Re: boat name
There is a bit of a learning curve in applying the decal. I have some experience doing it at work. Our trucks have vinyl stripes and all the trailer signs are vinyl decals.
The decal is basically applied by wetting the surface with water, placing the decal and removing the water under it using a plastic scraper. It sounds simple but like most things it can be frustrating.
First, don't use soap in the water. Even a small amount of soap will cause the decal not to stick. Use a clean spray bottle to wet the surface. Wet the surface just enough so that the water beads and does not run off. If you get streaks of water running off, your using too much. Also apply water to the adhesive side of the decal after the contact paper is removed. Again, very slightly with little or no run-off.
Second, do not try to apply the decal by starting at one end and rolling it on to the surface. This will cause big problems. Apply it by lying it flat gently. The tension of the water will be enough to hold it in place. If you can slide the decal around your using too much water. If the decal is large be sure to have a helper. If you cannot handle the decal without it folding you need a helper.
Third, Wet the protective paper on the outside surface of the decal before scraping. This will soften the bond of the cover paper and protect the decal while scraping the water from under it. Start scraping from the middle out using gentle strokes at first. You can use more pressure as more water is removed. Use too much in the beginning and air bubbles and water can get trapped under the decal. Scrape the entire surface. I usually start at the middle and scrape downward allowing the scraper to pass all the way past the edge of the decal. Do the whole surface, downward and upward, and remove all the water. Use a stiff plastic scraper with no square edges that can scratch the decal.
Peel off the cover paper and your done!
If you have screw heads that cannot be removed prior to applying the decal you can use very slight heat to shrink the vinyl neatly around them. A hot day or a hair drier is normally enough. Don't try to cut the decal around hardware. It never works out well.
If you make a mistake, have a straight line to maintain, or compound curves the water will allow you to remove and reapply sections if it is needed. The decal can be pulled a little but never stretched! If you have to pull up a section make sure you do so before scraping out the water. And spray a little more water on the decal and the surface before putting the section back down.
I am sure I have made it seem more complicated then it is. The trick is using enough water that the decal can be removed without stretching and not so much that it gets trapped.
unsolicited advice is always free, Drewp
