gun nut
Expert
I have to replace one of my graphics. I want someone to verify the method I used years ago.
After removing old one with a hair dryer, you dip the new graphic in soapy water, and apply' The soapy water allows you to slide the graphic in place. Then you heat it up with the hair dryer, and its stuck.
Am I correct about this?
After removing old one with a hair dryer, you dip the new graphic in soapy water, and apply' The soapy water allows you to slide the graphic in place. Then you heat it up with the hair dryer, and its stuck.
Am I correct about this?
tttario
Expert
Good to use a credit card or something like it to "squegy" (sp?) the water out from under the decal after you get it aligned and it will stick without the hairdryer. I normally use a spray bottle to wet the area instead of dipping the decal in water, but same idea.
ROCKERDAN
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tttario said:
^this
Snowmobileaddict
TY 4 Stroke Junkie
Is it a good idea to use soapy water? I thought it was just plain water in a spray bottle.
gun nut
Expert
I think the soap helps move it, but if just water works, I'll do that. Thanks guys.
I just installed my rear cooler. I'm assuming the rubber sleeves are to protect the pipes going through the tunnel.
I just installed my rear cooler. I'm assuming the rubber sleeves are to protect the pipes going through the tunnel.
Malmlof
Veteran
I recommend as ttario using a spray bottle with water and a couple of drops of dishsoap, I only use YES but I dont know if you have it.
The soap is important to lower the surface tension of the water to get an even "waterfilm" without dry spots.
If you have a signshop nearby, buy a vinyl squeggy from them it´s worth it. If the decal dont have any protection on it use a fine cloth on the squeggy to make it slide over the decal without making marks.
Some tools for wallpapers works fine to, as a squeggy.
Clean the surface.
I mount the decal with some painterstape (lowtac) on the sides, just to get it in position. When I am happy I put a longer tape on one side and remove the other ones. Then I use it as a hinge for the decal to revolve around. I flip it upside down remove the siliconpaper and then spray the area and the glue side of the decal. Flip it gently backdown and squeg it from the middle and out softly, then remove the painterstape and squeg it a bit more firmly this time. Let it dry for 24hours indoors.
This will only work on painted areas, on the plastic (side parts) with uneven surface you need to apply them dry. I put painterstape 90dgr over the middle of the decal, then lift one side up peel the siliconpaper of and cut it near the painterstape (just cut the siliconpaper with a scissor, not the decal) then I hold it up a little bit from the surface and squeg it out from the middle and out firmly. Then remove the painterstape and do the same procedure again.
I own a signshop and hope this help and is understandable in my svenglish.
Richard Malmlöf Sweden
The soap is important to lower the surface tension of the water to get an even "waterfilm" without dry spots.
If you have a signshop nearby, buy a vinyl squeggy from them it´s worth it. If the decal dont have any protection on it use a fine cloth on the squeggy to make it slide over the decal without making marks.
Some tools for wallpapers works fine to, as a squeggy.
Clean the surface.
I mount the decal with some painterstape (lowtac) on the sides, just to get it in position. When I am happy I put a longer tape on one side and remove the other ones. Then I use it as a hinge for the decal to revolve around. I flip it upside down remove the siliconpaper and then spray the area and the glue side of the decal. Flip it gently backdown and squeg it from the middle and out softly, then remove the painterstape and squeg it a bit more firmly this time. Let it dry for 24hours indoors.
This will only work on painted areas, on the plastic (side parts) with uneven surface you need to apply them dry. I put painterstape 90dgr over the middle of the decal, then lift one side up peel the siliconpaper of and cut it near the painterstape (just cut the siliconpaper with a scissor, not the decal) then I hold it up a little bit from the surface and squeg it out from the middle and out firmly. Then remove the painterstape and do the same procedure again.
I own a signshop and hope this help and is understandable in my svenglish.
Richard Malmlöf Sweden
You can by squeegies with a felt edge, in the event you are applying decals without premask. I used to work in a graphics shop, I have a lot of experience working with vinyl.
Diluted Windex works great, and is very easy to get (go to the closet) Plain water will also do the trick, but I find adding a little Windex helps the dry time. A wet application helps with placing and smoothing out bumps/bubbles. A misting is all that is required, you don't want to be squeegie out a lake to get the graphics down. However, with a wet application you just need to ensure that the panels are kept in a warm place for a couple days. If not there will be a little moisure under the decal that will freeze, and you will have problems with adhesion down the road.
Vinyl can be an art... but unless you are doing very detailed work, it is very easy to apply.
Diluted Windex works great, and is very easy to get (go to the closet) Plain water will also do the trick, but I find adding a little Windex helps the dry time. A wet application helps with placing and smoothing out bumps/bubbles. A misting is all that is required, you don't want to be squeegie out a lake to get the graphics down. However, with a wet application you just need to ensure that the panels are kept in a warm place for a couple days. If not there will be a little moisure under the decal that will freeze, and you will have problems with adhesion down the road.
Vinyl can be an art... but unless you are doing very detailed work, it is very easy to apply.
werksguy
Newbie
DOn't use Windex, it can affect the adhesive on some vinyl.... Here in my sign shop we use equal parts of water and rubbing alcohol, with just a drop or two of dish detergent... the alcohol makes the mixture evaporate quicker and lets the adhesive "bite" better.
You can use a hairdryer and a stencil brush to help the decals conform better to the textured plastic on the sides of belly pans etc.
You can use a hairdryer and a stencil brush to help the decals conform better to the textured plastic on the sides of belly pans etc.
