Simple Green as Decal Applicator

[John T 9]

Sorry I am repeating myself, but I DID see this done but I can't get ahold of the guy himself; it was decades ago. I saw a farm equipment guy spray Simple Green (I BELIEVE FULL STRENGTH) all over an area on the machine, then he laid the large decal on the area. He then slid the decal around very freely and precisely positioned it, and then with a plastic spackle blade squeegeed out any air bubbles. It was awesome. Does anyone have any experience doing this? 

[rmaynard 15,726]

You can use plain water with a couple drops of dish washing detergent, Windex, Fantastic, etc. It all works just as well. I prefer to use the cheapest method possible, water with a couple of drops of Dawn detergent. I've applied many decals, large and small, and the wet method is by far the best.

[Pullstart 63,201]

the soap doesn't deter the adhesion?  that's amazing

[Theroundhousernr 590]

You can use plain water with a couple drops of dish washing detergent, Windex, Fantastic, etc. It all works just as well. I prefer to use the cheapest method possible, water with a couple of drops of Dawn detergent. I've applied many decals, large and small, and the wet method is by far the best.

Terry says not to apply his decals with water I believe. I guess they are the same thing as like vinyl wrap for a car. I did them dry and it was a little harder to do but still came out great. Have you used the water and soap method for Terry's decals?  Thanks Kyle

[wrightorchid 261]

There is a big difference between the old decals on paper, that you soak in water/soap, and the modern vinyl stickers.

[pacer 3,174]

There is a big difference between the old decals on paper, that you soak in water/soap, and the modern vinyl stickers.

Thats what Im thinking too -- I would sure try one of the small ones that arent for your tractor first.

[rmaynard 15,726]

I apply all of Terry's decals with water/soap. Been doing it since 2009.
 

[AMC RULES 37,141]

The wet application wouldn't bother me...
but using the Simple Green to do it, would.  
 

[pacer 3,174]

but using the Simple Green to do it, would.  

That is something to consider - Simple Green and Purple Power, etc are potent cleaners and could very easily harm fresh paint. But, a few drops of dawn in water may just be worth a try...

[ronhatch 406]

Windex works for me
 

[DennisThornton 4,769]

Soapy water helps position it but there is not any need for and I wouldn't use any straight soap!  Once the decal is applied properly and squeegeed there's nothing left underneath it so maybe straight Simple Green would work but why waste it?  

By the way if you do trap a bubble a tiny pin prick can get you out of trouble.  Some of you will remember the Firebird's huge flaming bird decal that went across the entire hood!  Lot's of fun to install!  You'll never have that much fun on a Wheel Horse!

Edited September 25, 2015 by DennisThornton
not any

[JC 1965 1,530]

Water with a couple drops of dish washing liquid, that's how I do it. Never had any problems.        

[John T 9]

Thank you everyone. Simple Green sounds scary now. I'll try some of the very light soap solution, perhaps on a very small decal first and work my way up.

Edited September 29, 2015 by John T

[Coadster32 793]

I use windex. Haven't had an issue yet, and we always seem to have some laying around our home.