applying decals with windex?

[Stampedeguy]

I know using windex will make ity easier to position decals but does if affect how well they adhere?

[nitroboy2001]

I dont think windex is really good on lexan, i think it takes away the shine...but i may be wrong!

[nitroboy2001]

oh the best thing to do, is use soap and water, people who make and apply vinyl signs professionally use that method!

[bluesy]

I tried windex to get automotive window mask in place............I used Parma FasKolor as my paint and it started to come off ..... so I quickly blotted it off and saved the paint job..........Moral of the story.....DON'T use Windex anywhere near acrylic paints.

DUH....I just realized while I was posting this how ridiculous it was to use a detergent(windex) anywhere near "water based paints"..........what a dodo I am.....:o :o :o :cool:

[Cosmo]

Well, in our sign shop we use a product called EZ-On. It works very well. Soapy water works too. Take an old spray bottle and fill it with water. Add about 1 tablespoon of dish soap. Windex does work, but it evaporates too fast for my liking.

[sixandeightstringer]

Yeah - I wouldn't use them for the masks on the inside of the body. But for putting decals on the outside it works well.

When I worked for Blockbuster Video, that's exactly how we put the big humoungous window decals on the front windows - we'd liberally SOAK the window with windex, then lay a part of the decal down. While it would still slide around, we'd reposition it so that it was laid out correctly, then peel the rest of the backing and lay it down flat. Finally, while it was still wet, I'd use a squeegee to get out the air bubbles; since the decal wasn't fully adhering yet, you could just smooth them out to the edges.

I just apply the same technique on a much smaller scale on the cars. It works for me, and I don't see any dulling of the lexan as someone further up reported. And the stickers stick as well as they would have without the windex.

BTW - it's pretty pointless to do the windex with the little tiny stickers - I'd save the trouble and just use it on the ones that are bigger or that require very specific placement (like window trim and such.) :cool:

[DaLoSiGuYWiTdAxXxNt]

Windex works well for positioning decals on da body http://www.plauder-smilies.de/happy/xyxthumbs.gif

[sixandeightstringer]

Hmmm... we should all type our messages in blue to save time.

BLUE = FAST

:D

[cranky]

Cosmo nailed it on the head, diluted windex will work well. Full strength windex will cause decals to lose their stick. And too much soap will leave a slippery residue.

[sixandeightstringer]

Originally posted by cranky
Full strength windex will cause decals to lose their stick.

Never had a problem before. I can tell you that trying to get those BBV decals off the windows was a pain in the rear. THEY sure as heck didn't "lose their stick." And the "windexed" stickers on my bodies are all still on it.

I'm pretty sure that the directions that come with the HPI bodies actually recommend the use of window cleaner. But in the long run, I guess YMMV - take the opinions of several and form one of your own. :)

[aa240sx]

I just read the recent R/C Action mag and they suggest:

water
little bit of rubbing alcohol
little bit of dishwashing detergent

put in spray bottle and apply away!

[mab_man20]

I have always use windex and have never had a decal come off on me before after it was dry.

Also windex acts as a great buffer for when you need to get the perfect picture of your new perfect body.