Decals: Any secrets to application and especially removal???

leadfoot · #1 (**permalink**) 08-16-2003, 08:29 PM

I am about to lambaste my car with all sorts of decals from sponsors for a rally. Aside from applying a very thorough waxing of the car prior to decal application, are there any secrets so that they come off easily?

Excaliber · #2 (**permalink**) 08-16-2003, 08:55 PM

So your using the "sticky" kind I guess? I recently put a BIG sticky one on the fender of my car and I WAS worried about getting it off later!

No problem! I applied a nice wax, put it on, left it on for four or five days and pulled it right off. I do PREFER static cling to "stickys" how ever!

Ernie

mrmustang · #3 (**permalink**) 08-17-2003, 04:49 AM

Two coats of really good wax, before applying the sticker, get yourself old set of clean blue jeans, lay out the blue jeans and apply the sticker first to the jeans, then to the car...The nap of the jeans will adhere to the back of the sticker, making the sticker come off easier later on down the road. Learned this 20 years ago from a guy in the decal/signage business.........Sounds kind of strange, but it does indeed work...............

Enjoy your rally

Bill S.

GeorgiaSnake · #4 (**permalink**) 08-17-2003, 05:57 AM

Get a small spray bottle and mix up a little soap and water. Spay the area you want to put the decal on and apply the decal over the wet area, this will allow you to slide it around and remove any air. Let it sit over night to dry. I used this method years ago on my little racer as I was always changing decals.

Randy

BMK · #5 (**permalink**) 08-17-2003, 06:10 AM

Hey its good to see its not only us mad Aussies that keep talking to each other.

Some of the threads and posts go for ages without anyone responding. We are constantly at each other here in Australia and I enjoy reading the posts under the Forum - Club Forum.

Have been guilty of spending too much time on the computer.

The Boss here tells me there is a list of house chores to do.

Are any of you guys going to the Run N Gun. I will be there and looking forward to it.

Will talk soon. Hey nearly forgot why I came on here.

I have used the soap spray and wipe method for the decals and found they come off easier.

Watched my sign guy move the stickers around on the soap surface and they are easy to manage.

Must try the denim jeans idea.

Recently purchased the Finish Line decals from the '60's race cars and was pleased to see they are re usable

Talk soon. Must get back to that list on the fridge. I do one thing and then play cars.

Cheers

Bernie

casaleenie · #6 (**permalink**) 08-17-2003, 06:38 AM

Leadfoot,

Another tip about installing decals --- make sure the color side is facing out.

Roscoe · #7 (**permalink**) 08-17-2003, 08:26 AM

This is what I do. I have tons of stickers from parts I've bought over the years. I got some clear static cling vinyl and placed the stickers on this. I trimmed them and now have a library of stickers I can apply and take off easily. When not on the car I put them between sheets of paper in a legal size pad and store them away.

And they stay on.

Roscoe

GeorgiaSnake · #8 (**permalink**) 08-17-2003, 08:31 AM

That's slick Roscoe. Where did you get the clear static cling and does it come in any specific thickness etc ? I like the idea of reusable and removable.

Randy

leadfoot · #9 (**permalink**) 08-17-2003, 08:33 AM

That's exactly what I was looking for... the jean trick (do I do this with the jeans on of off?) and the soap trick..

Thanks..

Getting all set for the Targa Newfoundland in September... I will post pictures of the car all done up...

Roscoe · #10 (**permalink**) 08-17-2003, 08:33 AM

Randy,

I got it from a local graphics/sign shop. A 3 x 3 foot sheet was like 5 bucks. I also used it to make stone guards for the rear fenders behind the doors.

Roscoe

leadfoot · #11 (**permalink**) 08-17-2003, 08:36 AM

Roscoe... nice piture of the car... but is that an oil puddle under ithe front?

Roscoe · #12 (**permalink**) 08-17-2003, 08:51 AM

Nope! Water puddle from rain.

Roscoe

pgermond · #13 (**permalink**) 08-17-2003, 11:28 AM

Roscoe,
Same with the team stripe, or is it permanent?

Roscoe · #14 (**permalink**) 08-17-2003, 11:31 AM

Team stripes are racer tape. I've been thinking of mounting them on vinyl but for now I just stick it on. First I stick it to the living room carpet to make it less sticky. I also use the checker racer tape from time to time.

Roscoe

leadfoot · #15 (**permalink**) 08-17-2003, 04:42 PM

I am even planning to try the soap idea on some privacy tint I tried using on the garage windows, but when I first tried it I wasn't ahppy with teh results (air bubbles). I think the water soap idea will work.

kountzecobra · #16 (**permalink**) 08-17-2003, 07:01 PM

Roscoe's right. I bought white static-cling material 15" X 30 feet roll for $18.50 from www.beacongraphics.com This roll should last me a lifetime.

mrmustang · #17 (**permalink**) 08-18-2003, 02:50 AM

The trick to apllying them with the soap or even plain water method is to have a good quality squeege.......I use the spreader from a "bondo" kit, works great.. You work from the middle, and push all of the air bubbles out towards the sides..........When your done, everything should be smooth as silk........

Bill S.

Quote:

Originally posted by leadfoot

I am even planning to try the soap idea on some privacy tint I tried using on the garage windows, but when I first tried it I wasn't ahppy with teh results (air bubbles). I think the water soap idea will work.