Re-applying Decals

[alfie623]

Looking for advice from those who have done this.

I've got new decals on their way from BAWS and a Maguire's restoration kit here in my hands to remove my oxidation. After I've waxed my hull will I have a problem getting the new decals to adhere to the freshly waxed hull?

Should I use distiller water to get decals in the right locations?

[mikeg205]

yes - do not apply decals to waxed hull - they will come off. clean with acetone let dry... A little distilled water will let you slide the decals around to get them in the right place... if you use water you need to leave the tape mask on for at least an hour so you don't pull up and stretch the decal.

Get a good sqeegee... I use this one to apply with tape mask on...

http://www.signsplusbanners.com/item...Hand+Squeegees

This one to get an wrinkle or bubbles out.

http://www.signsplusbanners.com/item...Hand+Squeegees

edge sealing pen will give decal more life..

http://www.signsplusbanners.com/item...quid+Laminates

[Cloaked]

http://www.amazon.com/3M-Edge-Sealer...=3+edge+sealer

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[alfie623]

Thanks for the advice and links.

When waxing in the future should I make every effort to avoid the decals or does the edge sealer make them pretty durable?

[mikeg205]

Edge sealer is a laquer - Are your decals laminated? if not I would avoid waxing.

[Cloaked]

Originally Posted by alfie623

Thanks for the advice and links.

When waxing in the future should I make every effort to avoid the decals or does the edge sealer make them pretty durable?

Wax away and don't worry

[east tx skier]

Acetone will tend to smear the wax. There is a better product for getting it off. I don't recall what it is, but it shouldn't be too tough to find.

Tape along the top of your old decals with masking tape so you can get the new ones liked up. Tape the new ones along the line, then cut vertically between the individual letters. Apply top down with a plastic "spatula." If done correctly, no soapy water required.

/bear in mind, this is one of those jobs I would happily pay someone else to do.

[Cloaked]

ETS has a great method.

[alfie623]

Unfortunately I won't be able to tape between the removal and re-application. I'm removing the old decals to allow me to polish the gel coat so I'll have to do my best to get them back in the same spot.

I've done the truck decals at work for a few years so I have a feel for how applying the decals goes but I just am on the fence about a newly waxed hull. I could always put them on before I wax but I think re-cleaning the decal locations would be easier.

I have three of the five decals off now, after I finish its a good bath and then start polishing. This is bitter sweet. I'm excited to do the work but I don't want to spend the next three weeks of nights doing it.

[mikeg205]

Originally Posted by Cloaked

Wax away and don't worry, other than being cognizant of the process. I wax right over all of my stickers without hesitation (but with awareness). Thirty-four years later, no problems aside from a few corners that have been re-glued...

The business that does work for BAWS uses vinyl material. Stick them on, seal the edges, wax on, wax off...

http://www.planeth2oonline.com/

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Planegth2 better be using a Mutoh printer