Applying decals

**KOPBET** · 01-16-04, 06:59 PM

As an experiment to see how I will like the end results, I ordered the red GS "hash mark" decals from gmpartsdirect.com (Gasps, sighs and frowns ignored).

Problem is, I am not exectly sure the best way to proceed. There has to be a better way than just hit and miss, hope and pray.

Who has applied these decals before? What is the best way to do this without muckin it up?

The decals aren't expensive but $30 bucks is $30 bucks and I don't want to do this twice.

TIA for the advice.

**KOPBET** · 01-17-04, 10:46 AM

Nobody has ever put on decals?

Someone out there has done this before. Where are you?

**Tuna** · 01-17-04, 11:04 AM

Howdy,
I've stuck one or two on a car before. Clean the fender/hood of wax and such so the decal has a good place to stick - unless you want to be able to peal them easier later. Then I spray the area with a glass cleaner like Windex. Peal the backing from the decal and place it on the wet area. This will allow you to reposition the decal to get it where you want it. Then carefully squeegee the glass cleaner out from under the decal making sure air bubbles are removed also. I used a credit card or one of those plastic kitchen scrappers. The outer paper should still be on the top of the decal to keep from scratching them. Work slowly from the center and get the air bubbles out first with light pressure. Once the air is gone, you can continue to squeegee the glass cleaner out and wipe the excess off with a towel. As the glass cleaner goes away and dries the decal will set into position.

Hope this helps.

**paintdaddy** · 01-17-04, 11:37 AM

Tuna pretty much covered it except you might want to use a heat gun or hair dryer to make the decal more pliable while using the squeegee.It helps eliminate wrinkles.

UB2 SLOW · 01-17-04, 02:16 PM

I got black decals that I have not put on yet. I should follow the instructions and finally put them on too.

**KOPBET** · 01-17-04, 02:18 PM

Originally Posted by UB2 SLOW

I got black decals that I have not put on yet. I should follow the instructions and finally put them on too.

What kind?

**jmccloud** · 01-17-04, 03:56 PM

Use masking tape to mark the edge (tape goes next to where the decal will land). The masking tape may be examined, peeled, repositioned, replaced many times; then lay the decal precisely next to the masking tape. This technique is especially useful for long runs.

**KOPBET** · 01-17-04, 04:01 PM

Originally Posted by Tuna

Howdy,
I've stuck one or two on a car before. Clean the fender/hood of wax and such so the decal has a good place to stick - unless you want to be able to peal them easier later. Then I spray the area with a glass cleaner like Windex. Peal the backing from the decal and place it on the wet area. This will allow you to reposition the decal to get it where you want it. Then carefully squeegee the glass cleaner out from under the decal making sure air bubbles are removed also. I used a credit card or one of those plastic kitchen scrappers. The outer paper should still be on the top of the decal to keep from scratching them. Work slowly from the center and get the air bubbles out first with light pressure. Once the air is gone, you can continue to squeegee the glass cleaner out and wipe the excess off with a towel. As the glass cleaner goes away and dries the decal will set into position.

Hope this helps.

Thanks, I'll give that a try along with the heat gun idea from paintdaddy. My earlier concern was whether the glass cleaner etc. would neutralize the tack on the decal.

Masking tape would be difficult with this decal due to the nature of the top layer of paper covering it. The paper is made so that it locates initial decal positioning releative to the left headlight.

**paintdaddy** · 01-17-04, 04:37 PM

Also you can use the tape to position the decal.Use a strip of tape running half way down on the decal.Peel the top half down and remove the backing from only that half.Stick it down and squeege the windex or whatever out from underneath it.Then remove the tape and repeat for the bottom half.This is a pic of decals for a 442 pace car that I completed a cosmetic resto on last winter,notice the tape placement.

**KOPBET** · 01-17-04, 05:38 PM

Well all, I got 'em on.

Thanks for the tips everyone! I used fingers and thumbs to squeegee the glass cleaner (Stoners) out, and a hair dryer to help speed the initial tack. After I got the paper backing peeled off the remaining bubbles came right out with the push of a thumb. I think it turned out really well. With the extension of the paper backing to reach the left headlight, positioning was a snap. Now I just have to decide whether or not I like it and want to keep it. Wish I had a digi camera, I would post a pic.

BTW - $29.83 delivered from gmpartsdirect.com. Thanks again to all you guys.

paintdaddy - I wish I had HALF the talent you appear to have.