Fitting VINYL lettering to hull

[Tafflad]

Decided for first time in 30 years of boating to put a name on a boat.
Prompted as I was ordering something else from Overtons.
I bought the Standard 'Custom Vinyl Lettering" in 5" size.

It has arrived, fitting instructions say to use 'Sticker on' fluid.

I dont have any of that, anybody know what that is, how to make it up, or what I can use in it's place ?

As I am not in US ... don't have option to get this spray.

 

[nlain]

Re: Fitting VINYL lettering to hull

Get a spray bottle, put a little liquid dish detergent in it and add some water, mix, spray on boat, put letter on and work out the bubbles.

 

[woosterken]

Re: Fitting VINYL lettering to hull

when i had the vinyl name put on my boat the guy used WATER with like ONE or TWO drops of DISH WASHING LIQUID (soap) in a spray bottle.
first he wiped down the boat with rubbing alcohol,then mist on the water / soap put the lettering on and then while still wet he could move them around to where they looked best.
then used a soft rubber squeegee , (about the size of a credit card) to work the water and any air bubbles out.
then just let it dry , told me NOT to wax them for a couple weeks!

woosterken

 

[Tafflad]

Re: Fitting VINYL lettering to hull

OK ... seems I have a plan ... cheers guys

 

[JoLin]

Re: Fitting VINYL lettering to hull

Take a look here-

http://www.signcentralusa.com/install.html

This is how I applied the reg. numbers to the bow of mine. Making the tape "hinge" made it much easier to keep everything lined up. Don't know if the method is applicable to yours, but might help.

 

[5150abf]

Re: Fitting VINYL lettering to hull

JoLin has it, worked in a sign shop years ago and that how we did it.

Put 2 peices of masking tape on the ends of the sticker and another completely across the middle, that is your hinge.

Position the stickerand pull up one end, remove backing and stick working from the hinge in the center to the end, then remove the hinge and apply the rest again working from the center out, works like a charm.

 

[Mischief Managed]

Re: Fitting VINYL lettering to hull

Don't put them on in the sun.

 

[Philster]

Re: Fitting VINYL lettering to hull

You Tube has dozens of videos from vinyl sticker manufacturers on how to apply vinyl graphics and letters.

Go there and search "applying vinyl boat graphics".

Wet application means you can slide the stickers around and get 'em perfect. And trust me... while it seems like using soapy water would wash away the adhesive... the adhesive actually comes to life with soapy water... as the soapy water activates it.

And after an hour or two when the stickers are fully stuck, when you peel the top protective layer off the stickers... that vinyl ain't coming off!

 

[Tafflad]

Re: Fitting VINYL lettering to hull

JoLin has it, worked in a sign shop years ago and that how we did it.

Put 2 pieces of masking tape on the ends of the sticker and another completely across the middle, that is your hinge.

To check ... name is on a strip sandwiched between 2 sheets.
So name is horizontal - if I follow what you said .. I put a vertical piece of tape at either end.
The piece of tape you mention 'in middle' is that fitted horizontal at top ... stuck to hull and to backing tape (overlap)?

i.e. like this video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o7ByiJiKA58


As you worked in sign shop ... one post I have seen says for a 'sticker on' fluid the home brew version is:
4 drops dish washing liquid
1/2 cup isopropyl alcohol
3 1/2 cups water

Did you ever use this, or just soap & water spray.


My problem will be the tip in video link in thread above to fit when temp is 65 degree or higher ... have to wait months for that - June at least
.. unless I can find a heated workshop.

 

[Philster]

Re: Fitting VINYL lettering to hull

Soap and water is all you need.

It's easier to screw up when you have colder temps. The vinyl takes longer to set and it just isn't a pleasant experience. Wait for a nice spring day. It will be ten times easier and ten times better.

I am waiting right now for warmer temps to add graphics.

 

[GXL205 Deke]

Re: Fitting VINYL lettering to hull

Cool Link JoLin!

 

[lckstckn2smknbrls]

Re: Fitting VINYL lettering to hull

To check ... name is on a strip sandwiched between 2 sheets.
So name is horizontal - if I follow what you said .. I put a vertical piece of tape at either end.
The piece of tape you mention 'in middle' is that fitted horizontal at top ... stuck to hull and to backing tape (overlap)?

i.e. like this video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o7ByiJiKA58


As you worked in sign shop ... one post I have seen says for a 'sticker on' fluid the home brew version is:
4 drops dish washing liquid
1/2 cup isopropyl alcohol
3 1/2 cups water

Did you ever use this, or just soap & water spray.


My problem will be the tip in video link in thread above to fit when temp is 65 degree or higher ... have to wait months for that - June at least
.. unless I can find a heated workshop.

I've done vinyl installations for ten years. For the most part we do them dry. The mix you have here will make it much easier for a you to do it yourself. The vinyl has a pressure sensitive adhesive but it can still pulled up to fix a wrinkle if you know what your doing. Small bubbles should be popped with a pin. Very small bubbles will go away on there own as the hull heats and cools.