Overlay Install

HOW TO VINYL EMBLEM OVERLAY INSTALL

Our vinyl emblem overlays are designed to go over your vehicle's stock logo emblem. They are NOT actual emblem replacements. We have designed our overlays to be user friendly and hassle free when installing. However, technique and skillset does play a big part as to how it turns out in which we cannot control. Listed below are steps and tips on how to apply the emblem overlay over your OEM badge. A video guide and common questions with answers are also attached below.

Do not rush the installation process. TAKE YOUR TIME.

TOOLS

Soapy water / Alcohol (cleaning)
Microfiber Towel (if cleaning with soapy water)
Wrapping Glove / Clean Fingers
Heat gun / Hair dryer (a MUST in cold weather)

PREP

First thing and most importantly, you must prepare the surface by making sure it is clean of all debris, dust, dirt or grease. Please use the provided alcohol pad or soapy water. Be sure to clean the gap in-between the emblem and front grille as dirt likes to accumulate here. Avoid using any waxy chemicals as this can affect how well the overlay sticks to the surface.

TIPS

1. Ideal temperatures for installation is between 65°F - 75°F. This is very important and the most common factor that leads to issues if ignored.

- If the weather is too cold, the overlay will become stiff and brittle. This can cause the adhesive to freeze and not stick to the surface.
- If the weather is too hot, the vinyl will become soft and extra sticky - making it highly difficult to work with. Excessive heat can cause the vinyl to become flimsy and stretchy-leading to logo distortion and creases.

Unless you are in a controlled environment, it is best to wait for a change in temperature if not within range. This rule applies to all vinyl wraps, not just our overlays.

2. Before installing, make sure the emblem is cool to the touch and away from the sun. Installing in direct sunlight will cause the vinyl to heat up quickly, causing the material to rapidly adhere to the surface. This makes the overall install difficult.

3. Make sure that the emblem is clean and dry.

4. A heat gun might be needed to help the vinyl shrink or activate adhesion, especially in cold weather. Do NOT heat and stretch the vinyl at the same time. This will lead to logo distortion.

5. Wet application is NOT recommended. The vinyl is equipped with air release channels. Liquids can get trapped in the gaps and if not dried properly, affects the tackiness and can lead to lifting.

INSTALL (dry)

1. Remove the vinyl from the backing paper. If backing paper is stuck to the vinyl, use tip of a knife to help separate the 2 materials.

2. Be sure your vehicle is on a flat surface. Hold it by the left and right side with firm pressure making sure to not stretch the material. Gently center the overlay as best you can without tacking down the vinyl (so it doesn't fully stick on, making it easier to lift for adjustments). Realign if needed.

3. Once placement is confirmed, start tacking down the vinyl starting from the center making your way out to the edges. Simply use your clean fingers and glide it over the material, making sure to overlap each pass. Do NOT run a hard surface such as a credit card or rigid squeegee over the emblem. This will cause unwanted tears and scratches. Finger or a wrapping glove are best due to the curvature of the OEM badges.

upturn prints vinyl overlay install instructions

4. If vinyl does this, STOP what you are doing. The material is bunching together because it has no where to go, no outlet. Help guide the vinyl so it lays smoothly without risking creases.

5. The edges shouldn't be fully adhered to the surface if following the center-out method. Lift the edge of the overlay to create space for the vinyl to go. Continue tacking down (see video for visual guide). Sometimes, heat may be needed to help the vinyl shrink, especially in cold weather.

6. If there is any excess vinyl hanging over the stock emblem, simply tuck it into the edge of the car's emblem. Fold the backing paper (paper overlay came off of) in half and use that to tuck. No trimming is required. Be sure this area is clean of all dirt, otherwise, the vinyl will not stick.

7. Post heat the material with a heat gun or hair dryer. If you do not have either tools, simply expose the overlay to the sun. Post heating activates the adhesive, enhancing its bonding properties to ensures vinyl is secure onto the surface. Vinyl may lift if not heated after application. Highly recommend especially in cold areas.

8. All done!

Note: Depending on your environment, a heat gun will be needed for the install. If conditions are not ideal, it is recommended to wait until the weather warms up or cools off.

Common Questions

1. This is just a "sticker"?

Yes, the item being sold are vinyl overlays and are meant to be wrapped over your emblem. They are NOT actual replacements of your OEM badge.

2. How does this work with the sensor?

The vinyl material we use is high-grade vehicle wrap that is has a thickness of 3.4 - 4.4 mil. Thus, the material is thin enough to allow the radio waves to transmit and reflect signals back to the sensor (present in certain vehicles) located behind the emblem.

3. How do I get rid of air bubbles?

Each vinyl overlay is equipped with an air release channel backing. This allows air to flow through the vinyl, eliminating any type of bubbling. Simply press on any air pockets with your finger, and it will disappear. If still present, the "bubbles" are most likely specs of dust or debris that got caught in the vinyl.

4. Can I do wet installation method?

The material we use is air-release vinyl which is equipped with micro-tunnels. If not properly dried, water can get trapped which will lead to adhesion failure. Thus, we do not recommend using the wet installation method.

5. Why is the vinyl not sticking?

It is important to avoid any chemicals when cleaning the OEM emblem. Chemicals may leave a waxy residue, which prevents proper adhesion. We recommend using the alcohol pad that is included in the packaging to remove all contaminates. Also, weather plays a big role in how the vinyl reacts. If too cold, the adhesive properties will not activate and lead to failure. The ideal temperature for installation is 65°F - 75°F.

6. Why did the vinyl stretch?

Vinyl is stretchable if used improperly. Factors that can cause the vinyl to stretch are excessive heat and tension. Excessive heat includes the weather and overuse of a heat gun. We ask all users to be gentle with the material and not to rush the installation process.

7. Do I need to remove the OEM emblem?

No removal is needed as all overlays are precisely cut to fit over the OEM emblem. Note, we purposely oversize the vinyl a tiny bit more than the OEM size. This allows extra room for error when it comes to alignment, and ensures the surface is 100% covered. Any excess material can be tucked into the edges.

8. I'm inexperienced with vinyl. What can I do?

Technique plays a big role in the outcome. If you do not want to attempt and need assistance with installation, we recommend going to a local professional (vehicle wrap or tint shop) or experienced friend. All overlays have been tested and confirmed to fit if installed properly.

9. What to do if backing paper is stuck to vinyl?

On rare occasions, the backing paper may be stuck to the adhesive portion of the vinyl overlay when lifting. Simply try peeling the vinyl off from the other side. Or, take the tip of a knife and place it in between the 2 materials to help separate the backing paper from the vinyl.

10. Can I PPF over the overlay?

No, we highly do NOT recommend pairing our overlays with any other material or existing vinyl. This can lead to unwanted issues such as adhesive failure.

11. My OEM emblem is a convex oval. Can it be wrapped?

Yes, it can be wrapped. The vinyl we use is common in the automotive wrap industry-which deals with complex surfaces of vehicles. The results will depend on the installer's skillset as all OEM badges are dome shaped.

12. Will this fit my OEM emblem?

Our overlays are designed to only work with OEM badges that are smooth/flat unlike the 3-D bezel logos commonly found on some vehicles. We currently do not offer any overlays for badges that are raised.

13. What happens if my sensor stops working?

Be sure that the OEM emblem (& overlay) is clean and not covered with snow, ice, mud, dirt or water droplets. These variables may prevent the sensors from functioning properly - even without a vinyl overlay. We recommend cleaning the emblem and see if the issue persist. Although the overlays never caused such issues, please reach out to us if it does.

14. Why does it not fit my vehicle?

Not all vehicles are made the same. Thus, each overlay is cut and sized to fit over specific vehicles year, make and models. Please be sure to double check the listing and confirm that it matches your vehicle description before purchase.

15. I failed at installation. Can I get a refund?

Emblem overlays do NOT qualify for a refund if opened and used. Meaning, the vinyl overlay has been successfully or unsuccessfully installed onto the vehicle. All overlays have been tested by our team and installed by many others. We can assure you that it will fit your vehicle if done properly as the end result is the customers responsibility. Please follow our detailed guide to help you with installation, or reach out to a professional for assistance if needed.

16. Why is the vinyl creasing?

The vinyl will crease if installed improperly. Things such as excessive heat and rushing the process will lead to creases. Please follow the guide above to learn how to prevent a crease from happening.

Care

How you care for the overlay will determine its life span. After you have successfully installed your emblem overlay, it is best to keep it clean by often washing your vehicle. Vehicles with overlays that are left in the sun for long periods of time will degrade faster, but still last a few years.

Disclaimer

By purchasing and installing an overlay, buyers are aware of a front sensor located behind the front emblem (if present). We've done thorough research and testing to determine which material is compatible with the sensors, and have not encountered any issues nor received any complaints. Although there have no been issues with any sensors, at all times, please drive carefully. Buyers are deemed responsible for the purchase of the overlays and any issues that may occur.