Blackout Tape Application Procedure

This is the procedure to be used when applying blackout tape.

NOTE:
New tape must be used.

1. Remove the tape's peeling paper slightly. Apply the tape to the specified start position. The start position of the tape must not be more than 1.0 mm (0.04 in.) from the specified position.

HINT:
An incorrect tape start position will affect the vehicle's appearance and tape adhesive's strength.

2. Slowly remove the tape's peeling paper while pressing the tape to the surface with a squeegee. Pay attention to the following:





^ Remove the tape's peeling paper from the tape 10 to 20 mm (0.4 to 0.79 in.) ahead from the squeegee while the tape is being applied. To prevent air bubbles, lift up the 10 to 20 mm (0.4 to 0.77 in.) of exposed adhesive from the surface while pressing the squeegee to the tape, as shown in the illustration.

^ Push or pull the squeegee depending on the application area on the vehicle body. Hold the squeegee at a 40 to 50 degree angle when pushing it, and hold it at a 30 to 45 degree when pulling it.

^ Using the squeegee, apply approximately 20 to 30 N (2 to 3 kgf) of force to the tape.

^ Gently move the squeegee at approximately 3 to 7 cm per second (1.2 to 2.8 in. per second).

^ Make sure there are no air bubbles between the tape and surface.

HINT:
Keep the speed, angle and force constant. It you stop moving the squeegee or change the force halfway, a shock line may occur on the tape surface. If you move the squeegee very quickly, air bubbles may occur between the tape and vehicle body.





3. For hemmed area, press the squeegee over the hem 2 to 3 times as shown in the illustration. Pay extra attention to small hems. Use your fingertips or the thick end of a squeegee to apply the tape.

HINT:
After removing the last part of the peeling paper, press the tape to the hem with your fingertips or the thick end of a squeegee.

A. For corners and edges, use the following procedure:
For each section of tape that needs to be folded over a corner/edge, first use a hair dryer to heat the section of tape. Then fold the tape over the corner/edge using your fingertips.

NOTE:
Heating each section of tape may help improve the appearance of the applied tape.

After Application

If the appearance of the applied tape is unsatisfactory, remove it and apply new tape.

NOTE:

^ Always use new tape.

^ For glossy tape used on exterior panels, do not use a needle to correct air bubbles.

^ If only a small amount of tape has come loose on a hem or corner/edge, use industrial-strength glue to reapply the tape.