the life of the sunstrip. 

During this curing time, we also advise to keep the sunstrip dry, and avoid using wipers when possible if there is any overlap. Once 24-48 hours has passed, you shouldn't have any issues using your wiper, or getting the sunstrip wet providing the correct installation steps have been followed. Please note that care should always be taken when using high powered hoses or jet washed on/near your sunstrip. 

 

PLEASE NOTE - The following guidance covers the wet install method only. All Garage Girls sunstrips are suitable for wet install, but please double check if you're installing a sunstrip from elsewhere. 

 

So, enough of that... Let's get into it! 

STEP 1 - SURFACE PREPARATION

Undeniably the most important step, prepping the surface that the sunstrip is being applied to can be the difference between it adhering or not.

The aim of thoroughly cleaning and prepping your surface is to remove any dirt, grease, dust, or product residue. Grease or cleaning product residue can prevent the sunstrip sticking to the surface. Dust and dirt can also prevent adhesion or create lumps and bumps in the face of the vinyl. *Dirt & dust is especially visible underneath sunstrips!*

To fully prep your surface, first rinse with a soap & water mix. 1-2 drops of soap in a 400ml spray bottle will be adequate, the more soap in the mix, the more thoroughly it will have to be rinsed. If in any doubt, just use warm water. Use your soapy water with a cloth to wash and wipe the surface. Ensure to fully rinse the surface with clean warm water to remove any soap residue. 

Once you're satisfied that there is no dirt, dust or residue on the surface, it needs to be fully dry before applying your isopropyl. You can use a hair dryer, or heat gun to speed up the drying process. Once dry, use a clean & dry microfiber cloth with your isopropyl to wipe over the surface. You can repeat these steps if you're not happy with the result. 

STEP 2 - MEASURE & MARK

Offer the sunstrip upto the windscreen with the backing still on, and ensure you have the desired depth at the centre. Using a tape measure at either side of the sunstrip, ensure it is level, then mark the spot with masking tape so it can be laid down onto the same spot. 

Once youre happy with the positioning, create a hinge point in the sunstrip by applying a strip of masking tape vertically down the centre of the sunstrip. Ensure the masking tape is stuck to both the roof, and glass either side of the sunstrip. 

STEP 3 - WET THE WINDSCREEN

Lift up half of the sunstrip, and lay it over the hinge point. Using a spray bottle with your 1:100 soap to water mix, thoroughly spray the entire area on the half of the windscreen that you'll be applying first. 

Peel the backing paper off the side that is lifted up. Cut off the paper (DO NOT TEAR as this can leave paper particles that can get stuck or trapped under the vinyl) near the hinge point. You’re now ready to apply one side.

STEP 4 - THE FIDDLY BITS 

Using the side that the backing paper is peeled off, lay it down ontop of the wet windscreen surface, applying a gentle pressure to place it down with no creases in the vinyl. Ensure the sunstrip doesn't stick to itself. 

As the windscreen is wet, you will be able to slide the sunstrip when applied. Use this to ensure it lines up with the masking tape markers you placed earlier. 

From the hinge point outwards, use a squeegee to apply the vinyl which will in turn release the water from underneath. If you see creases forming, lift the vinyl up, re-spray the windscreen and try again. Air bubbles can be worked out of the vinyl by pushing them towards the edge. 

If you try to work a crease out, and create a tighter crease which has damaged the surface of the vinyl, there is only one thing which may undo the damage. Lift the vinyl up again, and use a heat gun or hair dryer on a low heat setting over the crease for no longer than 5 seconds at a time. You should see the crease slowly disappear. Spray the windscreen with soapy water again, and have another go! 

Although it can be frustrating, this is more than achievable with some patience and perseverance. 

STEP 5 - LETS DO IT AGAIN!

Exactly as step 4 says, however be sure to remove the masking tape hinge in the centre. Work outwards from the point that the other side has been applied. 

STEP 6 - SHARPEN UP THE EDGES

Only begin to trim the edges once you're 100% happy with how the sunstrip is applied. You must make sure all of the water has been squeegeed out from under the sunstrip, and that there are no creases or air bubbles. 

Use a scalpel or safety blade to trim the edges of your sunstrip, making sure you only insert the blade 1-3mm past the surface of the vinyl. Make sure the blade isn't cutting into any paintwork or seals underneath the vinyl at all times. 

STEP 7 - EXTRA ADDITIONS

For those of you that have a sunstrip with an extra decal to apply on top, please follow the link below for out guidance on applying decals. 

You can skip the surface prep step, and just ensure you have wiped the surface of the sunstrip with isopropyl before moving onto step 2. 

APPLY A DECAL ONTO YOUR SUNSTRIP

STEP 8 - SHARE THE LOVE 

Step back, and admire your handy work! 

If this is your first go at applying a sunstrip, then a very well done, and thank you for trusting us to guide you! 

Be sure to share your new addition with us by tagging us in your stories & posts on instagram (@garagegirlsuk). 

 

We can't wait to see you all rocking your self applied sunstrips!

Love, Garage Girls x

 

The Legal Spiel...

For cars with windscreen stickers attached to the front and/or back windows, there are some pointers that you’ll need to keep in mind...

Windscreen obstruction guidelines

If you’re planning on attaching stickers to your windscreen – or already have stickers in place – the first thing to know is that, while there is no official law surrounding them, you do have to abide by windscreen obstruction regulations.

As the highway code states, a driver’s windscreen must be kept clear from obstructions that interfere with vision. This is the same rule for sat navs and window mounts as it is for windscreen stickers.

To be sure that your windscreen stickers don’t leave you paying a fine while you’re out and about, make sure they are installed away from the area directly in front of the driver’s seat. Anything deemed to block the driver’s line of vision will lead to penalties and MOT failure.

Rules for windscreen stickers

As with windscreen damage, windscreen obstruction is measured by zones – A and B. Zone A refers to the area directly in front of the driver; this area cannot contain any obstructions that measure over 10mm in diameter. Zone B refers to the rest of the windscreen. Here, windscreen stickers and other obstructions – including damage from chips and cracks – must not measure more than 40mm.

Referenced from: 

https://www.1stcallwindscreensltd.co.uk/news/rules-stickers-windscreens/

Please note that Garage Girls UK will not accept any responsibility for implications if these guidelines are not adhered to.