question re: decal adhesive/application

[CWKboat]

Hello all,

I am currently repainting my 1976 Mercury 1500 cowling and was fortunate enough to come across some NOS OEM original decals. The only potential problem is that the adhesive backing after 30 years has lost much of its "stick." Is there an adhesive on the market that would be ideal for this application? If so, would it best be applied with a small roller, spray, or other?

Thanks for all the help!

 

[CN Spots]

Re: question re: decal adhesive/application

You're better off buying new decals as any new adhesive applied to the old adhesive is only as strong as the old adhesive.

BUT, I'm cheap, so I'd try this stuff before I threw them away just to get some use out of them:

http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=6414

It's used to glue laminate countertops down but we've used it for all kinds of stuff here at work including mounting posters to foamboard, glass & metal. Not sure how it would react in a marine environment though.

 

[5150abf]

Re: question re: decal adhesive/application

If it isn't some crazy font a local sign shop may be able to cut you new ones.

See how sticky the old ones are, you may be fine, I wonder though how brittle they are, older plastic doesn't age well.

I have had good luck with 3M Super 77 spray on various things.

 

[jpmurphy]

Re: question re: decal adhesive/application

I have had several decals made and have a Johnson decal being done right now. All you have to do is send this guy a high resolution pic of your decal and he can duplicate for you. The cost is pretty reasonable in my opinion.
I think he is a lot cheaper than sites you see all over the place for custom made boat names, etc.

DoItYourselfLettering.com

He's located in Lake City, Fla and he is fast.

Just send him a copy and ask for a quote. During the week he'll probably get back to you in an hour or so.

 

[Rocky_Road]

Re: question re: decal adhesive/application

Misting the adhesive side of the decal with original formula Windex (blue), just might rejuvinate the dried glue. Windex will also allow you to 'slide' the decal into position...old trick for applying graphics easily on larger areas.

 

[CWKboat]

Re: question re: decal adhesive/application

Thanks to all of you for the replies! I will probably try the windex method first and then move onto maybe getting new decals made it that doesn't work or other adhesive methods don't pan out. Thanks again..

 

[Edko]

Re: question re: decal adhesive/application

Windex, what a cool trick.

Here's a question if yall don't mind. What is a good cost effective measure to get lettering, striping etc OFF the boat? I am looking to totally repaint mine and it is going to involve removing alot of this stuff, as the manufacturer went kinda hog wild plastering the hull and I prefer a more clean look.

 

[sschefer]

Re: question re: decal adhesive/application

Windex, what a cool trick.

Here's a question if yall don't mind. What is a good cost effective measure to get lettering, striping etc OFF the boat? I am looking to totally repaint mine and it is going to involve removing alot of this stuff, as the manufacturer went kinda hog wild plastering the hull and I prefer a more clean look.

The easiest, fastest and cleanist method is the rubber pin stripe removal wheel. If can be fitted to a electric drill and takes decals, graphics and the glue that comes with them off in a single pass. You do not, repeat, do not need to scrape the decal off first.

If you want you can follow up with 3M Decal glue remover but if you're painting, the wax remover that you're going to use before you sand will do the job just fine.

I got mine at a local Automotive paint store.

Trust me on this, I spent a week trying all sorts of chemicals and nothing beat the rubber wheel.

 

[erikgreen]

Re: question re: decal adhesive/application

Worth repeating. I made scratches and a few gouges in my hull before I got the wheel. It takes off everything down to the glue in my case, and I wiped with acetone to prep for glassing or painting.

Go with the wheel.

Erik

 

[Edko]

Re: question re: decal adhesive/application

Awesome advice, very much appreciated.

 

[204 Escape]

Re: question re: decal adhesive/application

+1 on the 77 spray. Use it all the ti It can be found at Home Depot, for under $10/can.

 

[northendbob]

Re: question re: decal adhesive/application

Use the rubber wheel. Nothing comes close. Period

 

[CWKboat]

Re: question re: decal adhesive/application

Rocky Road,

The windex did seem to rejuvenate the old decals, I was quite surprised! Also they slide into position much easier than trying to do it when dry. Thanks for the tip and to everyone for all the helpful suggestions! With those new decals, I'm not sure I've ever seen a better looking outboard than the 1977 Mercury 1500 with the hockey stick decals. Let's just hope I can make the clear coat a success, thanks!

 

[Edko]

Re: question re: decal adhesive/application

Your post remind me, I picked up the rubber wheel and went to work. Thing is awesome. Much appreciated for the advice.

 

[Utahboatnut]

Re: question re: decal adhesive/application

I think if you clear coat it will help those decals stay on about as good as anything you could apply to the back of the decal. Side note 3M also makes a stronger version of the spray 77 which is their spray 90 wicked stuff for a spray contact adhesive, but can't always be found at HD or the like. Cabinet shops use it alot because it has so much more holding strength than the 77...

 

[Rocky_Road]

Re: question re: decal adhesive/application

Rocky Road,

The windex did seem to rejuvenate the old decals, I was quite surprised! Also they slide into position much easier than trying to do it when dry. Thanks for the tip and to everyone for all the helpful suggestions! With those new decals, I'm not sure I've ever seen a better looking outboard than the 1977 Mercury 1500 with the hockey stick decals. Let's just hope I can make the clear coat a success, thanks!

That's great! I've used Windex to apply graphics for more years than I want to own up to....

Be sure to let the decals sit, undisturbed, for a couple of days...if you can. The Windex (and the glue) will dry completely, and you will have no issues.

Take a minute, and give us a couple of pictures!