| Step 1: Buy 3M material - get it cut into rectangular sheets if you can (appx. 6" x the length accross the roof line). This will make applying it much easier. Step 2: Thoroughly clean the area to be covered - removing any debris that could show through as a lump - the vinyl accentuates all flaws. If you have rock chips, you're SOL. Step 3: Using an old spray bottle, make a mixture of water and soap or water and liquid clothing detergent - you only need a small amount - just enough to give the water a slippery consistency. This is being used as a lubricant, that is all. Step 4: Saturate the area on your Z where you will be applying the vinyl. Immediately proceed to step 4. Step 5: Peel back the vinyl from the plastic backing, while simultaneously spraying lubricant on the vinyl. The key here is to temporarily take the ability to stick away from the actual vinyl - the last thing you want is for it to bond to the body panel you're trying to cover up - in the wrong spot. This was trial and error w/ me...I ruined an entire piece when it stuck, I tried to remove it, and the bond had already formed - ripping a hole through my vinyl. This all happened because I didn't saturate the vinyl and the car with enough w/ lubricant. (amendment to step 1: Buy extra vinyl to cover your ass). Step 6: Once you have effectively laid the vinyl piece down - it should be easily manipulated (due to the slippery lubricant) until adequate coverage is achieved. Step 7: Begin smoothing out any/all air bubbles you see that have formed. 3M also makes a simple plastic smoothing tool specifically for this purpose. Step 8: Once you begin to see the vinyl holding in place, trim off any/all excess that you can - making sure to leave enough excess to tuck into the grooves. Some areas will need to be trimmed as exact as you can, otherwise, it won't be able to stick until it touches the surface you're trying to cover. Step 9: Continue smoothing out imperfections. As you do, the lubricant will evaporate, leaving the sticky adhesive behind. For me, this took around 30 min to an hour - constantly supervising the area. If the vinyl isn't sticking and tucking into the grooves, just give it some time...once dry enough, it will stick. The edge of the smoothing tool is a perfect fit into the gaps where you want the vinyl to tuck into. Step 9: Once dry, go back and trim off any more excess. Step 10: Pat yourself on the back for not paying someone else to do this for you ;-)
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