How do you apply vinyl graphics?

[storklappe]

Can you apply them like decals? For decals, I typically use soap and water so I can position the decal and then squeegee out the water.

Also, the vinyl graphics have clear vinyl around the colored parts -- do you guys trim the clear down close to the colored parts of the graphics?

[Fudman]

Im no pro, but the soap and water trick works. i think i remember someone saying dont use widow cleaner as the detergents might brake the glue down a bit. i dont know about the clear part.
good luck and let us see it when its done

[SleepyC]

You have clear vinyl around the colored parts?

Is the sticker flat? Meaning ar the colors stacked with multiple layers of vinyl? Or are the colors printed on the clear sicker?

either way , a tiny bit of soap and water will allow you to position the sticker.

But personally i never use it, I have found that a steady hand and making marking tabs with masking tape, and just putting the sticker on works the best for me.

before you peel the back, position the sticker and get it right, put little masking tape marks aroud the actual size of the graphic peel the backing, and start from one side and kind of roll the sticker on. This works great for graphics 12-14" and under. Over 14" I then go to the soap method.

[Badge]

The best method is easy, its called the Hinge Method. All you do is measure out the best you can the location that your graphic is going to go then you simply put a piece of masking tape along the top of the graphic and adhere it to the location that you want the graphic.

Now the graphic is stuck to the plane by a piece of tape, swing the graphic up using the tape as a hinge and peel off the backing, leaving the transfertape and graphics still attached to the plane by a piece of masking tape.

Now simpy swing the graphic back own into locatio and press firmly all over the logo.

Once that is done peel off the transfer tape slowly reapplying if the logo starts to come off put it back down and press firmly some more. If you keep the transfer tape at a very low angle and pull slowly it is less lickly to come off.

Wet applications have no use in what we do on our planes when it comes to actual vinyl graphics..

[wizard]

Having applied many graphics and doing some work for a sign company, I have found that the hinge method works well. What I do is, position the graphic and use a piece of masking tape across the graphic about 1/3 the way from the end. Then remove the backing paper from the long end cutting the backing paper away. Then roll the graphic into place working out the air bubles as you go. Then remove the masking tape, remove the remaining backing paper and roll the rest of the graphic into place again working out the air as you go. Then before removing the transfer tape, go around all edges again making sure that they are sealed well. Like Badge said keep the angle of the transfer tape low as you remove it. The only time I have ever used the "wet Method" of applying graphics is on very large areas.

[SleepyC]

I agree with Both... They explained it much better!
Thanks guys... it was early this am....

[DA2000]

I agree with what Badge and Wizard say, with one addition.

I've used some of the specialty application fluid like RapidTac, and they do have their place. Even if you apply the vinyl dry, sometimes the application tape will lift the monokote around the graphic. Soak down the outside of the application tape and it will "release" it and allow it to come off without lifting the covering below.

I use the RapidTac on anything over 15 inches or so. On small graphics less than 8 inches or so, I just place them by hand.