Applying Decals

[DarranKing68]

Hi

My partner brought me for my birthday some decals for the rear doors of my van.

I have a T6.1 and I use it for my fishing adventures so the decals are of carp.

To apply them reading the instructions they seem to be similar to the old fashion decals I added to air fix models in that they require wetting to apply.

Before doing this though it says I should clean the panel with rubbing Alcohol of something similar. I have this, but I am unsure if I should use it on my van.

Also the decals came in a round tube so do I need to flatten them out somehow before attempting to apply and if so how,

Finally any tips for applying these wet decals, seen videos of applying decals that you peel the back off then apply using a tool to smooth before removing the top cover but none where water is needed.

 

[The Flying Scotsman]

Utube is your friend here.
Plenty videos on applying decals with water.

 

[Andy.H]

I used IPA before applying mine, free from work
It cleans a treat and doesn't damage any paint.

 

[Sasquatch]

I used IPA before applying mine, free from work

You're a barman?

 

[Andy.H]

I've been called a bar steward plenty of times if that counts

 

[DarranKing68]

I used IPA before applying mine, free from work
It cleans a treat and doesn't damage any paint.

Not sure I will get the application right when drunk.

But in all seriousness what is IPA

 

[Sasquatch]

India Pale Ale...

Or isopropyl alcohol.

 

[DarranKing68]

India Pale Ale...

Or isopropyl alcohol.

Ah so that’s what I have in the image I posted then, so this would be safe to use to clean the area

 

[Sasquatch]

Yes indeed.

 

[DarranKing68]

Utube is your friend here.
Plenty videos on applying decals with water.

Thanks for that.

Just need to work out best way to straighten the rolled up decals so I can line it up and tape it into position, maybe open it out and apply weight

 

[TeeCeeJay]

Thanks for that.

Just need to work out best way to straighten the rolled up decals so I can line it up and tape it into position, maybe open it out and apply weight

Just leave them unrolled flat somewhere for a few days. No need for any weight. Chance of dents/damage

 

[ChestnutBrown]

Gently roll them the opposite way perhaps.

 

[ginkster]

Your rubbing alcohol (IPA) is perfect for cleaning the area first. Use a solution of 1L water with a drop or two of baby shampoo (the yellow Johnson stuff) in a clean spray bottle to apply the decal. Spray the area, your hands and the decal and peel of the backing then spray that side too. Keep everything wet with the solution. Apply the decal and use a squeegee to remove the solution working from the centre out. Any bubbles can be pricked with a needle and water removed. Leave to adhere for about 24hrs.

No need to flatten the decal but leaving it on a flat surface for a while may make it easier to handle.

 

[64 SPLIT]

Borrow the mrs' hair dryer and warm the decals very slightly. It will relax the vinyl and it'll go flat. Leave them to cool on a flat surface.