Applying New Decals

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   I would skip the 1500 and use both an abrasive rubbing compound (3M Super Duty) on a heavy wool pad on a high speed buffer followed with a heat activated compound on a yellow foam pad and then a finishing material like 3m Finesse II. finish up with a good wax w/UV protection (Meguires Flagship Marine wax) and it should look real nice.

From the looks of the pics, I bet you could get it looking really good with just the 3M Super Duty on the heavy wool pad on a high speed buffer followed by the above. That Super Duty is pretty aggressive yet it breaks down and brings out the shine as you work with it.

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Randy_in_Ohio Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Platinum Member Joined: September-13-2006 Location: N. Canton, OH. Status: Offline Points: 1891	Post Options Post Reply Quote Randy_in_Ohio Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Topic: Applying New Decals Posted: December-18-2008 at 3:22am
	I would skip the 1500 and use both an abrasive rubbing compound (3M Super Duty) on a heavy wool pad on a high speed buffer followed with a heat activated compound on a yellow foam pad and then a finishing material like 3m Finesse II. finish up with a good wax w/UV protection (Meguires Flagship Marine wax) and it should look real nice. From the looks of the pics, I bet you could get it looking really good with just the 3M Super Duty on the heavy wool pad on a high speed buffer followed by the above. That Super Duty is pretty aggressive yet it breaks down and brings out the shine as you work with it.
	1993 Sport Nautique

edb82 Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Newbie Joined: June-07-2007 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 9	Post Options Post Reply Quote edb82 Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: December-18-2008 at 2:02am
	Another old sticker

edb82 Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Newbie Joined: June-07-2007 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 9	Post Options Post Reply Quote edb82 Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: December-18-2008 at 2:00am
	Before removal

edb82 Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Newbie Joined: June-07-2007 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 9	Post Options Post Reply Quote edb82 Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: December-13-2008 at 2:58am
	Thanks for the knowledge and experience Pete, Tim, Randy and Brad. I will begin this weekend by removing the old with a heat gun, careful not to get the gel to hot. Afterwards I plan on a bit of wetsanding. The plan of progression is 800 grit, 1000, 1500, compund, polish, acetone, decals, wax. Thanks Eric

Randy_in_Ohio Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Platinum Member Joined: September-13-2006 Location: N. Canton, OH. Status: Offline Points: 1891	Post Options Post Reply Quote Randy_in_Ohio Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: December-11-2008 at 6:09pm
	When I replaced my decals I cleaned the surface real good with prep solvent, Then I taped the top part of the decal to the boat with masking tape to make a sort of hinge. I sprayed the surface with water first then applied the decal and used a squeegee to get out all the air bubbles, which come out pretty easy when it is wet. I let the whole thing dry before removing the backing. I also found that applying big decals is a lot harder than applying small ones. the first "Sport Nautique" decal I did I left in one piece, and I kinda of screwed up a little bit by getting the paper on the decal wet, this caused some of the paper to get caught between the decal and the gel coat. No one else seems to notice it but me, but I plan on re-doing it this winter just because it bothers me. On the second side I decided to cut the decal in half between the "Sport" and "Nautique" this made it a lot easier to work with and it came out perfect.
	1993 Sport Nautique

bradtm16 Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Groupie Joined: March-11-2007 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 62	Post Options Post Reply Quote bradtm16 Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: December-11-2008 at 12:51pm
	It is pretty tricky applying a large decal. After repainting my boat I helped put on the 06 tribal Air Nautique sticker. The only thing I wish I would have done different is put it higher than what I did. I pretty much centered it. It looks fine on the trailer but when in the water it is a little low. Anyways, to install it, like they said wash good to remove wax. Then we started on one end a slowly applied and used plastic spreaders like ones used for spreading bondo to work all air bubbles out. In some places we had to use a heat gun to stretch it a little. Just take your time, I know how expensive those decals are.
	83' SN 2001

Tim D Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Grand Poobah Joined: August-23-2004 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 2641	Post Options Post Reply Quote Tim D Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: December-10-2008 at 7:07pm
	Use a prep wash to remove any wax. The taping and center peel method is the best for large decals and make sure your squeegee is as wide or wider than the decal. And don't apply to a hot surface.
	Tim D

8122pbrainard Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Grand Poobah Joined: September-14-2006 Location: Three Lakes Wi. Status: Offline Points: 41045	Post Options Post Reply Quote 8122pbrainard Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: December-10-2008 at 7:54am
	Eric, Is it a Scotchcal or equal decal? IE, does it have a translucent locating film on the face? If so, you locate where you want it by holding it in place with masking tape. Then peel the back film off exposing the adhesive backing in sections. Squeege and then remove the top locating film. Here's a good pictorial on the process: decal instructions
	54 Atom 77 Tique 64 X55 Dunphy Keep it original, Pete <

edb82 Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Newbie Joined: June-07-2007 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 9	Post Options Post Reply Quote edb82 Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: December-10-2008 at 2:27am
	Just bought new 06-07 decals for my 90 SN, I think the colors are going to look better than the originals. Who has the best technique for applying an eight foot + decal without messing it up and will actually stay on for years to come. I will use the techniques and fully document with pictures in this thread Thanks CCF Eric

Applying New Decals

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