First, start off with a good clean surface
that's free of grease and oils. Wash with warm soapy water and
dry. Sand your painted surface well with 600-800 grit before
applying the decal.
There are a lot of really good spray on decal transfer fluids available to
wet the decal and surface. This
helps you align the decal and then squeegee out any air bubbles
under it. The fluid works
really well and it's worth the effort to find some (hint, any good
sign shop should have it).
Best to practice on another decal first so have a spare available
(anything will do) to practice with.
Once you're ready, do a dry run to get an idea of where you want
your decal. Then peel off the decal backing paper leaving the
translucent white transfer paper covering the front of the decal. Apply the
fluid liberally to both the sanded surface and the decal back.
Apply the decal and position without using any force yet. Get it
moved to exactly where you want it then squeegee the decal (hard)
starting in the center and working out. They call these pressure
sensitive for a reason so don't fail to give it plenty. Use a
plastic decal squeegee to get all the water out and if you applied
enough pressure you shouldn't get any air bubbles.
Let it set for awhile (15 min or so) then peel the cover paper off
the decal by pulling it back over itself (not straight up or it
may lift the decal with it). If you do have a bubble (heaven
forbid) take a sharp pin or xacto and pop it then try to squeegee
the air out via the hole you just made. Wipe off the whole thing
with warm water and dry well.
Let it set overnight (or in the sun) to get rid of any more water
and you are ready to shoot. You can use Adhesion Promoter to help
the clear coat stick to the decal if you'd like. Apply one light
coat then 3-4 good medium wet coats of Production Cleer and dry
overnight. Be careful to sand the edges of your decal once the
clear has dried very carefully or you will sand into the decal and
get a white edge. Usually takes one good, if not two applications
like the one just mentioned to build up enough cleer to smooth out
over the decal edges completely. Just take your time sanding.
Finally use Sun-Bloct Final Cleer with 2-3 coats, color sand and
buff to finish up.
Guaranteed everyone that looks close will have
to run their fingers across the decal and they'll be pretty
impressed when they can't feel a thing!
Don't take
your health or safety for granted.
