PX Pro VL Vinyl Decals: How to Install

This article is currently a placeholder. It will represent instructions to install our upcoming vinyl decal prints for Fightsticks and other products. This area will be periodically updated as information is added.

General Topics Covered

• Preparing Your Device
• Getting Familiar with Your Decal
• Applying the Decal to Your Device

Models Covered:

Preparing Your Device

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Prep is quite helpful to ensure your model accepts your new decal properly. To prepare your device for a vinyl decal here are some general tips:

1. Use a soft, dry cloth to clean the intended surface that your decal will stick to. We advise against using solvents or cleaners if possible, as that may affect the decal's ability to adhere to the device's surface. 
2.  If you do need to clean the surface of dirt or grime, consider using warm water and a light soap. It's then important that the surface is completely dry before applying your decal.
3. Consider working on a well-lit, clean space. This allows you to properly see the edges of your device and decal, as you will need to align the decal to those edges when installing it.

A microfiber cloth is helpful for cleaning without leaving residue. Additionally, if there are any screen protectors you intend to install onto your device, be sure to install them first.

Getting Familiar with Your Decal

1. Familiarizing yourself with the decal pieces that will install onto the device is helpful. For Fightstick models, the die cut is typically one large piece, though larger models or models whose sides will also get treated with a decal will have multiple pieces. It's best to start with those smaller pieces first.
2. You will typically find one or more exposed areas at the bottom right corner of the main decal. This area is designed for you use your fingernail or small flat head screwdriver to get underneath the decal and start to peel backwards and away. This reduces the risk of your fingers or flat pointing rool accidentally pushing against the corner or edge, which can risk slightly damaging the decal. It's worthwhile to start there when removing the decal from its backing.
3. A common mistake is pulling the vinyl decal straight up. This creates a vertical tug that often pulls the small unwanted cutouts right off the backing sheet. Instead, consider folding the excess vinyl back against itself at a near 180° angle. You want the vinyl to "roll" off the backing rather than being "lifted" off. Keep your hand as close to the surface as possible. It's okay for the vinyl to pull this way. Use the below sample illustration to better understand the rolling motion your decal should take when peeling off the backing.
   
   

Smaller Cut-Outs May Sometimes Stick to the Decal

Occasionally, smaller cut-out pieces - left over items from the die cut - may accidentally stick to the die cut as you peel your artwork from its backing. This can happen on instances where its opening is quite small. In areas, the cutout piece is so lightweight that it lifts with the decal or does not remain on the backing. 

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You can remove those pieces by gently pushing them out using your finger, a pen, a small and thin screwdriver, or a pointing tool. 

Another method you can try is during the peeling process - push the cut-out towards the decal's backing sheet with one finger or pointing tool while the other hand pulls the decal up. Do this one at a time while peeling away, allowing those pieces to remain on the backing sheet.

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This does not affect the die cut shape; if you know those pieces aren't part of the decal install, you can easily throw them away.