need homemade brew for applying decals

[crazy charlie]

Im replacing the decals on my o/b engine cover.anyone have a home brew to aid in the application of decals before I go and buy the spray??? Thanks Charlie

 

[Jeep Man]

Re: need homemade brew for applying decals

Im replacing the decals on my o/b engine cover.anyone have a home brew to aid in the application of decals before I go and buy the spray??? Thanks Charlie

Water and a little (and I mean a LITTLE) dish soap in a spray bottle. This allows you to move the decal and also squeeze out and air bubbles before it dries.

 

[Stachi]

Re: need homemade brew for applying decals

x2...A short squirt of it into a 32 oz. spray bottle after filling it with water..(less foam ) ....dry fit decals , and draw a level line with a pencil where you want them to end up, wet the surface evenly and apply the decal.....as longs as the surface is wet with a very mild solution of dish washing soap you can move the decal, set your decal to your line, blot the excess solution surrounding the decal with paper towels, and squeegee any air bubbles out..carefully...start with very light pressure to the decal from the center towards the edges while keeping an eye on the level line..flip the pencil over afterwards, and erase the pencil line... NICE !

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: need homemade brew for applying decals

Thanks.Do you mean a few drops or a small squirt??

 

[642mx]

Re: need homemade brew for applying decals

I've always used Windex. Spray a fine mist on the decal, move it where you want it, and then use a credit card to remove the air.... and finish with a hair dryer or heat gun.

 

[Stachi]

Re: need homemade brew for applying decals

Thanks.Do you mean a few drops or a small squirt??

small squirt...after you squirt it in , put the sprayer head back in , and tip the bottle back and forth until it mixes...test the squirt pattern on something other than the work area , you want a wide misting type of spray...think of it as a film of soapy water you want to apply... its ready when you see very small bubbles on the test area...

 

[Fireman431]

Re: need homemade brew for applying decals

Per the DecalMan web site: 2-3 teaspoons per quart size spray bottle (think window tint solution).

 

[Stachi]

Re: need homemade brew for applying decals

I am going to recomend that you not use any heat...it may shrink or distort the decal... squeegee it out after blotting, let it dry for a day and it will look great...Windex will work , just kinda expensive to use for this...and it contains some ammonia...not sure how this will effect the outcome..I have used Windex and a razorblade to remove pinstriping from automobiles... , just a thought...

 

[Stachi]

Re: need homemade brew for applying decals

Per the DecalMan web site: 2-3 teaspoons per quart size spray bottle (think window tint solution).

yup , a short squirt...one missippi two missippi...done...add the soap to the water...or it will foam out if you add the water second...

 

[Stachi]

Re: need homemade brew for applying decals

by the way ,....we are expecting before and after pics....lol

 

[dlngr]

Re: need homemade brew for applying decals

Windex will NOT work with some decals,and I have seen some decals that specifically say NOT GLASS CLEANER!. Better safe than sorry and stick with the dish soap!

 

[642mx]

Re: need homemade brew for applying decals

Windex will NOT work with some decals,and I have seen some decals that specifically say NOT GLASS CLEANER!. Better safe than sorry and stick with the dish soap!

Really? I've been doing it for years with all kinds of decals and never had a problem. Everything from vehicle emblems to window tint... and its always worked fine.

 

[Stachi]

Re: need homemade brew for applying decals

Windex will NOT work with some decals,and I have seen some decals that specifically say NOT GLASS CLEANER!. Better safe than sorry and stick with the dish soap!

I think it is the ammonia...I use glass cleaner everyday to remove inspection stickers from automobiles...it really cuts the adhesive...use dish soap...you will be glad you did in the end

 

[Stachi]

Re: need homemade brew for applying decals

Really? I've been doing it for years with all kinds of decals and never had a problem. Everything from vehicle emblems to window tint... and its always worked fine.

642 , stop wasting your $...dish soap works ....and cheaper !

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: need homemade brew for applying decals

I have always used ONE teaspoon to a GALLON of distilled water.

 

[642mx]

Re: need homemade brew for applying decals

642 , stop wasting your $...dish soap works ....and cheaper !

We're boat owners.... we enjoy wasting money!

 

[lakegeorge]

Re: need homemade brew for applying decals

Dish soap has worked for me many times and it's safe. Don't use anything else.

 

[Jegomes]

Re: need homemade brew for applying decals

the only thing better then dish soap is no tears baby shampoo. Its way milder then dish soap and dries with less residue. It also has a neutral PH balance so it will not effect the decal in the long run.

 

[vscgraphics]

Re: need homemade brew for applying decals

Try this :

1% Ivory classic scent dish soap,
15% 91 "proof" isopropyl alcohol,
84% distilled water

Thanks
Joe
VSCGRAPHICS

 

[Woodbinekeith]

Re: need homemade brew for applying decals

If part of the question involves removing old decals, there is a product on the market at home reno stores called Goo Gone. A fluid that you can apply with cloth to the top of the label/decal etc. Let it sit for a bit and it softens the glue on the back side of the label/decal. With any luck it lifts up with a finger nail but at times is takes a little more goo, some rubbing and perhaps a razor blade. It is very effective and doesn't affect the fiberglass. A razor blade can mar the surface if not carefully done.