Number plate fitting guide
Every character we supply uses a quality 3M adhesive, which means it will bond first time and will not forgive a second attempt. Preparation and layout matter more than speed.
Preparation
Work at room temperature on a clean, dry blank. Cold acrylic and cold adhesive both behave badly.
Wipe the blank and let it dry fully. Any solvent residue weakens the bond.
Layout
Dry-lay the whole registration, backing paper still on, and check the gaps at both ends.
Start from the centre and work outwards so any accumulated error is shared between both ends.
Wide characters such as M and W and narrow ones such as 1 need their spacing judged by eye against their neighbours.
Pressing down
Press enclosed shapes — 8, B, A, 4, D, P, R — from the centre of the counter outwards so the internal bridge seats flat.
Give unsupported tips a final press: the tail of a 9 or a J, the arms of an E, the outer ends of a T crossbar.
Apply gel and retro characters by hand rather than with a squeegee, which can drag an internal bar.