Applying Decals

[GlenPettit 1,717]

Got my complete set of 312-8 Decals from VinylGuy, and they are excellent, like everyones been saying.

Couldn't find in the older posts, How do you apply these? I think I remember someone said to wet the adhesive with slightly soapy water first for positioning, then squeege down.

Would greatly appreciate any suggestions and pointers for application, how long for the paint to dry before applying, and should I clear coat over the decals when done?

Glen

[MikesRJ 552]

You have it right! You should wait at least two weeks for paint to dry before doing anything to the paint, decals or otherwise. Clear-coating over decals is rarely a good idea, I would suggest putting the decals over the clear after allowing ample drying time (2 weeks at least, longer if painting in winter).

1) Clean the application surface with simple green to remove any oils or dirt or finger prints which may have accumulated. Alcohol will also do as well.

2) Mix a few drops of dawn dish detergent in two cups of warm water and put the mixture in a spray bottle.

3) Spray the application area heavily with the mixture. You can also spray the back side of the decal as well.

4) Lightly place the decal on the application area in its correct position and slide it into its final position using a little more soap/water if needed.

5) Use a soft, wet paper card (Business card) to squeegee the excess soap/water from under the decal working from the center toward the edges, insuring all bubbles are removed before proceeding further toward the edge.

6) Blot the edges with a soft tissue to wick any remaining water off the decal.

7) Wait a few days to allow all moisture to evaporate before waxing.

Take your time and use good lighting to insure you get all the bubbles out.

[rickv1957 72]

Well Said Mike! Rick

[TT-(Moderator) 1,145]

All except the Simple Green part.....

I wouldn't get that stuff anywhere near good paint!

Unless they changed the formula, I watched it wrinkle the clear coat (catalyzed urethane enamel) on one of my cars while I was using it to take the brake dust off a wheel. Granted, the paint wasn't very old, but I still don't trust it.

I'll stick with good old liquid Dawn. :thumbs:

[Kelly 1,030]

No simple green near fresh paint, and if you used spray cans it will all but wash it off, I like to wait as long as I can before appling decals on fresh paint to let the solvents dry out, at least a week in the cool air we have now, then soapy water sprayed on the part, I use a bondo spreader to smooth them out work from the middle out, it helps sometimes to spray the face of the decal so the spreader glides better.

Or a steady hand and apply them dry, I did both my kids tractors dry last year.

[can whlvr 993]

some people use windex as well

[MikesRJ 552]

Never had a problem with Simple Green and have used it all the time throughout the RJ restore. How long are you guys allowing the paint to dry before applying decals. I usually wait two weeks for top-coat to dry before I do anything to the paint job, decals or otherwise. Maybe that's it?

[Shuboxlover 478]

I used Windex on mine, and it worked great

I have used the soap and water mix before when I used to tint windows (same concept) and it worked well too.

Just take your time and it will go great!!!

Good luck!!!

[Uncle BO 0]

If you go to a parts store like NAPA and get SPRAYWAY glass cleaner its perfect it foams up and is vary easy on new paint. this can be used for the whole process,I use a rubber squegee to get the bubbles out.

unclebo :banghead:

[GlenPettit 1,717]

You guys are great.

I will not be applying decals tomorrow or even next week, will wait 2 weeks.

Like the step-by-step procedure.

Thanks again to everyone . . . Glen

and I'm still open to further suggestions. Was smart and took lots of pictures during disassembly, as was suggested too.

[Kelly 1,030]

Do not clear over them, it can cause them to crack over time, or the right clear may make them peel.

[whfan74 2,068]

Great info guys........this will definitely help me the next time I go to put some new decals on my next restore!

Thanks for the tips!

[Ohio312H 0]

I have found that a body filler applicator with a piece of soft Velcro folded along the edge is good to get the bubbles out without damaging or scratching the decal. We use these at work on our aircraft all the time.