The installation of the Rear Hatch Flames is difficult due to the fact you are installing onto a curved surface. You are not able to make a tape “hinge” which is the standard method of applying graphics to a flat surface. Having the wings and keyhole shapes cut out adds another unusual element into the installation. Use of Rapid Tac or other application fluids is a must!

TOOLS
NEEDED:

Squeegee

Scissors

Rapid Tac

Air Release Tool

Step 1

Step 2

Step 3

Step 4

The vinyl is first cut and masked, then the wings shape and keyhole areas are cut out by hand.
The photo above shows a white flame outlined in pencil for easier viewing.

Click pics for larger version

The graphic should fit over the wings and keyhole with 1/16” - 1/8” space around the outside edge. Hold the flames in place to make sure there is no extra trimming needed. Make sure to keep the tail pieces at the bottom together. (Our photo shows them cut apart and re-taped with masking tape)

Using the Rapid Tac Solution, mist the entire area where the graphic will be applied. A misting is good enough. Don’t spray until the Rapid Tac is running down the hatch. That’s all the more solution you’ll need to squeegee out.

Grab a side of the graphic and have your helper grab the other side. Hold the graphic tight and position it over the wings. You can pick it back up and slide it around somewhat until you get it into place. If it starts feeling like it’s sticking too much and you don’t have it in place, peel it off and re-spray with Rapid Tac.

Step 5

Step 6

Step 7

Step 8

After positioning the flames where you want them, now is the time to separate the masking between the “tails” of the flames.  Cutting them apart will make position the graphic easier when it’s time to squeegee.

Now you can start squeegeeing out the Rapid Tac solution. Work from the center of the graphic areas and push the solution out towards the nearest edge. Be very careful when squeegeeing the “tails”

Let the graphic sit for a couple minutes after squeegeeing it. Next, spray the Rapid Tac solution onto the paper masking, soaking it good.
(This step is NOT for 2-color flames masked in clear vinyl masking - See Below)
Let sit for about 3-5 minutes.
 

Squeegee over the entire graphic again just as you did in step 6. This helps to remove any more solution and the Rapid Tac also soaks through the masking and softens up the adhesive which makes removing it much easier.

Step 9

Step 10

Step 11

Step 12

VERY slowly start peeling the masking keeping it at a 90 degree angle (over itself). Watch closely that none of the vinyl is peeling up while you are removing the masking.

It’s easier and safer to peel along the longer lines of the vinyl. Here I cut the masking down the center and peeled out towards the outside edges

The “tails” are the thinnest part of the graphic and have the least amount of surface area holding them down. Treat these pieces with extra care when peeling the masking.

Once you’re finished peeling the masking look over the graphic and see if there are any large bubbles of Rapid Tac solution. If so, try to carefully and gently push them out.

Small bubbles will go away over time.  If you are unable to push
 the bubbles out from under the vinyl, then you need to try to pop
 them with an X-acto knife, pin, or air release tool.

Wait at least a week before washing on or around the graphic so
it has time to completely dry and the adhesive take hold

After that, take care when washing, drying or waxing around the
fine tips of the flames and “tails”

NOTE FOR OUTLINE AND GRADIENT OUTLINE INSTALLATIONS:

You may use the Rapid Tac solution on the vehicle during installation. You cannot use the solution on the clear masking as it will have no effect. More time is needed to allow the solution to evaporate under the clear vinyl-based masking. Let graphic sit for at least a half hour before trying to remove the masking.

Some customers have used a solution based on a 1 tablespoon dish soap per quart of water.
While this method may work, longer evaporating times are most likely needed.
We cannot be liable for installations using this method.
Use this home made solution at your own risk.