How To Apply Decals

Decal Install Instructions

Before you begin:

  1. Relative humidity between 40 % and 50 % and temperatures in the range of +18° C to + 22° C are considered ideal. Avoid extreme variations of those conditions, as this can lead to failures. 

  2. Avoid installing in direct sunlight which can cause extreme surface temperatures.  

  3. When applying decals over air-curing paints like enamels.  Allow at least 24 hours for paint to harden. Test the surface with masking tape to see if removal leaves marks in the paint surface.

  4. When applying decals over chemically curing paints like two pack or urethanes. You must allow sufficient time for all out-gasing of solvents.  Check with your paint manufacturer first. Ass this can be up to 30 days.  Applying decals over freshly painted urethanes can trap gases beneath the decal film and lead to failure of the decal adhesive as the gases heat & expand.

  5. Always apply decals to clean surface.  When applying over surfaces which have not been painted for some time, thoroughly clean to remove oil, dirt, oxidation and other contaminants.

  6. We do not recommend you use any form of application fluid.  No soapy water, windex, or other liquids.  Dry apply is always best.  NEVER use application fluid when the machine will be moved - within 24 hours - to an environment where the temperature may drop excessively.  Trapped fluids may freeze and delaminate the decal when there has not been sufficient time for the fluid to evaporate completely.

  7. Don't apply decals using the "peel & stick" method. Peeling off all the backing paper can work for small decals, like safety decals.  Its never an effective way of properly aligning stripes or large decals which sit on stripes or which will be installed on panels with straight body lines. We recommend the hinge method described in the article below.

  8. Check for dew or condensation on the surface of your machine when installing outside.  Tanks containing liquids and heavy cast parts such as counterweights.  High humidity and rising temperatures can create condensation very quickly.

We recommend these tools:

Squeege 
Scissors 
Tape Measure
Masking tape
Pin or an exacto knife 
Heat gun or Hair Dryer


Getting Started:

Unpack & unroll all decals and allow them to flatten. It is sometimes necessary to place a flat, heavy object over the decals to help with the flattening.

  1. Determine the proper location of each decal.  Some decals will sit on top of stripes which must be installed first.  Sometimes multiple colors of stripe must be applied in individual layers.  Make certain that you have determined LEFT and RIGHT side decals where applicable.
  2. Stripes are generally produced either in long lengths which must be installed over multiple panels and cut at body breaks or stripes are cut to fit individual panels but with some excess which should be trimmed after folding stripes around door edges, etc. Check ALL stripe locations and determine where you will install each stripe. Don't misuse and run short.
  3. If you are uncertain about decal positions or layouts, we suggest that you refer to photos or a website such as machinery trader which has numerous photos.  Sometimes the service manuals of the equipment will show locations as well.