got bubbles?

[Kevin_B]

Ordered some new decals for my 1990 Sport Nautique and went ahead and started putting them on. I have a few small bubbles that I am having trouble getting out, i spoke with a decal guru and he said that I could use a small needle and pop wholes in the bubble's and press them flat. I was wondering if anyone has had an experience with this and found and great tricks.

[SquamInboards]

RE: got bubbles?

A needle will work. I think the pros use soapy water and lay the decal on top and the squeegie the water out along with any air. This lets you get the exact placement and move the decal around until it's where you want.

[OHLNautique]

RE: got bubbles?

A small razor blade slit in the bubble will work too. Just be very careful not to cut the gelcoat. I sent you a PM.

[jward]

RE: got bubbles?

Leave it out in the sun. I know a guy that does wrap jobs for a living and he has done several decals for me as well. If you just be patient the sun will do all the work for you and you won't risk damaging the decal. I didn't believe him at first but it does work, the bubbles will come out on their own.

[Chris4x4Gill2]

RE: got bubbles?

Yes some will come out if you let it get hot but that works best when you used a fluid to help position the decal. Usually the fluid (soapy water basically) will collect in the bubles and the sun or a heat gun will dry it out and get rid of them. Still might have to use the needle though

I worked at a sign/decal shop for a few years so Here is what I do. It might not be perfect, but it works for me.
First position the decal, still with the backing on. You might need to use tape to hold a larger decal in palce. I like to use a grease pencil or something to make marks to help with alignment. Once you have it positioned, peel it off and spray the surface and the sticky part of the decal with a solution. I cant remember the name brand we used, but dont use water and dish detergent it will remove the adhesive some. Use a tint application fluid. You can generally get a small bottle at Walmart in the auto section. If you spay to much on and it wont stay still, just let it dry some and try again. Take a squeege and wrap it in a clean shop rag, this helps prevent accidentaly tearing the sticker. Start in the very center of the decal and work up, down and out from there. If you have any bubles after it dries, wait abotu 3 days and msot will go away. after that use the needle or a razerblade to poke a small hole i nthe buble and then go back over it with the sqeege.

Hope that hleps someone.

[Kevin_B]

RE: got bubbles?

thanks guys that definitely seemed to help. I'll post some pics when I get it done.