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Helping people with dementia feel at home

Summary

To apply a True Door decal on a door with a window, follow these steps:

Tools Needed:

  • Plant sprayer (water + a few drops of dishwashing liquid)
  • Squeegee
  • Sharp Stanley knife
  • Metal ruler
  • Wiper or rag

Steps for Application:

  1. Position the Decal:

    • Lay the True Door decal face down on a flat surface.
    • Measure the window's dimensions and outline its position on the back of the decal (in mirror image). Measure from the edges of the door to the window, and mark these distances on the back of the decal.

  2. Mark the Window Area:

    • Draw an outline of the window on the back of the decal.
    • For square or rectangular windows, you can draw an “X” from corner to corner. This will help guide your cuts later.

  3. Cut the Window Area:

    • Carefully cut along the marked lines with a Stanley knife. Make the cut slightly beyond the window's corners to prevent tension when applying the decal. Small incisions are preferable to avoid wrinkles around the window.

  4. Wet the Door:

    • Spray the door surface with water mixed with a few drops of dishwashing liquid. Ensure the door is wet enough to allow for easy positioning.

  5. Apply the Decal:

    • Start applying the decal from the top of the door, following the same method as a standard flat door. Make sure the top edge is aligned and press it gently to hold it in place.
    • Work around the window by applying one side, then the bottom, and finally the other side of the decal around the window.

  6. Smooth the Decal:

    • Use the squeegee to press the decal from the center outward. Ensure the area around the window is smooth and free of air bubbles.
    • Keep the decal wet to allow for easy adjustments as you work around the window.

  7. Trim Around the Window:

    • Once the decal is applied, use a sharp Stanley knife and a metal ruler to carefully trim the edges around the window.
    • Pay attention to the corners. If your initial cuts didn’t perfectly match the window frame, make small, precise cuts now to ensure the decal fits snugly around the window.

  8. Final Adjustments:

    • Check for any air bubbles or wrinkles, especially around the window. If needed, smooth them out with the squeegee or by popping them with a small pin.
    • Once the decal is securely in place and properly trimmed, you can finish the rest of the door application.

Important Notes:

  • Applying a decal on a door with a window is more challenging than on a flat door, so it’s best to try a flat door first if you're inexperienced.
  • Take your time to avoid wrinkles and tension in the material around the window​​.