All substrates must be considered contaminated and must be cleaned prior to application of vinyl. If the substrate has dirt or loose paint on it, that is what the vinyl adheres to – not the substrate itself. If the vinyl does not make enough contact with a clean, dry substrate, it will not stick well, leading to premature graphic failure. Perform the final substrate cleaning step immediately before applying the vinyl. Dust and other contaminants can collect quickly on the substrate and prevent the vinyl from adhering properly. Be sure the substrate, rivets and seams are thoroughly dry. Vinyl adheres poorly even to a properly cleaned substrate if there is any moisture around the rivets and seams.