Laying out Decals

[salty_monk]

I have tank, side panels etc clear coated & ready for scuffing & decal application.

Any tips on laying them out? Should I be laying down some masking tape or something first as a guide (straight edger for putting them on or ??

Dan

[posplayr]

What I did.

http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum/showpost.php?p=836787&postcount=41

[salty_monk]

Will I be ok using masking tape on the clear coat. They've been painted a week now (so it's well dry).

Any special tape? Should I get some of the blue stuff? (Think that's low tac right?)

Dan

[nvr2old]

That's the perfect way to do it. Tape will be fine on the clear coat. You might drag a tack rag over each part just before laying the decal.

[Rkt-Rch]

BLUE STUFF to be safe.

[Nessism]

Hey Dan,

You can mist some water on the tank before laying the decal down; the water will allow you to move the decal a little and not upset the bond since it will evaporate away. Just be sure to rub the decal down really good.

[reddirtrider]

A little heads up on decals. As was noted use water (add a drop of soap to a spray bottle if you desire). You can use a squeege to get water bubbles from under the decal but if the decal seals around the bubble DON'T attempt to force it out or you will ruin the decal. Simply pin prick the bubble and remove the water that way. If you have a little sag in the decal after removing the water, let it sit overnight. It will look 1000x better in the morning after the water evaporates and the decal shrinks down.

[rudy]

When putting the decals on the S, I used blue tape about 3 hours after painting. No finger prints, no trouble with the tape. I would suggest putting a touch of soap in the water. Water alone isn't enough. You can also use Windex, it works beautifully and it's much easier to work out the bubbles than water.

[Zooks]

Water with a drop of dish detergent is what the vinyl sign guys use.