Tailgate Emblem Transfer Decal application method
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Cross-Country
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 98
Likes: 1
From: Southeastern Virginia
Tailgate Emblem Transfer Decal application method
I purchased from NPD a set of decals for the FORD on my tailgate. They appear to be adhesive-backed. Is there a way to install these so they can be moved around a bit before they set? I don't want to touch them to the tailgate and have them stick fast immediately, since the chances of getting them lined up perfectly would be about zero.
I was thinking maybe some soapy water and a hair dryer (heat gun)?
I was thinking maybe some soapy water and a hair dryer (heat gun)?
Cargo Master
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 2,674
Likes: 16
From: Ideeho
If you use lots of soapy water in a spray bottle and spray it to the area where the decal is to be applied, you can move the decal around where you want it. Once you have it where you want it, use one of the plastic squeegies (like used for appling bondo) to squeeze the water out from under the decal. Start at the center and work your way out also work from top to bottom. You can work the soapy water and air bubbles out quite easily this way. Take your time and they will come out just the way you want them. I've been going to order a set of them for my '78 so when you get done, post up some pics so we can see how they turn out. Good luck!!
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 13,145
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From: THIS IS SPARTA!, ...Mo.
I used to be a commercial artist in a sign shop years ago. One thing I know about is laying vinyl. I used to use soapy water. If you use this, fill a Windex bottle full of water, then just add a few DROPS of soap. It's easy to put WAY too much soap in the water. An easier way is to just use straight Windex. The alcohol base will evaporate completely and not interfere with the bond of the vinyl. Float the letters into place and then use the squeegee like stated above to get all the Windex out. It's easy.
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Cross-Country
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 98
Likes: 1
From: Southeastern Virginia
Results - Success for tailgate lettering decals
Whoever formulated the adhesive for the decals did a really good job. I tried using the soapy water, but couldn't get the decals to adhere to the paint well enough, so I put them on dry. The adhesive is sticky enough so if you put them on and press hard, they stick, but if you put them on and want to restart your initial position, they can be removed and you can start over.
The hardest part of the job was separating the decals from the wax paper they were shipped on. The decals are really thin, so it took a lot of care to get them off of the shipping paper.
They look good. You have to get right up on them, like a foot away, to tell they're not painted on. We'll see how long they last.
I'd post pics if I could figure out how to do so. It prompts me for a URL when I click to insert pics.
The hardest part of the job was separating the decals from the wax paper they were shipped on. The decals are really thin, so it took a lot of care to get them off of the shipping paper.
They look good. You have to get right up on them, like a foot away, to tell they're not painted on. We'll see how long they last.
I'd post pics if I could figure out how to do so. It prompts me for a URL when I click to insert pics.
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