Interior Exterior
Q:
Recently saw a Dream Car Garage show that dealt with
the proper way to put decals on the outer body. In the
past I had always heard that you take a gallon of water
and add a few drops of dishwashing liquid to it. However,
in the just mentioned show, the expert applyer said to
use a mixture of 1/2 alcohol - 1/2 water - and one drop
of dishwashing liquid. Since he didn't mention starting
with a gallon (64 oz.) of water to begin with, I assume he
simply filled his spray bottle (probably 32 oz.), with 16
ounces of uncontaminated water and an equal amount of
alcohol, then adding the one drop of detergent and shaking
it all up. He also did mention the importance of removing
all wax from the area before applying the decal but didn't
say what he used to prep the area but I'm sure there are
products available at auto stores that do just that. P.S. -
Of course it is imperative to squeegee out all the water/
alcohol mixture from the decal to get a good 'hold'.
A:
Thanks for the description. Is this intended to make the decal easier to remove in the future, or is it intended to make it last longer?
A:
Along those lines my "T" fell off. Now I drive a LOUS. So I ordered the emblem from Sector 111. This info will come in handy when it arrives.
A:
Thanks for the description. Is this intended to make the decal easier to remove in the future, or is it intended to make it last longer?
The saponification action will make it easier to slide it arond until you've placed it in the desired location. Also, makes it easier for the water/bubbles to slide out since it reduces the adhesion between the body and glue surface intially.
A:
Thanks for the description. Is this intended to make the decal easier to remove in the future, or is it intended to make it last longer?
It's so you can place the sticker/decal and adjust it's position - the soap/water (or alcohol/water if you prefer) mix allow you to slip it around a bit. Squeegee it out and it'll be stuck on quite well once fully dry.
A:
Oh, sort of like putting decals on a model! So it looks better when you're done. Thanks.
A:
Waaaay too much alcohol. Keep in mind, we use rubbing alchohol to remove any left over adhesive when you remove an old decal. If making it myself i use a spray bottle, a cap of alcohol, and a drop of dish soap. But the commercial app fluids like Rapid tac are so much better. Or you can use spray detailer too, and it works pretty well. But for 90% of stuff you will be doing yourself a dry app is really the best way to go.
A:
Along those lines my "T" fell off. Now I drive a LOUS. So I ordered the emblem from Sector 111. This info will come in handy when it arrives.
The procedure mentioned above is for mounting and positioning vinyl decals only. DO NOT use this procedure for decals with double sided tape like the rear round LOTUS badge. Just prep the area to ensure no wax residue and attach directly to the paint.
A:
The expert applyer was in fact placing large vinyl decals
on some very expensive muscle cars that went through
total restoration. The show host mentioned that he had
no problem putting on small decals himself but that when
it came to these large ones it was better to use an outside
professional. If I were to fill a 32 oz. spray bottle with
uncontaminated water and just a cap-full of alcohol (instead
of the 1/2 - 1/2 mixture the expert mentioned) and added a
drop of dishwashing liquid, I assume this is your preferred way
of putting on smaller type decals?
A:
Preferred method of smaller ones is to do them dry and rub end to end to get the air out. On a small decal it's harder to apply using a fluid, and on reflectives you can't use app fluid or it voids the warranty. On a small decal, if you use app fluid, a lot of times it won't stick good enough and wants to come off with the application tape. If you do use app fluid for a small decal, take it and soak the tape on top for a minute or two and it will release the adhesive so it will remove easily without lifting the decal.
A:
Preferred method of smaller ones is to do them dry and rub end to end to get the air out. On a small decal it's harder to apply using a fluid, and on reflectives you can't use app fluid or it voids the warranty. On a small decal, if you use app fluid, a lot of times it won't stick good enough and wants to come off with the application tape. If you do use app fluid for a small decal, take it and soak the tape on top for a minute or two and it will release the adhesive so it will remove easily without lifting the decal.
Now, everyone sing along in unison.......Sweet Daddy to the rescue,
Sweet Daddy to the rescue.......P.S. - If anyone remembers the
rest of the lyrics, I'll be waiting. Also, I do realize that 'Sweet' should
have 'Big' in its place.
A:
I agree completely for this procedure on vinyl decals. Where we differ is in that the 'Dream Car Garage' host Peter Kluth (sp?) was referring to vinyl graphics, large and small, only. Items like the Lotus rear badge utilize double-sided tape to adhere them to the paint and do not need this type of prep treatment. Use this method at your own risk for trim, graphics, or badges held on by double-side tape...
A:
Oh yeah. Don't use app fluid for an emblem, only for vinyl. But DO clean the surface first with rubbing alcohol. Several times,, rotate rag, etc. Of course auto body prep wax and grease remover works well too if you have that, and I've got by with brake clean in a pinch as it is a non-residue cleaner. Just don't use windex or anything that leaves a residue. And FIRM pressure. On a microscopic level think of the adhesive as foam, and you want to break the foam cells to release the adhesive that is going to hold good for the long haul.
A:
I always start with 50% alcohol and 50% water. Then I drink the alcohol. Then I say screw the decals.
A:
I always start with 50% alcohol and 50% water. Then I drink the alcohol. Then I say screw the decals.
Isopropyl does give you that special buzz like no other...
A:
Got SweetDaddyD's Elise decal for the front end. It's first class.
Per Bruce's advice I'm headed to the garage now to put it on with a couple beers in hand.
Edit: Done! Love it!
A:
Along those lines my "T" fell off. Now I drive a LOUS. So I ordered the emblem from Sector 111. This info will come in handy when it arrives.
Could have been worse. Back in the day a friend of mine lost the "V" from his 5-cylinder Acura.
He then drove an "IGOR"