Need decal installation help!

[old phart]

Hi all, I am now ready to install the decals on my Nitro Demon body. But they are self adhesive. I am used to water transfer decals (yeah, I'm old http://www.rccaraction.com/ubb/wink.gif)

So, what is the hot tip for installing the self adhesive type and not getting them stuck in the wrong place? What do you use as a medium to keep them slick until they are in the correct position?

Thanks http://www.rccaraction.com/ubb/biggrin.gif

[DJ BlendeR]

"If I am thinking right, RCCA has exactly what your looking for under their painting tips thing. It talks about like window cleaner I think. But dont hold me to the window cleaner. I'd check that area of the site, unless someone else tells you the answer first."

Thats what I said just a minute ago, so... Now after I check the site, I didnt see the window cleaner thing, I thought I had seen it somewhere.... So disregard what I said.



[This message has been edited by DJ BlendeR (edited 02-19-2001).]

[old phart]

Hey DJ, I thought I had read the same thing in the last week or so. But I can't find where it was, and also not sure if window cleaner was the medium or not. Doesn't that usually have ammonia in it?

RCCA has a deal about just peeling a corner of the backing off, and then applying the decal into position and removing the rest of the backing. Sounds OK, but I like the slip-n-slide action myself. There used to be a formula for mixing dish soap and water, but I forget the ratio.

Considering the prices of bodies and decal sets today, I think I should just be patient until I get some more ideas. Thanks! http://www.rccaraction.com/ubb/smile.gif

[hpiguy]

Use a solution of one part window cleaner to ten parts water.

Spray the surface and then apply the decal. The solution will allow you to adjust the decal before you press down and remove the liquid to make the decal permanent. Just like the good old water transfer method of squeeging out the liquid to make the decal stick.

If it is on a really curvy surface heat the decal with a hair dryer or heat gun while it is on the surface and it will conform much better.

[old phart]

hpiguy: sounds good! Thanks for the tips! http://www.rccaraction.com/ubb/smile.gif

[Motorhead]

I've been know to apply a few decals (I do it for a living). By all means DON'T USE ANYTHING WITH AMMONIA!!!!! Ammonia kills adhesive. Here is my ancient secret recipe for super squishy application fluid.

To mix one quart:
30 oz. water
2 oz. denatured alky.
2 drops glycerin or dish soap

If it is cold or humid double up on the alky.

Happy Applications!

[old phart]

Motorhead: Thank you sir! I just made up a batch of your secret brew. http://www.rccaraction.com/ubb/smile.gif

[hpiguy]

If Motorhead says he installs decals for a living then listen to him.

I use Windex, which says it has no ammonia (there is a version that says "With Ammonia").

I got my soluiton recipe from Autographics decal company. Before they made their own solution and sold it for 5 bucks a bottle.

I'll try Motorheads solution out.

[old phart]

hpiguy: no offense! I was gonna try your solution out too. But all we have in the house is some cheap Von's brand window cleaner, and sure enough it says it has ammonia in it.

But I had water, alky, and dish soap, so there ya go http://www.rccaraction.com/ubb/wink.gif

[pp13b]

by the way whats alky..?????

[hpiguy]

I wasn't offended. Not by any means.

I meant the Motorhead sounded more informed on the subject and that his formula probably works better then my quick solution.

When I get some alcohol (alky) I'll try his recipe out.

[DJ BlendeR]

Alky- denatured alcohal, If I'm not mistaken its common rubbing alcohal.

Just dont drink it.

[Motorhead]

Denatured Alcohol is a mixture of ethanol and methanol. Rubbing alcohol is isopropyl alcohol. I've never tried isopropyl in my fluid, couldn't say if it would work or not.