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Any advice on applying decals?

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sammyb

Luke Skywalker
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I just received my TR8 decal set from Wedgeparts. I've measured out and placed tape guides for the decals.

I've never done this before -- Any hints or advice on getting good results on placing the decals?

Luckily there are no huge decals ala a Trans Am flying chicken, but I still want to get it right.

Thanks,
Sam
 
Assuming self adhesive (3M)Decal ???
Warm dilute soapy (liquid dish soap) water sprayed on the body part. Decal pealed from release paper,floated into position then excess air and water squeegeed out = One Stuck Decal
I think 3M has info on their web site
 
[ QUOTE ]
Assuming self adhesive (3M)Decal ???
Warm dilute soapy (liquid dish soap) water sprayed on the body part. Decal pealed from release paper,floated into position then excess air and water squeegeed out = One Stuck Decal

I think 3M has info on their web site

[/ QUOTE ] :

/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/iagree.gif The only way

Don
 
allow lots of time and I hope you have alot of patients...I did the LE stripe a few years ago and I am not looking foward to ever doing that again...Also the plastic aplicator that comes with it(maybe yours in differnt?)is way to small...I'd keep a few big bondo applicators handy to flatten the air bubbles out.
 
Also, make sure that you remove any residual wax that might be on the painted surface. You want decal on paint, not decal on wax on paint.

Bill
 
If I may quote our Screen Plant Production Manager
" Oh, you'd like to it yourself.... here's how we do it.... You can watch us do it and then go home and do it yourself. If its a small area, easy. If it's a large or long area... PREPARE TO SWEAR "
 
Thanks guys --

If this were something like a Trans Am or a TR7 Victory Edition, I'd pay someone. These decals are so small, that I figured it's time to learn how to do some detail type work myself.
 
Are you using the self sticking type with a protective backing? If so, be sure to clean the surface of any wax and get it positioned right where you want it. Then starting at one corner, begin removing the backing while at the same time pressuring the decal onto the body using the little wedge you probably have (like a Bondo applicator). Work your way slowly to the bottom (or top) of the started side and then once happy with the positioning, continue removing the backing and pressing on the decal. When it is all on you can work out most air bubbles by carefully wedging them to the edge. Some will likely remain, but they can be pin pricked to release the air, and then pushed down into place. Don't panic if you're off just a little bit from one side of the car to another. Professional pin stripers are often as much as 1/4 inch different from one side to another. You'll see it, but no one else will.
 
The directions I have show positioning down to a half of millimeter. I'm glad that nobody expects it to be perfect!
 
Have a helper(s) around when you do it to help hold things in place.
 
Hard expeience has tought me that you take one cup of warm water put 2 drops of dish soap in it, then with all surfaces cleaner than clean, wet the paint, wet the decal, float it on,slowly work the bubbles out with a squeegy. Have a beer while the decal has time to dry/set then peel the cover off. If you drink rather quickly get a second beer so you dont rush things!!!!!
MD(mad dog)
 
Clarification time. Some of the replies deal with decals, while some, as did mine, speak to stickers. Two different products of course, and different application procedures. I suspect Sammy is using stickers, but don't know for sure.
 
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